Based on turnout for the two scrap tire clean up days they sponsored last year and the unavailability of grant funding this year, the Seward County Commissioners are looking at options to offer a down-sized event this spring.
The commissioners on March 4 discussed options for planning a smaller event that might be financed by a portion of the approximately $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds the county has.
After the county met its maximum volume for tires on the first day of its two-day scrap tire collection last spring, the commissioners sponsored a second collection day in the fall, adding more limits to assure more Seward County residents had the opportunity to drop of scrap tires.
Commissioner Raegan Hain, who has led planning for both recent tire collection events, said doing the event without a grant does allow the county to set its own eligibility criteria. In the second event, those bringing in tires had to provide identification showing they lived in Seward County and trailer sizes were limited.
Commissioners will look at the possibility of hosting a scrap tire event the same weekend as Seward’s annual clean-up day, and possibly the annual household hazardous materials drop off period. Heidi Fleischman from the Seward County Highway Department said the date will likely be May 17.
In other action, the commissioners:
• Approved a revised policy for emergency closings due to weather or other emergencies.
• After opening two bids for a belly dump trailer, approved the bid for a 2026 R Way Trailer T4625 XE Crossgate for $81,945 with a trade-in of $60,000 for a total cost of $21,945 from RDO Truck Center.
• Adopted the 1- and 6-Year Road Program.
• Approved a utility permit for fiber optic line crossing in Township 11.
