The Overton County Commission voted to authorize up to $1,300,000 to purchase equipment for the county highway department and to award the Dog Walk Bridge replacement contract to Concrete Structures for $577,866.

County officials said the purchases respond to rising replacement costs and strains from operating aging equipment. The highway department’s proposal and the bridge bid were both approved by the budget committee before the full commission votes.

Highway staff described steep price increases for like-for-like vehicles and equipment over recent years and said failing equipment is increasing maintenance costs. “It’s costing us money. It’s costing the tax rate of money,” said a Highway Department staff member during the commission discussion. The staff member also urged the commission to approve the purchase to avoid higher prices and further operational disruption.

Commissioner Cindy Robbins moved to approve the highway equipment purchase up to $1.3 million; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Randall Boswell and approved by roll call. The commission also approved the award of the Dog Walk Bridge bid; staff said a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for Thursday and work will begin after that meeting.

The commission and staff did not provide a full itemized schedule for delivery of replacement equipment at the meeting. County staff said the highway department is operating with older equipment and that delays in replacing units are increasing day-to-day operating costs.

Next steps include contract finalization with Concrete Structures and scheduling of equipment deliveries; county staff will proceed under the budget committee authorization.