The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved acknowledgement of a mower purchase for the secondary roads department.

County Engineer Jacob Thorius presented Tuesday that they are replacing one of two Schulte mowers they have for clearing the shoulders along their paved routes. The mower they are replacing is from 2003 and has considerable wear. The total quote is listed at about $36,777, which is about twice as much as what the county paid for the last Schulte mower in 2013. Thorius explained the department mows the shoulders to control vegetation, improve safety, drainage, and minimize drifting in the winter. The supervisors also approved a personnel change request to hire Yahir Jimenez as an engineering summer intern at $15 an hour. Jimenez is graduating from Highland High School this month, and has spent the last few months interning for the engineer’s office through the Kirkwood Regional Center.