Equipment costs hit county books

County commissioners Monday approved new rates for public works internal "rental" charges on equipment and vehicles. The rates refer to a state required accounting practice for costs and depreciation of equipment which is tallied for replacement purposes.

The increases Monday ranged from $2 to $3 an hour for varying equipment. Road graders, for example, will now rent at $52 an hour, up from $49.

“It's to make up for the cost of equipment and vehicles going up every year,” said Mark Storey, public works director.

The rent charges go into a public works reserve account which is used to pay for replacement equipment.

“The intent is that the thing generates enough revenue to buy new equipment,” Storey explained.