Following the conclusion of regular meeting agenda items on Monday, Aug. 19, Greenwood County Commissioners adjourned to Election Canvass. Commissioners voted to accept the two Provisionals recommended for approval and rejected those recommended for rejection. Winners from this year’s primary election will appear on the November General Election ballot.
Regular Business Items During the weekly County Commission meeting, Legal Counsel Paul Dean provided an update on pending paperwork pertaining to minimum maintenance roads. Dean shared that those needing approved for designation were being compiled into one legal document before being presented. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson added that research is being done to ensure that none on the list of roads have previously been approved so the county is not duplicating efforts.
Commissioner Paul Hodge brought up Q Road and 90th Street in reference to survey consideration and expense. Removal of unneeded corner turning lanes was a subject of discussion during previous commission meetings. Vinson noted that they were looking at what the cost would be for intersection surveys for safety as this would result in changing the flow of traffic. He noted that the second location where this is being looked at is on 150th Street and U Road. Vinson noted that Contracted Engineer Michael Maris was slated to email estimates for the surveys, but these had not yet been received. Estimates are still to be presented, but some opposition was voiced to holding surveys.
Employee verification for the Treasurer’s office was presented for incoming staff member Staci Crumrine for $15 an hour, full-time. Commissioners approved the verification.
Employee verification for the Register of Deeds Office was presented for Paige Neighbors, beginning this Wednesday, to serve as Office Clerk at $14.50 full-time. This was approved.
Sheriff Heath Samuels presented a pay rate change for a department employee, Jeremiah Andrews. Samuels explained that the staff member has taken on additional duties involved with evidence logging and preparation for court and presented a $1 increase per hour. Commissioners approved the increase from $18.30 to $19.30 an hour.
Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey brought an item for consideration to commissioners. Ramsey noted that herself and commissioners along with additional staff were all bonded for liability. She then asked if commissioners had looked at the total coverage for this. After posing this question, Ramsey asked how much legal work the county would get for $10,000. During further discussion, it was noted that this figure has been the same since 2001. Dean commented this would be a few days’ worth of work. He then, however, added that he believed Kansas County Association Multiline Pool (KCAMP) will cover beyond this and this coverage should be more than sufficient. This item was to be reviewed to ensure coverage.
A 10-minute executive session for employee performance was taken by commissioners with Dean remaining. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Commissioner Mac Obourn relayed that the City of Eureka had compiled a list of expenses which have been incurred in relation to Eureka Downs and noted he anticipated this being presented at the Greenwood County Community Center (GCCC) meeting on Aug. 28.
Commissioner Ben Fox reported that the new camera system had been installed in the courthouse.
Special payables, in the amount of $1,152.82; Payables in the amount of $208,591.97; Payroll in the amount of $155,629.98; and the Aug. 5 meeting minutes were approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, Aug. 16 at 9 a.m.
