Allen County commissioners heard a range of updates at Tuesday morning’s meeting. Thrive Allen County announced plans for a health fair later this month in Moran, while county staff reported progress on airport construction, road work, and equipment upgrades.
Marcia Davis, Thrive Allen County’s Director of Community Engagement, invited county commissioners to a community health fair set for Thursday, Aug. 29, in Moran. The event will feature several agencies offering information and resources, along with free blood pressure checks. Davis clarified that no vaccinations will be provided at the fair, but the focus will be on sharing health information with residents.
The health fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Moran Community Center, 407 N. Cedar St.
PUBLIC WORKS Director Mitch Garner reported that the county’s new trash compactor is already in service, supplementing the existing machine that recently underwent repairs. Both are now operational, which will ensure smoother operations going forward, he noted.
Garner also shared progress at the county airport, where construction on a new hangar is moving forward. The frame and rafters are up, and siding is being installed. Concrete work has begun at the entrance, thanks to help from Road & Bridge Director Jeremy Hopkins, who poured a section needed for the contractor to proceed.
Looking ahead, Garner asked commissioners for approval to begin seeking bids for a new noxious weed truck to be purchased in next year’s budget. The vehicle would be a flatbed truck with a larger tank, doubling the county’s spraying capacity. Garner noted that ordering early could help avoid delays. Commissioners agreed that adding a second truck, while keeping the current one and the side-by-side utility vehicle, would improve efficiency in weed control.
HOPKINS discussed recent setbacks with chip sealing projects. A contaminated load of oil forced crews to reject material intended for Carlyle, and equipment failures slowed progress on other projects. “We took the mower max out and the AC compressor locked up and broke the serpentine belt,” said Hopkins. “We didn’t have a very good week last week.”
Despite the challenges, Hopkins said crews are back on track this week. Current projects include Oregon Road, Texas Road, Carlyle streets, and 600 Road.
Hopkins also reported that the county’s new tractor has been delivered, though minor adjustments are being made before it is put into use. “They’re taking the three-point hitch off and getting it ready,” he noted.
IN OTHER NEWS, commissioners briefly discussed the upcoming budget and revenue neutral rate hearing scheduled for next week’s evening commission meeting. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with the hearing slated for 6:30 p.m.
