DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Purchase Salt Materials Through 2025-2026 State Road Salt Contract
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the purchase of salt through the 2025-2026 State Road Salt Contract (SRSC).
SUMMARY
To provide a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County (County) uses salt materials to assist with winter snow and ice control on County highways. To secure the lowest prices for road salt, the County purchases road salt from the vendor selected pursuant to the SRSC. The State solicitation for road salt for the 2025-2026 snow and ice season has been issued. The County may participate by committing to purchase at least 80 percent, but no more than 120 percent, of the County's estimated quantity of road salt needed between June 2025 and May 2026.
Dakota County historically purchased 13,000 tons through the SRSC. In 2018, the amount of salt purchased was reduced to 10,000 tons based on salt usage from the previous five years. This reduction was due to better application methods and lower snowfall amounts. The previous winter season had only 21 events, resulting in full salt sheds. The proposed amount is 3,500 tons of road salt for the County with an estimated unit price of $112.17 per ton through the State contract. Last year's price was $103 per ton.
In addition, it is estimated that other units of local government that the County has a cooperative purchasing agreement with for salt will purchase 1,500 tons of salt from the County, totaling $168,255, which will be paid for by those agencies. Typically, other local units of government purchase 2,000 to 3,000 tons of salt from the County each snow and ice season.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization to purchase 5,000 tons of road salt at an estimated price of $560,870 through the 2025-2026 SRSC.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Sufficient funds for the salt purchase are included in the 2025 Tra...
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