By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission voted to approve a pair of bids to purchase three pickups for the Public Works Department at Monday night’s meeting.

All three bids were with Lewis Automotive Group of Hays.

The county will purchase two half-ton extended cab pickups with the Bluetooth option for $24,810. They will also purchase a three-quarter-ton extended cab pickup with the Bluetooth option for $26,632.

The department also received bids from Shawnee Mission Ford, and Public Works Shop Foreman Mark Polifka said the county try to offer the bids to the local dealers so the money stays in Ellis County.

The county commission also approved the purchase of a commercial washer and dryer for the Ellis County Rural Fire Department for approximately $8,500.

According to Rural Fire Director Darin Myers, the washer will help expand the life of bunker gear, and he estimates it is about seven times cheaper than taking the gear to the laundry mat.

Myers said each set of gear costs about $2,000, adding the department is looking at purchasing new equipment for every firefighter.

Last year, according to Myers, there were 94 Ellis County Rural firefighters.

Myers also said there is some gear that is not getting washed and that can cause health issues as well, especially with the carcinogens that can remain on the gear after a fire.

“They need to be washed. It’s not so much of a pride issue on how dirty your gear is anymore,” Myers said.

Commissioner Dean Haselhorst questioned the need for a washer and dryer that cost nearly $9,000.

In other business:

• The county commission heard from Polifka and Road and Bridge Supervisor Curt Hoffman about open positions within the department. They expect to have three open truck driver positions by the summer.

• In the meeting of the Public Building Commission, commissioners approved accounts payable for the Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center and Emergency Services Building.