Callaway County residents wanting graveled county roads near their homes treated to control dust this summer will pay dust control firms for the service instead of the county.
The county will remain involved in the process by providing grading and any needed gravel or other repairs before the dust suppressant is applied.
Callaway County residents wanting the service also must apply through a dust control contractor to the county during the next three weeks by the county's April 1 deadline.
Callaway County Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann said the commission has decided to change its policy to clear up misunderstandings on dust control treatment results.
Last year county residents paid the county for the service.
Jungermann said the county will continue to certify contractors who qualify to make sure non-toxic substances are used as dust suppressants.
"The county will continue to prepare the road surface for the treatment but county residents will pay the contractors instead of the county. The county has always used contractors to apply the dust suppressants," Jungermann said.
Jungermann said the change also will allow Callaway County residents to seek competitive bids for services that may lower their costs.
"The county was not adding costs to the service but sometimes people would complain to us about the effectiveness of the service," Jungermann said.
Jungermann said the price for application by the dust control contractor must be arranged through negotiations between the contractor and the county resident wanting the service.
"Last year," Jungermann said, "the going rate was $325 for each one-tenth of a mile treated. One-tenth of a mile also was the minimum length of the service."
Jungermann said the policy of Callaway County is to continue allowing the application of dust-control products on county gravel roads.
People wanting the service can make arrangements with one of two approved dust control contractors by April 1.
Dust control permit forms are available from the contractor. Applicants are required to provide all information requested on the permit form and return it to the contractor they select to spray dust suppressant.
The contractor will then forward the permit application to Callaway County for review and approval.