By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on April 22. The supervisors opted to go into a closed session regarding the Polanco v. Guthrie County Settlement Agreement.
After returning to an open meeting, County Engineer Josh Sebern spoke regarding the county’s proposed Noxious Weed Control Policy. The supervisors voted to approve the Noxious Weed Control Policy and Resolution 25-25 (Noxious Weed Control Resolution).
Sebern next discussed the county’s five-year construction plan, including four bridges that may be upgraded in the next year. He also explained the various funding options available, including federal funds and grants.
“We are looking at three federal bridges for Fiscal Year 2026. Those are Bear Grove 199. We are anticipating an April 2026 letting date. Jackson 7, that is the structure south of Dale City. We’re anticipating a letting date of September of this year. And Orange 389, west of the dinosaur bridge. It’s a timber structure; we’re looking at replacement with box culvert using federal dollars. That’s anticipating a March 2026 letting date,” Sebern said. “So there’s a good chance we could have three federal-aid structures going next year.”
“We are also looking at a locally funded bridge at the north end of Bay’s Branch,” Sebern said. “It does not meet federal requirements for traffic volume.”
Sebern also described other road/bridge projects tentatively planned within the next five years.
The supervisors discussed the possibility of offering three tiers of coverage for county employee health insurance (employee only, employee plus 1, and family). Supervisors Mike Dickson and Maggie Armstrong suggested not making that change now, since it would likely increase costs that are already budgeted. The supervisors voted to not implement the change, and to survey county employees about their expected usage.
The supervisors meet regularly Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.