Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Washakie County Sheriff Austin Brookwell attended the Washakie County Commissioner meeting to inform the commissioners about a phone signal booster that he found to be beneficial after initial use and now hopes to install signal boosters on all vehicles.
Brookwell said, “It would be super handy to have that extra boost of connectivity.” He said the signal boosters would allow for sheriffs to submit crash reports on scene and overall improve work operations, especially in badlands terrain.
Brookwell used the weBoost signal booster, which is intended for off-roading usage. According to Brookwell, the cost of the seven devices and installation would be $5,092.42, with the boosters costing $549 apiece.
The commissioners agreed that the signal boosters would be beneficial and said they will look into funding options.
ROAD & BRIDGE
The commissioners approved a proposed increase in funding for the 2023-24 fiscal year to the state and county road department fund for gravel crushing in the amount of $500,000.
Commissioner Aaron Anderson said, “We’ve just been trying to get a lot of material. Stuart [Bower] and his crew have been putting material down, and we’ve crushed a lot in the last year.” Anderson said they have been working with a contractor to complete the crushing thus far and intend on continuing work with the contractor.
Interim county planner Mike Robinson said, “It might be worth noting that crushing chips at Tom’s pit cost us about $120,000, but reduced our bid price for the chip seal project based on the low bid by about $600,000. So, it saved us about $480,000 by crushing those chips at Tom’s pit.”
The commissioners have confirmed that, “Washakie County is certified to receive payments,” according to Anderson, referring to Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund payments. However, Anderson said he would prefer to hold off on awarding the chip seal bid until the county has received the funding. Anderson asked Robinson if the county could start by awarding a base bid, and awarding the alternatives as funding is received. Robinson said that he would discuss options with the bidder and be in contact with County Attorney Tony Barton and the commissioners.
The commissioners are additionally waiting for the second LATCF payment before determining if Road and Bridge can attain new trailers for hauling and general work operations.
According to Robinson, recently revised campground regulations are finished and are now available online.
OTHER BUSINESS
The commissioners held a public hearing regarding the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) budget. There was a proposed increase of funding for the SHSP in the amount of $10,301.00. There was no public comment, and the proposed increase was approved.