January 2, 2024 |
Photo – Bull dozer for plowing snow – Courtesy Freepik.com
An Elk Mountain rancher petitioned county commissioners to reimburse him for snow removal last month. Carbon County residents living outside of municipalities must rely on the county to clear snow off the approximately 950 miles of county-owned roads. With a limited number of plows and drivers, some areas may not be accessible as quickly as residents would like.
In early spring of 2023, Elk Mountain rancher Riley Richardson used his own time and equipment to open County Road 101. During the December 19th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Richardson said County Road 101, south of Elk Mountain, was not being properly maintained. Richardson said he was informed that faulty equipment kept the county from making the road passable.
Richardson said he was told by county road crews to plow the road himself. Over March and April of 2023, the Elk Mountain rancher said he spent more than 70 hours clearing County Road 101 using his own equipment.
Richardson said his original intention was to bill the county for the months of March and April separately, but he chose to combine the two month’s bills into one invoice. In a moment of absentmindedness, the rancher said he accidentally sent the original March bill to the county.
Richardson said the county did pay the $1,800 March invoice. The rancher said he spoke to County Road and Bridge Superintendent Kandis Fritz, who told him to resubmit the combined March and April bill. Richardson said after sending out the corrected invoice, he received a letter from County Attorney Ashley Davis questioning his intentions.
Richardson said as a business owner in rural Carbon County, he should assist in snow removal. However, Richardson said 50 plus hours in a bulldozer goes above and beyond his duties as a conscientious citizen. The Elk Mountain rancher said he is aware that he didn’t follow the proper chain of command. Richardson asked the county to compromise with him.
Commission Chairwoman Sue Jones asked County Attorney Davis for her opinion. The county attorney said she thinks the board should confer with Road and Bridge Supervisor Fritz before making a decision.
Commissioner Garrett Irene said he can easily see how Richardson was able to spend 54 hours in a bulldozer clearing County Road 101. Commissioner Irene said because Richardson pled his case in person before the board, the county should consider the rancher’s request for reimbursement.
Commissioner Irene said because Richardson failed to obtain permission from the county first, the county is unlikely to pay his entire invoice. The county commissioner recommended working with Richardson to at least reimburse him for the wear and tear on his equipment.
Richardson said the $1,800 bill the county already paid is roughly 50 percent of what he spent on fuel and hours to clear County Road 101. The rancher said he isn’t expecting the entire amount. A compromise, Richardson said, is in the best interest of maintaining good relations between the county and his family.
Commissioner John Espy said he agrees that the county should compensate Richardson for his time and effort. However, Commissioner Espy said he is worried that paying the rancher may entice other people to attempt to collect money for clearing county roads without prior authorization.
Commissioner Travis Moore said he agrees with Commissioner Irene about Richardson’s prices. Commissioner Moore also echoed Commissioner Espy’s concerns about setting a precedent. The commissioner said untrained plow operators can cause heavy damage to the county’s roads.
The board said they will meet with Road and Bridge Superintendent Fritz and get back to Richardson with a decision at a later date.
