Board approves $200,738 in Pinecrest repairs and a $71,300 mini excavator purchase

The Black Hawk County Board on July 7 approved additional exterior renovation work at the Pinecrest renovation project totaling $200,738 after Facilities Director Rory Geving reported frost-footing damage discovered when flooring was removed and said severe safety issues could result if repairs are not made.

The board moved and adopted the authorization to proceed with Peters Construction's change order for the exterior work, with Chair and supervisors voting in favor where roll call was recorded. The board also approved the purchase of a 2024 John Deere 50P mini excavator with attachments and a 2,000-hour/60-month warranty from Murphy Tractor for $71,300, a request submitted by County Engineer Catherine Nicholas.

In routine fiscal matters, the board approved payment of the county’s Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee — IRS Form 720 — in the amount of $2,328.11 for the 2024–2025 plan year, as recommended by Tim Jamison, and approved other consent agenda items placed on file by the County Auditor.

Facilities Director Rory Geving told the board the additional Pinecrest work is necessary because of frost-footing damage found during flooring removal and stressed the safety implications if repairs were delayed. The board approved the work to avoid potential safety issues and to keep the project moving forward.