County road staff authorized to solicit bids for contract gravel covering about 34 miles; summer hires discussed

Steele County’s road staff presented a plan on April 7 to place contract gravel on approximately 34 miles of county roads and won board authorization to solicit bids for the work.

Staff member Matt reviewed historical graveling records, highlighted sections he proposed for contract graveling, and asked the board to approve advertising and solicitation under the county’s rotation. Commissioners moved to allow staff to proceed with bid solicitation and then return the results at the next meeting; the motion carried with one recorded opposition.

Commissioners also discussed summer staffing needs: the county lost one employee shortly after that person obtained a commercial driver’s license, and staff said the department has budgeted funds and will advertise (first through Facebook) for summer help. Supervisors said they would seek applicants and consider hiring options to avoid continual turnover if employees use the county as a CDL stepping stone.

What happens next: staff will solicit bids for the specified gravel sections, return bid results to the board, and advertise the summer help opening.