On Monday, Jan. 14, Boone County Commissioners approved a third progress payment to Rathman Manning Construction Co. for work on the new Boone County Agriculture and Education building on the fairgrounds.
The third payment was $62,718, leaving a balance of $2,805,082 left to pay on the project.
It was noted that warmer January weather has allowed progress on the site, and trenching has been underway.
New Sheriff’s Vehicle
Sheriff Denny Johnson addressed purchase of a new vehicle for the department. He has chosen a new 2019 Chevrolet 4 x 4 half ton pickup for purchase under state bid at $30,905. He discussed options to trade in present 2012 Ford Explorer for $7,500, or to sell the vehicle locally for a higher amount.
Commissioners decided to purchase the new pickup with no trade-in, and to sell the Explorer locally through Schalk Auto.
In discussing the 911 communications merger between Boone and Nance counties, Johnson said his department has received permission from the Nebraska Public Service Commission to use all of the $108,384 in the county’s 2914 wireless account for equipment and upgrades made necessary by the merger.
Road Department Report
Stacey Ziemba, county highway superintendent reported to the board on current and upcoming projects.
Ziemba’s report included the upcoming one and six-year road plan, county snow removal plan, and improvements for 145th Street running west of Petersburg. She noted that this asphalt road carries heavy truck traffic and is deteriorating. It is on the county’s one-year plan for 2019.
Discussion was also held on the new radiant heaters installed in the Cedar Rapids road shop and high operating cost. A different company has been contacted to look into this.
Read the complete story in the Jan. 16 issue of the Albion News and Petersburg Press print and e-editions.
