Cheyenne County commissioners approve bridge contract, equipment purchases and accept dispatcher’s retirement

Cheyenne County commissioners met June 30 and approved multiple routine county actions including a bridge construction contract, several equipment and repair payments for county facilities, and the acceptance of a long‑time dispatcher’s retirement.

The board voted to award the construction contract for Bridge Project 012‑5347‑01 (north of Bird City) to Wildcat Construction (Wichita) under a county authorization form for $315,723. County staff said the county will perform some dirt work while construction costs are covered by the project funding; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Commissioners also approved several county purchases and payments: two portable full‑body man lifts for Shine County Village for $8,273.82; payment to Cummins for service and repair of the assisted living generator ($7,561.28); and a remaining balance to Comfort Source for a large water‑heater installation in long‑term care (amount recorded in the minutes; see clarifying details). The board approved a bid from American Boiler & Mechanical (Salina) to address deficiencies flagged by Hartford Steam Boiler inspection at the county’s large boiler for $23,995 plus additional discovery work; commissioners noted additional discovery could change the final cost.

The board authorized sealed bids for removal of the old beacon tower at the county airport, directing staff to prepare specifications requiring buyer removal and appropriate insurance; staff will coordinate a utility disconnect and FAA lighting checks for the new beacon before the old tower is removed. Commissioners discussed whether the tower has historic value and whether to sell or scrap the structure; staff recommended sealed bids with a spec sheet to spell out removal and insurance expectations.

The meeting also included personnel actions. Commissioners accepted the resignation and upcoming retirement of dispatcher Janelle Bowers, effective June 30, 2026. In her written notice, Bowers summarized more than three decades of service to the county (beginning as a volunteer EMT in 1994 and serving 12 years in 911 dispatch) and wrote that retirement will allow her to spend more time with family. The board also approved a 50‑cent pay increase for dispatcher Jesse Morland after his six‑month probationary period.

Other actions approved by the board included preparing an older rural fire unit ("Rural 2") for public auction after salvaging usable parts, reimbursement to Eddie Schultz for an Arctic Cat four‑wheeler ($2,600), and approval of an $8,161.99 estimate to redo apartment 13 in the independent living unit (flooring and appliances). Commissioners briefly reviewed storm damage at the fairgrounds and discussed a historical society request to allow temporary use of the old Salem Lutheran church building pending insurer approval.

The meeting concluded after a short executive session for non‑elected personnel (no decisions announced on return) and an adjournment vote.

Votes at a glance
- Approve minutes and warrants: approved by voice vote.
- Bridge contract (Project 012‑5347‑01) to Wildcat Construction, $315,723: approved (voice vote).
- Sealed bids authorized for removal of old airport beacon tower: approved (voice vote).
- Purchase two full‑body man lifts for Shine County Village, $8,273.82: approved (voice vote).
- Pay Cummins (generator repair), $7,561.28: approved (voice vote).
- Pay Comfort Source (water heater balance): approved (amount as recorded in minutes; see clarifying_details).
- Reimburse Eddie Schultz (Arctic Cat), $2,600: approved (voice vote).
- Accept American Boiler & Mechanical bid, $23,995 + discovery: approved (voice vote).
- Redo apartment 13 (independent living), $8,161.99: approved (voice vote).
- Accept Janelle Bowers’ resignation (effective June 30, 2026): approved (voice vote).

Why it matters
These votes move forward several facility maintenance and capital projects—bridge work, boiler repairs, long‑term care equipment and village equipment—that affect county infrastructure and services. The acceptance of a long‑time dispatcher’s resignation signals an upcoming personnel transition in the 911 center.

What’s next
Staff will finalize contracts and vendor arrangements, prepare sealed‑bid specifications for tower removal, coordinate FAA light checks for the new beacon, and bring any follow‑up budget adjustments to the board at future meetings.