Woodbury County approves conservation repair and emergency‑services equipment, reassigns CIP work

The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to fund several capital and equipment items at the meeting.

Conservation Director Dan Heisel described a priority Capital Improvement Project to repair a deteriorated waterfall/sidewalk/retaining‑wall area at a county nature center, citing safety hazards and the need to complete work this summer. The board approved the Conservation request (estimated cost $101,475) so contractors can schedule earthwork and concrete pours this construction season.

Emergency Services Director Drew Byer asked the board to replace the county’s aging mobile air compressor — equipment used to supply purified compressed air to firefighters on scene — noting the current unit is a 2005 model and parts are becoming scarce. The board approved purchasing a modern replacement (requested $135,000 from general supplemental/reserves) that includes a vendor‑provided warranty option and an estimated 12‑ to 15‑week delivery timeline.

Byer also requested replacement of an antiquated 1995 Suburban and an older pickup/plow with a single used 2017 flatbed/plow vehicle better suited for snow removal and equipment hauling. After accounting for expected revenue from selling surplus vehicles, the net replacement cost was estimated at roughly $25,000 to $30,000; the board authorized the purchase from reserves.

Supervisors also reviewed the county’s FY27 CIP balance (about $1,120,000 approved to date and roughly $80,000 remaining) and noted there are approximately $400,000 in leftover CIP funds from prior years that could be reallocated after a hearing.

All purchase approvals were made by unanimous voice votes. Directors said timely approval was important because contractors and vendors had limited summer/fall windows for construction and equipment delivery.