County highway report: paving, chip-seal miles and approval to buy a new pickup

County highway staff told commissioners on March 17 that the department paved 11 miles and completed about 40 miles of chip seal work last year, including eight miles of triple chip seal, and recommended several contract and procurement decisions.

Rick said the county ran multiple preservation programs and quoted local chip-seal costs of about $15,000 per mile. He described right-of-way services for Bridge 115, noting approximately seven parcels will require appraisal and review work, and asked the board to approve consultant and contract steps to acquire right-of-way property.

The board approved a motion to purchase a replacement pickup for a shop foreman after reviewing paperwork and trading a 2000-model vehicle; the vote carried 3-0. Commissioners also approved a CDL training agreement for a new hire, and approved the LPA consulting contract with Butler, Fairman & Sakett 3-0.

Rick also said the county expects roughly $888,000 from state community-crossings funding set aside for counties that did not receive earlier awards; he said the county plans to use the money for streets in Circleville, Hillsburg and Krug Road and to do work on 600 West between State Road 38 and 700 North.