The committee elected new leadership, approved bridge aid for Eisenstein, and heard updates on State Highway 70 repairs, airport construction, and county road projects at its May 6 meeting.
The Price County Highway & Transportation Committee met May 6 at the Courthouse County Board Room, covering everything from emergency road repairs to a $1.3 million airport construction bid. Here’s what happened.
New Leadership
Larry Palecek was elected Committee Chairperson, with Jordan Spacek elected Vice Chair. Both were elected by unanimous ballot after nominations were closed. County Board Chairperson Brian Ernst opened the meeting before turning the gavel over to Palecek.
State Highway 70: Emergency Repairs Coming in July
The County Highway Department patched State Highway 70 as a temporary fix, and the Department of Transportation has now posted it at a 40-ton limit. Logging trucks are still allowed through.
The bigger news: DOT is slated to repair Highway 70 in July 2026 using emergency funds. The road has been a concern for months, and the temporary patching was necessary to keep it passable until the full repair project begins.
Town of Eisenstein: Bridge and Culvert Aid Approved
The U.S. Forest Service will contribute $31,000, half of the total request amount. For bridge and culvert aid in the Town of Eisenstein. The committee approved the aid request unanimously and forwarded it to the Executive Committee for final approval.
A flow chart for towns and villages to request bridge and culvert aid was presented to the committee and is on file. The process for requesting aid was discussed, which could be relevant for other towns with infrastructure needs.
County Road Projects This Season
County Road D and parts of County Road H (from D to Sheep Ranch Road) are slated for construction this season. A sweeping curve will be added to a portion of Road D.
The County may also assist Lincoln County with a project on County Road YY at no cost to Price County , the work will be reimbursed.
General maintenance will include crack filling, mowing, and other routine work.
Airport: T-Hangar Construction in 2027, New Loader Warranty
The biggest dollar item on the agenda was the Price County Airport:
T-Hangars and Taxi Lane: Construction is slated for 2027. Market & Johnson won the bids . $1,338,292 for T-Hangars and $199,868.15 for the Taxi Lane. Both came in under the Becker-Hoppee estimates by $249,108 (T-Hangar) and $11,320.20 (Taxi Lane).
– Loader warranty: The committee approved a 7-year warranty for $4,880 on the new loader at the airport.
– Fuel Card Policy: A new airport fuel card policy was recommended for creation, with the stipulation that no fuel or product is the/added to an account until the existing balance is paid in full. The policy goes to the Executive Committee and then to the full County Board for approval.
Airport Manager Michael Brill attended a two-day WisDOT Bureau of Aeronautics seminar in Stevens Point. Karla Knorr is the new BOA Director in the Division of Transportation Investment Management.
Highway Department Updates
Financial audit complete: The annual Highway Department financial audit is finished. A single audit will be performed in April-May 2026 and is expected to close by mid-summer.
– Crew work: Bridge cleaning, sign repairs from winter wear, shoulder work, and State Highway 70 patching.
– Fleet: New Chevy 3500 one-ton Foreman Pickup Truck received. Plows converted to summer use. State trucks being prepared for summer by mid-May. Two new Freightliners received. Both graders ready. Single axle truck and other equipment sold at April auction.
– Staffing: Fleet and Facilities Superintendent Dan Heenan resigned. The department is seeking to fill the vacancy.
– Facilities: Electrical upgrades to fiber power, power added to the sand shed.
– Dams: In general condition is good, with minor repairs and maintenance needed after winter.
Vouchers Approved
March 2026 vouchers: $103,223.90
April 2026 vouchers: $102,833.22
Both approved unanimously.
Unsafe Construction Practices Reported
A complaint was reported about unsafe construction crew practices on County Road F near State Highway 13. Although it’s a city project, the committee noted it as a topic of concern for the County Commissioner.
What This Means for Price County Residents
Highway 70 is getting emergency DOT repairs in July , until then, it’s posted at 40 tons with logging trucks still allowed.
– County Roads D and H will see construction this season with a new sweeping curve on Road D.
– Eisenstein is getting $31,000 in federal bridge and culvert aid, half of the total request.
– The airport is moving forward with $1.5+ million in construction for T-Hangars and taxi lane improvements in 2027, both under budget estimates.
– Six township applications were submitted to the local small structure program, indicating infrastructure needs across the county.
The next Highway & Transportation Committee meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2026.
*Source: Price County Highway & Transportation Committee Minutes, May 6, 2026. Agenda and minutes available at co.price.wi.us/agendacenter. Video recording available at Price County WI Government YouTube.*
See also: our guide to free camping in Wisconsin, our guide to Price County public records and the Highway 13 rest stop question
See also: our Price County Board 2026 roster and meeting tracker
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Price County Board of Supervisors meet?
The Price County Board of Supervisors meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Price County Courthouse in Phillips. Agendas are posted at co.price.wi.us. Meetings are open to the public per Wisconsin open meetings law.
How do I contact Price County government offices?
The Price County Courthouse is at 104 S. Eyder Avenue in Phillips, WI 54555. The main phone number is (715) 339-2300. Individual department contacts are available on the Price County website at co.price.wi.us.
Where can I find Price County meeting agendas and minutes?
Meeting agendas, minutes, and schedules are posted on the Price County website at co.price.wi.us/agendacenter. Agendas are typically posted at least 24 hours before meetings per Wisconsin open meetings law.
What services does the Price County Sheriff’s Office provide?
The Price County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement, dispatch, jail operations, and civil process services. The office is located at the Price County Courthouse in Phillips and can be reached for non-emergencies at (715) 339-3614.
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