Indigo Road costs are lower than bid
Good news was delivered to Marion County Commission Monday regarding final costs for Indigo Road overlay project.
Engineer Mike Olson of Kirkham Michael Consulting reported the final cost was $472,700; $14,000 less than the original bid.
The 1.5-inch asphalt overlay for 11.93 miles of road cost the county $44,200 per mile.
One overrun was noted by Olson. Additional rock was used for the shoulder to reduce the drop-off from asphalt to shoulder. Rock was increased from 818 tons to 11,452.
The county saved money on oil and hot mix, spending $119,000 instead of the estimated amount of $132,000. Engineering fees totaled $30,000.
Olson also reported contact will be made with Kansas Department of Transportation regarding negotiations regarding traffic using county roads while U.S.-77 is being rebuilt.
Suggested discussion points from the commission were an asphalt overlay on Sunflower Road, a traffic signal at Third and Main streets in Marion, and a supply of millings for future repairs in exchange for additional law enforcement.
The commission's and Olson's main concern was heavy truck traffic at the corner of Third and Main streets and on Nighthawk Road.
County attorney Susan Robson is preparing a resolution to add signs to Nighthawk Road, restricting heavy truck use.
In other business:
— Sheriff Lee Becker reported a transmission was replaced in a department vehicle at a cost of $2,500.
Becker also reported inmates will receive two hot meals per day, instead of three. The third meal will be a sandwich meal. The menu change is an effort to save deparmtent funds and will meet dietary requirements, Becker said.
— County clerk Carol Maggard reported the county's network system for e-mail has been inoperative since Friday due to electrical surges in August and September.
— The county's Christmas dinner is planned for Dec. 6 and Friday is the deadline for reservations.
The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 29 in the courthouse. The commission will not meet Monday because commissioners will be attending a Kansas Association of Counties convention.
