WASHINGTON

The Washington County Supervisors Tuesday approved “moving forward” with plans to remodel buildings two and three at the county owned Orchard Hill complex, which would include new quarters for the Public Health Department. In a work session last fall, Carl A. Nelson Company had a $6 million figure for the Orchard Hill project and remodeling of the county courthouse while $3.5 million was the board's one. Local funding, as well American Recovery Program Act funds would be involved. As a result, the relocation project, which may come in near $4 million, would be covered.

The second remodeling for the Secondary Roads office and garage, east of Vine Avenue and south of Highland High School, estimated between $1 million and $1.6 million in other discussions, also was approved to “move forward.” In that project, the department has some $600,000 allocated and could transfer $500,000 from the road project. Another option discussed is possibly borrowing $500,000 from local banks with repayment within two years.

Another option would be doing a stage one for the office and stage two for the garage; however, engineer Jacob Thorius noted that doing it as one project would result in some cost savings.

The board agreed to proceed, asking Thorius for firm plans and figures this month. The project is entirely separate from the administrative office relocation one, both in site and funding.

In other business, the board awarded the contract for the Lexington Boulevard grading project to low bidder DeLong Construction of Washington at $558,699.50 with work expected to be done this summer. Other bidders were Cornerstone Excavating, Washington, $738,820 and Petersen of Rhinebeck, $686,412.90. The paving is from Orchard Hill on Lexington Blvd. to Highway 92.

The board approved a contract with Calhoun Associates, Inc. of Des Moines for the county bridge inspections and rating program for 2024 and 2025 for a lump sum of $5,200 for 17 structures in 2024 and $23,350 for 103 structures in 2025. Thorius noted the county bridges rank above average and “we are in good shape.”

The board approved purchase of a used lift unit for $29,500 for secondary roads to aid with vegetation and tree management.

The board set a closed session for Monday, January 8, at 9 a.m.; and elected Richard Young as chairman and Bob Yoder, vice-chairman.