Interim Road and Bridge Supervisor John Schouten provided commissioners with a written report on the county recycling service on Monday, October 2, at their request.
During discussion, recycling was noted as a service that could be discontinued given high inflation rates. It was stated that there is sufficient work to maintain the recycling employee in other capacities, should the service be discontinued. At this time, it was noted that other counties/cities have moved away from this provision. Later in meeting proceedings, commissioners revised the subject before concluding their weekly meeting. Commissioner Ben Fox shared that almost half a mill per year goes toward this - $60,000 a year and the program only generates approximately $600 of this back.
Greenwood County provides recycling services to the cities of Severy, Hamilton and Eureka. As finances were noted, Commissioner Paul Hodge questioned if this was supposed to be money making or a service to the public. It was clarified that this was provided as a public service.
Sheriff Heath Samuels then explained that the county would not be saving the entirety of the sum noted as a good portion of the cost goes to pay the employee. Fox noted that the employee would be productive performing in other capacities. Commissioner Ballard noted that maintenance of the truck and fuel were also contributed toward the expense.
Commissioner Preston Evenson voiced concerns in regards to the potential issue of illegal dumping.
Commissioner Mac Obourn stated that he felt they should wait to provide time for public commentary.
In regards to this, Ballard commented that he felt they should approve the item and could later resend it if they decide differently. During discussion, it was noted that the county would not immediately sell the associated equipment. Commissioners voted to terminate the service 4-1, Evenson voting no. Greenwood County will no longer be providing recycling services beginning November 1. Batteries and paint will still be accepted.
The weekly Road and Bridge report was provided by Schouten. In work at 250th Street and AA Road, Schouten shared that this had been poured. In regards to the project at Tadpole Creek, Schouten shared that the department was going to be looking for a contractor to build fence back at the site. Commissioners approved Geotechnical Engineering for the bridge west of Short’s at $13,300. Evenson requested that a detour be looked into. In regards to the second bridge south of Neal, Schouten shared that there would be approximately a week’s worth of work rip wrapping this. Schouten noted he was unsure how soon they would be able to begin. In discussion of equipment, commissioners authorized spending up to $132,000 plus the 10% purple wave/ sellers fee for the purchase of a dump truck.
Sheriff Heath Samuels discussed a request following the recent passing of Bud Repstine. The county will be looking for a location to plant a tree on the courthouse lawn in honor of Repstine.
Melissa Landis with Empower House Ministries provided commissioners with an update Monday. When she last appeared before commissioners, Landis provided an overview of their program, which provides housing and drug recovery services. This week Landis reported that in August they had finally found a house to begin offering their service to men. She noted that the home found has 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and they had received a sizable grant, with a good portion of this funding to go towards this home. She told commissioners that they are hoping to have the house up and running November 1. She reminded commissioners that Greenwood County is in their service area and noted that the average length of stay for those they aid is approximately 150 days.
The previous request submitted in favor of closure of a portion of 310th Street was revisited.
It was shared that two parties had opposed the closure of a road. Legal Counsel Paul Dean commented that the parties seem to have legitimate reasoning for opposing the closure. Commissioners voted to deny the application for closure. Due to shared concerns reported that a fence had already been placed at the center of the roadway, Commissioner Ballard was to assess and later report back on the matter. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson spoke in favor of installing minimum maintenance signs at the entrances to the section of road.
On behalf of the estate associated with the property with a fencing issue near 400 highway, Janice Brown appeared before commissioners and shared that the property will be sold at auction in November. All cattle have been removed from the property. Legal Counsel Dean shared that it would need to be noted as it sells that the fence needs to be repaired/ replaced prior to cattle being released on the property.
In regards to the road previously discussed by a resident at Fall River, Ballard shared that this would not be moved as “the road is where it is.” Ballard noted that ditch work could be completed at the site to improve conditions. When Obourn expressed concerns, Vinson reported that this road was not originally laid out properly stating that satellite footage from 1959 shows that the road was roughly where it is today.
Commissioner Hodge referenced the crossing at 60th Street near J Road, noting that the township had asked if anything was going to be done to this. Work had previously been stopped due to concerns from a land owner pertaining to liability. Commissioners discussed talking to land the owner about their concerns.
Vinson noted that previously had the county engineer as well as representatives from the state at the location and all agreed that no amount of mitigation would prevent flooding due to elevation.
Resignation was received from outgoing Greenwood County Hospital Board member Lucas- Herb-Mullin. A recommendation for a new member to serve in the seat was provided in the resignation letter. Commissioners elected to revisit this at their next meeting.
Agriculture Agent Ben Sims provided the Extension update. Sims discussed upcoming programs, including: November 14, coyote management and trapping meeting and December 16, livestock production workshop. Sims noted that 67 entries from the Greenwood County Fair went on to the State Fair. Sims shared that there are two new 4-H Ambassadors Brooke Gaines and Addison Westerman and noted that the Achievement Banquet will be at Hamilton School on November 28.
In regards to merit increases and future planning, for 2024 fiscal year, commissioners discussed department heads conducting employee evaluations in December. Commissioners would then evaluate department heads when they present findings for employees.
A 10-minute executive session was requested by Noxious Weed Director, Jenifer West, for discussion of non-elected personnel. Following the session, West shared that employee Robert Cohen had earned Household Hazardous Waste certification. Commissioners approved moving Cohen from $18 to $18.50 per hour.
Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings requested a 10-minute executive session for personnel. No decisions were made following the session.
Following a five-minute break, Commissioners held a 10-minute executive session for discussion of non-elected personnel. No action was taken following the session.
A 10-minute executive session pertaining to personnel evaluation was held. Following the session, no action was taken.
Payables in the amount of $265,429.45 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $134,721.16 was approved.
Minutes of the September 25 meeting were approved.
Commissioners reviewed the August fee report.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, October 10 at 9 a.m.
