After the previous receipt of a favorable outlook towards earlier planning for the next fiscal year’s budget, the county is looking to begin this process. As budget planning and preparation was slated to begin, Greenwood County Clerk Kathy Robison asked if raises should be factored in by each department head. Cost of living is to be considered at a later date by commissioners and any merit increases earned were instructed to be included by department heads. After budgets are drafted, the county will later look at factoring in insurance.
In his weekly overview of operations, Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood sought commission approval for hiring Cody White full time for the landfill position at $15 an hour. Commissioners approved the employment. A. Greenwood presented a request on behalf of a property owner wanting to know if the county would afford for a new septic system, although the property is not within the minimum acreage designated by the county regulations. It was shared that the property in question is located close to the Madison city limits and has never been occupied by a dwelling. Mayor for the City of Madison Paul Dean commented on the matter, noting that if it were feasible to complete, he wouldn’t have a problem with this being hooked to city sewer, but he believes it would be a challenge given location. Commissioner Preston Evenson noted that if it were not feasible for this to be added to the city sewer, given concerns about lack of space for septic, a holding tank would be the potential option if it were minimally used. Dean noted the individual could look at the option of working out the purchase of a little more land to afford for septic to be added. A. Greenwood next reported that the Damage Assessment Report had been sent to the state. The state will let Road and Bridge know their determination, but A. Greenwood told commissioners that he is not expecting a quick response. As the item was discussed, A. Greenwood noted that Road and Bridge had worked to get everything passable and addressed follow recent storms. He noted that they still have crews out fixing roads and cleaning out bridges. A. Greenwood reported to commissioners that he continues to await a response from the Corps of Engineers. Commissioner Hodge shared that an issue at a culvert on South State Street was being experienced.
He told A. Greenwood that the road keeps washing out near the entrance to a county resident’s property.
Discussion of the road viewing in Reece, held following last week’s regular meeting, was brought to the floor. Commissioner Mac Obourn then stepped down from the commission stand to join the public section, as he is a property owner affiliated with the matter. Commissioner Evenson requested that Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey be present to aid in discussion of the subject. Maps of the site were reviewed as the subject was discussed. Maintaining an access route to the Obourn’s property and avenues of partial closure that would accommodate this were reviewed. Evenson requested that this subject be included on the agenda for next week. The subject was tabled to be revisited next week. Obourn returned to the commission stand for remainder of agenda items.
The tipping fee for disposal of accepted materials at the landfill was discussed. It was noted that currently, the county affords for waiver of the fee for non-profit organizations. Discussion was had in regards to discontinuing the waiver of fees unless a severe weather event has occurred. Reasoning to this potential action were streamlining/makes it straight forward and due to the expense involved. It was shared that there is an expense associated with the need for opening a new cell for continued dumping. Commissioners will revisit this next week, allowing time for input and for further consideration of the expense associated with opening another cell.
Top Hand Youth Rodeo (THYRA) Representatives Katie Greenwood and Shellie Decker were present to discuss the annual event series and request a monetary contribution. This is the third year of the rodeo which is hosted at the Eureka Saddle Club Arena. Included within rodeo events are rough stock, bulls, barrels, poles, goats, chute dogging and mutton busting. There are five rodeo weekends. While in the community, participating families support/ utilize local businesses and the organization provides them with a list of businesses. K. Greenwood noted that they hope to bring the community to the rodeo event. It was shared that families are asked to save their cans and Don Fanning comes to collect them to benefit the Honor Flight program. Commissioner Hodge questioned why the Saddle Club charges THYRA rent. K. Greenwood noted that they want to help support the local Saddle Club, adding that they have expenses for maintenance of the arena including trash and water. Decker told commissioners that, new last year, THYRA had a drawing for participating families who could turn in a receipt from a local purchase made to enter to win the drawing. They noted that roughly $10,000 in purchases had been totaled from those who entered to win. Commissioners approved donating $2,000 for this season.
Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings proposed to give janitor Janeen Baumburger a raise after completion of 90-days of employment with the county. Commissioners approved increasing her from $13.50 to $15 an hour.
Certificate of expenses for the election was approved to be turned in to the state for the amount of $9,550.66.
A request was received from Corner House, Inc. for the annual allocation of alcohol funds collected. Commissioners approved the distribution of a portion of the fund in the amount of $2,500.
Commissioner Ben Fox shared that a local business had reached out in regards to Eureka Days. Rock’s 54 Tire and Oil was requesting county consent to set up inflatables on the courthouse lawn. No opposition was voiced to this.
Payables in the amount of $161,112.69 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $149,139.85 was approved.
Minutes of the May 6 meeting were approved as written.
Greenwood requested an executive session for discussion of personnel for 15 minutes. No decisions were made following the session.
Rawlings requested a five-minute executive session for discussion of personnel. No decisions were made following the session.
A five-minute executive session was held for legal discussion. No decisions were made following the session.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, May 20 at 9 a.m.
