The McLeod County Board approved a series of public works items Tuesday, including culvert replacement contracts, equipment purchases on state contract, additional park tree‑trimming funds and advertising for the 4‑H commercial kitchen lease.

Public works staff recommended awarding culvert replacement projects to Jerpi Contracting Inc. of Hutchinson for multiple County State Aid Highway (CSAH) culvert replacements. The board approved three awards: a Cassaw 5 culvert replacement (engineer estimate $84,786.33; award $82,447.90), a County Road 70 culvert replacement (engineer estimate $60,778.40; award $67,224.40), and a Cassaw 18 culvert replacement (engineer estimate $106,889.86; award $125,871.40). Staff explained higher costs on some sites are driven by deeper culvert depths and the granular backfill/frost taper work used to reduce frost heave and future maintenance.

The board approved vehicle and equipment purchases on state contract: two GMC pickups for parks and highway departments (2026 GMC double‑cab $41,725.60 for parks; 2026 GMC 3500 crew cab $49,660 for highway) and a 2026 GMC crew cab for engineering ($44,379). The board also approved purchase of a 2025 John Deere R240 mower for $11,000 (including trade). Commissioners discussed efficiency options and available equipment; staff noted some specialized mowers require larger tractors and that in‑house equipment and skid‑loader attachments are used where appropriate.

Other items approved included a $5,900 plus tax wayfinding sign at the McLeod County Fairgrounds (Viking Signs), an additional $20,000 to JGS Enterprise LLC for parks tree trimming (the previously approved amount was exhausted), and authorization to advertise for bids to lease the 4‑H commercial kitchen at the fairgrounds for Feb. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2027.

The board also approved two change orders for a county/city overlay project at no additional county cost (water service work and curb box replacements) and awarded the concrete overlay and culvert projects noting quotes received and engineer estimates.

All procurement and contracting motions passed by voice vote as presented. Commissioners asked staff to continue evaluating in‑house vs. contracted work, monitor culvert depth and backfill methods, and coordinate with cities on water service work.