Weed department seeks air conditioning after last summer's heat took a toll

The county’s noxious weed department may soon get air conditioning.

Mike Bradeen, department chief, approached the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners last week looking for permission to use a $7,500 state grant for the upgrade. He had planned to budget the dollars toward another expense until last year’s hot weather made him reprioritize, Bradeen said.

“I really want to put it toward a vehicle, but after last summer, with the drought and the heat, I had to buy a [new] laptop because it melted,” he said. “On multiple evenings, it’s way over 100 degrees in that shop.”

Bradeen told commissioners the Department of Agriculture grant would cover the upgrade and them some, especially after figuring in a rebate on the air conditioning unit. He said his colleagues would be “tickled” by the purchase.

“When I ask, ‘What are things you would like to see next year,’ AC is always on top of the list,” Bradeen said.

When commissioners asked about the likelihood of receiving the grant, Bradeen said it is given out to weed departments in counties across the state each year.

“It’s never a guarantee,” he said. “That’s why I’ve never purchased anything until I have money in the bank.”

Most years, the funding goes toward building or vehicle maintenance, Bradeen said.