Ramsey County approves culvert installation, emergency repair payment and equipment purchases amid expanded road work

Highway staff reported multiple operational and procurement decisions for Ramsey County roads: commissioners approved a $5,000 local quote to install two culverts delivered this spring, authorized payment of $5,539.84 from emergency funds for a Fox Lake crossing repair, and approved a contingent bid for a used shoulder-grinder that staff had pursued to get a one-third-price option versus new equipment.

Commissioners also agreed to add about three miles back into the county's chip-sealing program to protect sections showing breakups (staff estimated the additional work would cost roughly $60,000) and voted to keep temporary load limits in place for at least another week because of soft roads. Highway staff previewed capital needs (replacement graders in 2027 and potential new shop locations) and said they would manage rising fuel costs through mileage controls and monthly fuel bidding.