Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey brought an issue before commissioners for consideration on Monday, September 11. Lindsey notified commissioners that her department keeps getting assessed late fees for a utility bill. As this has been a persisting issue, with late fees of roughly $9.99 being charged, Lindsey asked if another method of payment could be utilized to avoid this - requesting that they consider affording her office to pay the utility bill by card. She noted that this has been an issue as long as she has worked for the county and this has an impact on the budget. As potential solutions were discussed, it was shared that it was believed that utilities must be approved according to state statute. All departments receiving a late fee for utilities are to be considered and Legal Counsel Paul Dean was asked to look into creating a solution for this issue.
Interim Road and Bridge Supervisor John Schouten provided the weekly report. He shared that one of the overhead doors had gotten hit. The cost of replacement, installation and additional needed work was shared at $3,053.96 with sales tax included. This included replacement of the two bottom panels of the door and weather strip. It was noted during discussion that the county should look at the deductible amount to see if this should be submitted to insurance. After Commissioner Roy Ballard suggested purchasing the panels and installing them in house to save expense, it was noted that they were also planning to have weather stripping addressed and cable for the door was frayed. Commissioners approved to have this work completed for $2,789 without sales tax. A road grader quote was presented to commissioners for review. This included a quote for all known items needing addressed. The cost of a complete rebuild was also included within discussion. It was noted that a neighboring county had stopped rebuilding graders as the cost was too close to purchasing a new unit. Purchase of a long block for the amount $82,120.96 was approved. The project agreement on the bridge coined the Short Bridge was provided to commissioners and approved.
Sheriff Heath Samuels shared that he had received word that two vehicles they had previously discussed getting on the list for were in. Samuels noted that the 2023 Durangos won’t go into service until 2024. He noted that the Sheriff’s Office will then be selling two Ford Taurus patrol vehicles, one Ford Explorer SUV and one Dodge truck. Commissioners approved the purchase amount of $84,616.
Samuels requested that a fence viewing be held for a property in the southern portion of the county at 10th Street and P Road. He shared that a large number of complaints about the cattle being out had been received by his office. After noting that he does have the ability to seize the cattle, Samuels noted that this would require capturing and hauling them. Samuels explained that they had previously had an issue with the livestock getting on to US 400 highway, but however shared that he believe this has been solved. Samuels told commissioners that he has asked for the cattle owner to fix fence multiple times, then sharing that the property owner is deceased and her grandson runs cattle on the property. Samuels described the fence as being badly dilapidated and the issue as being ongoing and developing. Commissioners will be looking to hold a fence viewing September 18 following their regular meeting.
Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson shared that he believed they were reaching a resolution on the repeater issue. This was believed to be a repeater issue and not a skip issue in regards to frequency. EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau noted that they have a repeater already that could be installed.
Vinson next shared that the provider out of Topeka had 6 new stock older model 400 series radios remaining. Vinson noted that these would be programable so they could have encryption if/when this is mandated. Vinson noted that these would be cheaper than the new radios which have a waiting list for order and these will not be available in the future for purchase.
Commissioners approved to purchase 6 XPR755 radios for $7,740.
Commissioners revisited discussion of the Ad Valorem Tax Reduction funds. Commissioner Ben Fox noted that the amount supposed to be received would be equivalent to approximately 3 mils. It was previously shared that this has not been received since 2002. Individuals are encouraged to get in touch with the district representative to express concerns.
A 10-minute executive session for legal discussion was held. No action was taken following the session.
Bond Resolution 23-15 for the Greenwood County Hospital HVAC project was brought to the floor for discussion, before commissioners voted for final approval. It was noted during discussion that if sales tax dollars were ever to be insufficient to cover the payment, though it was noted the sales tax is approximately 3 times more than the payment amount, the county would not be liable for the payment. Net revenue from the hospital would then cover this. Commissioners approved the Resolution.
A 5-minute executive session for legal consultation was held, with Treasurer Donna Olson remaining. Following the session, no action was taken.
A 5-minute executive session for non-elected personnel was held. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Two board members of the Salt Springs Township were present before commissioners at different times during the course of Monday’s meeting. They were advised that the issue was to be handled internally by the township.
Special payables in the amount of $1,839.55 were approved.
Treasurer’s report was reviewed by commissioners.
Minutes of the September 5 meeting were approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, September 18 at 9 a.m.
