(Red Oak, Iowa) — July 22, 2025 — The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors has given the green light for MDX Construction L.L.C. of Sidney to move forward with the G Avenue pipe culvert project, selecting the company’s low bid of $138,625 at its Tuesday meeting.

The planned culvert, located just south of 180th Street, aims to improve drainage and maintain safe local bridge infrastructure for area residents.

The competitive bidding drew proposals from four Iowa contractors, with County Engineer Karen Albert reviewing each to ensure the supervisors had a clear recommendation.

The bids submitted were:

• Gus Construction Company, Casey — $196,396.40
• MDX Construction L.L.C., Sidney — $138,625.00
• Empire Construction and Trenching, Red Oak — $151,469.00
• Nelson & Rock Contracting, Onawa — $186,576.00

The bids were due at the Auditor’s Office by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, July 14, and officially opened at 9:15 a.m. the next morning. The board formally approved MDX’s bid during the July 22 meeting, clearing the way for the project to move ahead this construction season.

Courthouse Elevator Needs Repairs

In addition to the culvert approval, the board heard from representatives of TKE Elevator Company, who presented a proposal for much-needed maintenance on the county courthouse elevator.

Supervisors were told that the aging elevator equipment has now surpassed its expected useful life. The proposed upgrade would replace the elevator’s main controller — “the brain of the elevator itself” — along with the power unit and door equipment, plus any additional components identified during the upgrade.

The board will revisit the elevator project and any funding options in upcoming meetings.

Other Board Actions

The Supervisors also took care of several routine but important items:

• They approved the 2025-21 Interfund Transfer, moving funds from Capital Projects 19999 to the Debt Service Fund 19600 for FY 2025/2026.
• They approved claims payable for Wednesday, July 23, totaling $237,567.60 for county expenses and projects.

Looking Ahead

The board will meet again at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, to continue discussions on county infrastructure needs, budget items, and upcoming capital improvement priorities.

The approved culvert work is expected to begin later this summer, weather permitting, and will be overseen by County Engineer Karen Albert and her team to ensure completion on time and within budget.

Originally reported by Tom Robinson in Western Iowa Today.