Public Works grapples with inflation

DAVENPORT — Lincoln County road crews are stretching limited budgets by spot-blading gravel roads, salvaging old culverts and delaying major equipment repairs.

Public Works Director David Orvis and County Engineer James Wege gave commissioners an update Monday on day-to-day operations and the financial pressures facing the department.

Orvis said maintenance crews are limited to spot blading only when moisture allows and are using pipes already in stock rather than buying new ones at inflated prices.

The department is also carefully timing gravel crushing operations because of rising fuel and m...