As Greenwood County Commissioners were nearing the end of their regular meeting on Monday, April 1, Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood called in (after leaving the meeting soon after his regular report) and reported that the deck of the bridge located on CC50 Road had failed.
As of Monday morning, the box bridge had a sizable hole visible from the top side. At approximately 10:39 a.m., crews were working to close the road. CC50 Road, between 85th and 100th Streets, to traffic due to deck failure. Plans will be developed to address this.
In his weekly report, Greenwood shared that, in regards to the Short Bridge/ Hamilton Bridge project, AT&T had quoted 110 days for the lines to be moved. Legal Counsel Paul Dean noted that he would be drafting a letter to inform them when construction was starting. A 6-month completion timeline is anticipated for this project. Snell bridge was slated to open Tuesday of this week. Two culverts were installed on 110th Street between EE and CC Roads. Bridge work on 375th Street started Monday morning. In regards to the “Bechtel” bridge, Greenwood shared that Contracted Engineer Michael Marris would be in Greenwood County to assess the bridge this week. In review of equipment, grader conditions were discussed. Machines 30 and 32 were reported as being in the worst condition of the fleet. These units are utilized as backups. Greenwood asked how commissioners felt about the potential of leasing equipment. Greenwood was then asked to provide numbers in regards to lease and purchase of lightly used machines. Commissioners spoke in favor of looking at numbers for further consideration. Dean provided information pertaining to the State Statute on culverts. According to statutes, the county performs the work and the property owner pays for the culvert. Commissioners approved following state statute regarding culverts.
County Fire Chief Glen Collinge shared that he was wanting to purchase two motors, to set up two pump spares. The quote received of $3,715 for the purchase of two Van Guard motors, included a bulk discount. Commissioners approved the purchase through B3 Sales.
In old business, Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson noted that the next step in the ongoing mapping project was getting information to Dean for any needed resolutions to be drafted. He explained that there would be 26 changes. Commissioner Preston Evenson expressed appreciation to Vinson for time and effort towards this. As the item was discussed, Vinson noted that having this in place will be advantageous moving forward. While roads and culverts were being discussed, commissioners referenced work being done by new Road and Bridge Supervisor Greenwood, conveying they are happy with his performance.
Representatives with CrossWinds Counseling & Wellness, including Amanda Cunningham, were present to provide the organization’s annual update. A review of their budget from the previous fiscal year was provided to commissioners in print. In discussion of the budget pertaining to profit and loss for last year, representatives noted that this included grant dollars received as well as additional dedicated funding. Local board members include Sandra Dickerson and Carol Hein. It was shared that Sheriff Samuels has been a big partner with CrossWinds especially as they have been working on a grant to get outdoor equipment for park installation at the facility. It was shared that Samuels had someone come in and trim trees to prepare the lot. It was also noted that community member Austin Evenson, who also serves with the Eureka Recreation Commission, has also aided in the process of making the park a reality. The playground is anticipated to go in this week, weather permitting. CrossWinds employs approximately 220 individuals, recently seeing an increase in staffing. Services and programs were briefly discussed. In program changes, it was noted that the Eureka location had added a new therapist in 2024. A summer group is also in the works.
Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey held a 20-minute executive session for discussion of non-elected personnel. No decisions were made following the session.
Payables in the amount of $635,187.48, which included backhoe purchase and disbursements of tax dollars to departments, were presented. After the amount was announced, Commissioner Paul Hodge spoke in favor of looking to reduce spending. Deputy Clerk Deann McCaffree noted that if commissioners questioned these totals after receiving claims figures, they could come in prior to the meeting or contact a department head to inquire on an expenditure. Payables were approved.
Special payables in the amount of $3,176.61 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $144,990.36 was approved.
Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey shared that her deputy, Sheila Smith, has officially been employed with the county for one year. She then asked that her pay increase to $16.90 per hour. Commissioners approved this request.
Resignation letters from two Salt Springs Township representatives were presented to commissioners. Tammy Talkington and Tina Kastning resigned effective Monday morning. Two potential candidates, Sherry Schaffer and Joan Penner, expressed willingness to fill the positions. both were approved. Penner will now serve as Treasurer and Schaffer will now serve as Clerk.
Minutes of March 25 meeting were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, April 8 at 9 a.m.
