County will advance money for temporary Keeler Creek Bridge, expects state reimbursement

Lincoln County commissioners voted March 25 to authorize advancing county funds for a temporary Keeler Creek Bridge project after Commissioner Jim reported the state had agreed to fund the work.

"We have to pay for it upfront," Jim said, describing conversations with county staff and the contractor. He told commissioners the county could advance the cost from PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) and that the state indicated reimbursements would arrive within a few weeks after work begins. The board approved using PILT proceeds and placing receipts into the emergency fund when reimbursements are received.

Commissioners discussed emergency‑fund balances and noted substantial earlier expenditures related to the county's initial disaster response; Jim and staff said they would work with the contractor and the County Treasurer to ensure cash flow until the state reimbursement arrives.

The board moved and carried a motion to start the project and to have the Road Department and County Treasurer coordinate payment and tracking. No public testimony opposed the funding authorization.

Next steps: staff to notify the contractor to start work, track invoices for reimbursement, and report back when state funds are received.