Commissioners discuss 30-mill road levy and options to source gravel locally

Prairie County road officials and commissioners discussed a proposed road levy at roughly 30 mills to fund staffing and equipment replacement.

Road staff said the levy would support one additional employee and equipment replacement funds (staff estimated about $40,000/year for equipment replacement). Commissioners asked for a one-page public outreach document that explains the levy27s purpose so canvassers can describe the choices to voters in plain language.

The board also examined options for local crushing and reuse of pit material. Commissioners and staff cited earlier experience where DOT millings were reused within projects. Participants estimated crushing and mobilization costs widely depending on contractor distance and scale; figures discussed included contractor quotes of roughly $7/yard for crushing and a mobilization expectation that could push costs into the low six figures for remote sites. Commissioners noted trucking distance is a key driver and said staff would follow up on feasibility and budgeting before finalizing levy language.