Worth County supervisors approved a contract with WHS for the county’s annual bridge inspections at a not-to-exceed fee of $67,600 and were told that heavier inspection requirements and higher supply costs are stretching maintenance budgets.

During the meeting, road-maintenance staff (Speaker 2) said the inspection cycle requires stream cross-section surveys and additional structure ratings this year, expanding the scope of work counties must complete. “Every 10 years, we've gotta do stream cross sections, and they have to survey the stream cross sections and all the bridges,” Speaker 2 said, adding the county had to get “everything rated” under new guidance. The $67,600 figure was presented as the contract price for this year’s round.

Staff also warned of rising operating costs. Speaker 2 said the DOT no longer sells cutting or plow blades to the county in bulk and that prices have increased from roughly $105 per blade to about $200 per blade when buying through CAT; the county received one quote near $400 per blade. “Plow blades have almost doubled the price,” Speaker 2 said. Supervisors discussed blade materials, including steel with carbon inserts and carbide options, and agreed to buy what is needed to get through the year while monitoring budget impacts.

The board moved and seconded the bridge-inspection contract and entered discussion before voting. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance
- Bridge-inspection contract with WHS (not to exceed $67,600): motion moved by Speaker 1; second not specified; outcome: approved by voice vote (recorded as “aye”).
- Claims and routine reports: motions moved and approved by voice vote during the same meeting (see full meeting minutes for roll-call details, if any).

Why it matters
Bridge inspections are tied to load ratings and routing for oversized permits; inspections that increase rated structures can change which routes accept heavier loads and affect local agriculture and industry. Rising equipment costs and reduced staffing increase the risk of deferring maintenance or paying higher prices to meet inspection and repair obligations.

What’s next
Staff told supervisors WHS wants to start inspection work immediately; the county will proceed under the approved contract. Supervisors also asked staff to keep the board apprised of procurement options for cutting edges and any budget adjustments needed to cover higher costs.