Following two executive sessions totaling 20 minutes for personnel matters on Monday, Jan. 13, the Greenwood County Commissioners approved for Greenwood County Health Department Administrator Vicki Lindsey to step down from her administrative role and serve the department as a registered nurse and move recently re-hired Jayme Lewis back into the role as administrator. The vote was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Preston Evenson voting no. After Clerk Deann McCaffree posed a question regarding pay changes, now chairman Mac Obourn stated, “not at this time.” Lindsey noted training will begin with hopes of being completed by March.
In old business, the commission approved the overall 3% Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) and merit raises for hourly employees, as submitted by department heads. The decision was made after a five-minute executive session with County Counselor Paul Dean for personnel matters.
With various township positions not having enough votes during the November 2024 general election, the Greenwood County Commissioners approved the following appointments: Eureka Township, Troy Fisher, Treasurer; Salem Township, Barney Nordmeyer, Treasurer; South Salem Township, Mark Hendrickson, Trustee; Spring Creek Township, Jeff Zimmers, Clerk. These were all approved 5-0. For Bachelor Township, two names were submitted for the trustee; however, the commission approved for Eric Bitler to serve as the Clerk, 4-1, with Commissioner Ron Mast voting no.
Following discussion of increasing wages to a minimum of $15/hour, the commission approved an employment verification for Andrew Westerman, part-time EMT, at $13.86/ hour. The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Roy Ballard voting no. He later noted that the vote was based on the pay rate. Discussion was also held regarding part-time EMS staff and transfer concerns. Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau shared that the majority of his part-time staff also have full-time positions elsewhere. He also noted that he has eight to nine part-time employees; however, two of them are currently active.
Ron Rader again addressed the board regarding the open road on his property. Rader shared that the map updated by Emergency Management notes the road as open; however, the online Geographic Information System (GIS) map doesn’t show it as an open road. Rader would like for the road to be closed. County Counselor Dean interjected by saying, “It’s open because you and your neighbor can’t agree on this.” Dean further stated that this item would be going to court and wouldn’t be litigated during a commission meeting. A five-minute executive session followed for legal matters with Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson and Dean, who referenced roads as the subject. An additional five minutes was added for legal matters with the commission and Dean. No action was taken after either session. Following the meeting, it was shared with The Herald that the GIS Map doesn’t have the updated items included yet.
It was shared with the commission that the annual Township meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 19, at 6 p.m., at Memorial Hall in Eureka.
Newly elected officials, Sheriff Heath Samuels, Register of Deeds Sheila Smith and Commissioners Mast and Judd Everitt, were given the Oath of Office, following the Pledge of Allegiance. Clerk McCaffree received the oath before the meeting by Judge Phyllis Webster.
Following the oath, Commissioner Evenson presented Marsha Ramsey with a plaque for her 42 years of service with Greenwood County and the Register of Deeds department.
Commissioners approved for Obourn to serve as the Chairman and Commissioner Evenson to serve as vicechairman. Additional reorganizational items will be discussed during next week’s meeting.
Minutes of the Dec. 31, 2024, and Jan. 6 meetings were approved as presented.
Special Payables totaling $1,366.69 were approved.
The next Greenwood County Commission meeting is slated for Monday, Jan. 20, at 9 a.m.
