Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood reported to Greenwood County Commissioners during their weekly meeting that the Short bridge, located at 255th Street and U Road, will close Tuesday, Sept. 3 for scheduled work. This is anticipated to be completed in mid-February.
Greenwood shared that recent crew operations have included beginning patch work to cracks in the Lake Road. Bids for needed teeth for the equipment attachment discussed last week were received and presented. Commissioners voted to proceed with the bid from CAT for approximately $3,960. Commissioners proposed the concept of Road and Bridge moving to 8-hour days seasonally. Greenwood noted that 10-hour days were needed. Commissioner Paul Hodge referenced the low water bridge south of Eureka, inquiring about putting a bridge in at the location. Greenwood was asked to speak with contracted Engineer Michael Maris on this item.
Greenwood shared that he had contacted two land surveyors for a quote for surveying road curves at intersection corners the county is looking to remove. Curve locations noted included: two on the old highway near Eureka (straightening this out and making a T intersection was discussed); one at 150th and U Road and one at 90th Street and Q Road. Greenwood shared that he had not heard back from BHC in regards to figures, but GeoTech anticipated $500 per site and noted that the total wouldn’t be over $2,500 for all. Commissioner Roy Ballard noted during discussion that he didn’t think conducting surveys was necessary.
Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson explained that surveys would be advisable when deeding land back, which requires a legal description. Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey supported having sites surveyed. Legal Counsel Paul Dean noted that for such roads that fall on section lines, they could describe what the county is retaining and can deed interest to the corner to the property owner. Dean later noted that, in regards to the two curves on the former highway, Dean noted it would make more sense to survey this. Commissioners approved surveying all of these for legal descriptions. This passed 4-1, with Ballard voting no.
Sherry Shaffer with the Salt Springs Township was present seeking advice from commissioners. Shaffer explained that since she and the present treasurer have taken over on the Township Board, inconsistencies and some questionable spending for the 2023 fiscal year have been identified. Shaffer explained that the audit for the year had not been finished and they are now expecting penalties due to delayed completion of financial forms. After being told multiple times over an extended period that the township would have completed accounting the following week, the township picked up their stuff from the business in Olathe and took it to an accounting firm based more locally. Shaffer went on to explain that the township’s computer had been received from the previous treasurer and was described as being blank. She then questioned how to proceed. Dean recommended they ask for a refund from the company that did not complete the accounting services. Shaffer was then advised to turn over issues to law enforcement. She further explained having record of being billed for Quick Books and this not being on the computer. Commissioner Ben Fox advised her to contact Intuit and noted that all of the information would probably still be there. Shaffer noted that workman’s compensation had been allowed to lapse and they are working to get this back. Commissioners recommended the township seek legal advice.
Vinson discussed ongoing work in mapping out roadways within Greenwood County. Vinson shared that he had made a list of roads needing a resolution which had come to 79 in total which were identified. These were compiled, not only of open roads with gates across them (15 roads), but also inaccurately taxed roads. Vinson noted that there are open roads that have been reflected as closed roads, which need to be added to the map. In regards to these, Sheriff Heath Samuels noted that such roads could be visited and those that should in fact be closed could be identified. A consensus was reached by commissioners that for open roads with gates across them, a letter is to be drafted and sent for the gate to be removed or the property owner will have the option to petition for closure.
Sheriff Samuels discussed the work that his department has been doing over the last several years to reduce recidivism in the jail. After noting that this was spearheaded by Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness, Samuels noted that they have helped several individuals in the community and reported that Greenwood County had reached the point in the process of becoming an Innovator County – where they would serve as a mentor for other counties. Commissioners approved becoming an Innovator County.
Following regular business, Commissioners entered into a Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) Hearing and Budget Hearing pertaining to the 2025 budget.
During the RNR hearing, held as mills for 2025 are to exceed the neutral rate, a roll-call vote was conducted, with all commissioners voting in favor of exceeding the RNR. A Resolution (number not established before approval and to be added later) reflecting the levy is to exceed the RNR was approved. Following the RNR Hearing, Commissioners opened their Budget Hearing. With no public commentary received at this time, the budget was approved for 2025.
Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings requested a five-minute executive session for personnel. Following the session, commissioners approved maintenance going to four 10-hour days at the discretion of Rawlings. Coverage seven days a week was also stipulated.
A five-minute executive session for legal discussion was requested by Greenwood. Following the session, no action was taken.
Local resident Ron Mayes provided a comment in regards to taxation. Mayes told commissioners that land owners are being “taxed out of existence.” He referenced the commission desk and commented that items such as this aren’t needed. Before concluding, Mayes noted that too much money was being thrown away.
Special payables in the amount of $380.75 were approved.
Minutes of Aug. 12 and Aug. 19 were approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 3
