Article submitted by James Master Managing Editor of The Pilot News
During his report to the County Commissioners, Highway Supervisor Jason Peters dispelled rumors that Marshall County has run out of salt for the roads.
“No, the county is not out of salt. We’re getting low, but not low enough to start cutting back or increasing sand and salt mixtures. Where if needed, the increase to salt and sand mixing, we would go to like a 6 to 1 ratio opposed to a 3 to 1,” said Peters.
He went on to say that the county has 800 ton on order. After the first winter storm this year, the county ordered 300 tons with 280 tons being received. After the second storm this year, the county ordered 500 tons. The county has ordered its last 500 tons.
“As we were completely full going into the year, we only purchased 1,300 this year,” said Peters.
According to Peters, all of the order must be taken when the state contractor delivers the salt. The ordered amount may come 10 percent less or more. The state contractor, according to Peters, has in its contract a $200 penalty for each day after the fifth day until the order is completed.
“So, if we order it after five days. Each day that we don’t receive it, there’s a $200 penalty that they deduct off the bills,” said Peters.
In other County Highway business, Peters requested permission to go ahead with the purchase of four pickup trucks. If approved, Peters requested a prepay of $105,200 to Lincoln Auto Body. When asked, Peters confirmed that a few older vehicles in the fleet would be replaced or moved around to make room for the new vehicles.
The commissioners approved the prepay.
At the end of his report, Commissioner Mike Burroughs stated that he appreciated Peters and EMA Director Clyde Avery staying in constant communication throughout the winter storms earlier in the month and updating the Marshall County App with road closures and flood updates. Burroughs urged the public to download the app to stay up to date with County updates.
