New waterline at county shop being considered

The Jackson County Commissioners are looking for the best way to continue to supply water to the new road and bridge shop located three miles north of Holton.

The shop, which previously served as Forrester Truck Parts & Repair, currently receives water through a well on the property.

During Monday’s commission meeting, the commissioners met with Brenda Adkins, general manager of Rural Water District #3, who presented information regarding the proposed installation of a one-inch water meter at the new shop connected to a new four-inch waterline.

Adkins said the meter and the line would provide a 50-gallon per minute flow of water at the shop.

“It seems that would be an appropriate amount for that building,” Adkins said. 

There are no rural waterlines currently in place at the new shop, but Adkins said that Rural Water District #3 is replacing a six-inch line with an eight-inch line from Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton north on P Road near 246th Road.

“We’re starting on that project in two to three weeks, and we’d be able to attach your four-inch line onto that new eight-inch line,” she said. “Timing wise, this would be a good time to do it.”

It’s estimated that the new water meter and new line would cost the county an estimated $32,375, which includes funds for engineering and legal fees, as well as contingency funds, it was reported. 

The commissioners did not take any action on the matter and discussed getting the current water well at the shop checked to determine its capacity.

In November, the commissioners purchased the building and seven acres of land at 24569 U.S. Highway 75 to serve as the new county shop at a cost of $350,000 about 24 hours after touring the facility. More than $40,000 in additional funds have been used to purchase equipment and items for the shop. 

A new fence was constructed at a cost of $42,900. 

Renovations at the shop continue, such as the addition of a tire room and a new roof, but the shop is already being used to repair and maintain county equipment and inventory.

A new employee was hired for the department to serve as an inventory clerk. 

The road and bridge department offices, which are located on the first floor of the Jackson County Courthouse, are expected to move to the new building in the near future. 

After the move, the Jackson County Commissioners have announced that their commission chamber will be relocated to the former road and bridge office in the Courthouse after some minor renovations.