CUSTER COUNTY—After much discussion, the County Board of Supervisors voted four to three to award Western Engineering the bid for the asphalt project stretching from Gates to Sargent. The North Platte company’s original bid came to $1,541,521.50.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Highway Superintendent Chris Jacobsen said the highway budget will use its asphalt and capital improvements fund but is short $181,000 for the project. The supervisors may decide to use funds from a capital expenditures account or inheritance tax. Jacobsen said the project will start in early spring with the billing to be taken care of during this fiscal year.
The board voted to offer Road #447 and Road #1092 back to the Elk Creek Township. Two Mason City gentlemen spoke in favor of closing the roads and the township has up to four months to decide if it wants to take on the maintenance or to close the roads.
Jim Jones spoke to the board regarding a bridge near the South Loup River in the Wood River Township. Jones said the bridge has been closed since 2008 and causes travelers to drive an extra 11 miles to get to where they need to go. Jones requested the board repair the bridge. Jacobsen said 42 bridges are categorized as “structurally deficient” in Custer County and therefore the board and the highway department need to follow a priority list when it comes to choosing which bridges to repair.
At the September 12 meeting, the board awarded Ed Hoevet Excavating the bid to remove the old Bud’s Bar and Steakhouse–attached to the community building—in Comstock. According to the board, the building is in rough shape and is considered a safety hazard. The demolition bid was approximately $30,000. At Tuesday’s meeting, Henry Nuxoll asked the board to consider saving the façade of the old structure because it is about 90 years old and is significant to the community. The board explained that a bid had already been awarded to tear down the building and due to timing and liability reasons, did not make a motion to keep the front wall. The Comstock community building will remain intact.
The Board of Supervisors meeting ended with a discussion on the courthouse third floor renovation project. Also at the September 12 meeting, the estimated cost of the project came to about $250,000 according to Chairman Barry Fox. As of that meeting, $1.586 million was in the sinking fund, to be used for renovations. The renovation plan includes handicap accessibility for the downstairs restrooms and also an elevator.
Fox said on Tuesday morning that funds were levied five years ago for accessibility improvements. The project involves relocating the supervisors’ room as well as the potential to move other offices. The board discussed the former district court room, electric, HVAC, windows, and office equipment, and the possibility of painting and modernizing certain aspects of the courthouse. The board hopes to bid the project later this winter or early spring but is awaiting a timeline from JEO and fire marshal regulations.
Troy Walz with the Extension Office presented an annual report highlighting programs such as the June Jamboree, Ranching for Profitability, and Youth Quality Assurance Training. The office taught life skills to 937 local youth through 4-H clubs and programming.
Other action items approved:
Treasurer’s semi-annual report
Motor Vehicle Exemption application for Custer Care
County property declared as surplus such as vehicles and miscellaneous computer supplies
County Attorney Child Support Sub Grant Agreement
Auditor Management Representation Letter
