Commissioners laud county road improvements

Doug Hart, who was recently appointed interim county highway superintendent, met with the Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners at a meeting on Monday morning to discuss the condition of county roads.

Commissioners said they have seen improvements in the upkeep of roads – and heard from residents thanking them for the improved road conditions – since Hart took on the temporary role last month.

“We’re headed in the right direction, Doug,” Commissioner Philip Sanders said.

Hart said he was working with staff to ensure proper maintenance techniques are being adhered to on the county’s paved and unpaved roads.

“We have to fix the source of the problem,” he said, “not just the immediate problem.”

Hart provided the commissioners with data from GPS units installed recently on some of the department’s vehicles, but said some kinks are still being worked out.

The devices are intended to track when and on which roads maintenance is conducted, providing accurate records.

Hart said he would investigate why some of the units aren’t currently supplying accurate data and work to fix the problem.

Commission Chairman Darrell Johnson also suggested adding lettering to the superintendent’s truck so people know he works for the county when he’s out checking on roads.

“I personally would like to see you put a placard on that truck of yours so when people see you driving around, they know you’re there,” he said.

Sanders and Commissioner Steve Olson said they agreed.

“Would you look into that?” Johnson asked Hart, who said he would.

With the fiscal year winding down, talks also turned to the county highway department budget for the upcoming year.

Hart said he would like to hire a construction manager and two additional staff.

“You’re in charge,” Johnson said. “Whatever you say is the way it’s going to be, and we need to get you manpower. We’ll work on that at budget time.”

Sanders also said he’d like to schedule a visit to the department’s facilities to see what equipment is owned and what condition it’s in.

Johnson remarked he had received good back from county residents about the roads and asked Hart to keep commissioners in the loop.

“You just keep doing what you’re doing,” Sanders added. “You’ve got the county’s support.”

The next Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17 at 8 a.m. in the commissioners’ room at the Cheyenne County Courthouse.