The Greenwood County Commission revisited the topic of realigning four roadways in Greenwood County during their weekly meeting on Monday, March 31. The commission ultimately approved to begin the process of realigning the intersections of 190th Street and N Road, 150th Street and S Road, 150th Street and U Road and 90th Street and Q Road, 4-1 with Commissioner Roy Ballard voting no.
Prior to the vote, Joy Howell again addressed the commission, asking them to travel the area of 90th and Q and use common sense in making their decision. Levi Vinson, with Greenwood County Emergency Management, explained the mapping system from the federal government changing the roadways. For 90th Street, the roadway was actually changed in 2013 at the federal level to minor collector roads; however, for unknown reasons, the county didn’t note the change. Howell asked the commission to travel from the west on both 90th Street and 75th Street from Highway 99 before making a decision. She referenced the need for additional signage as the roadways narrow in places.
In recent years, there have been several conversations on if a road is to be maintained by the county or various townships. In 2022, Vinson began researching the numerous roads throughout the county and noted that in the 1990s the process of updating the changes recommended by the federal government stopped.
As the meeting progressed, Vinson asked the commission for a timeline on the four pending turnouts. He noted that crews would begin changing/placing signage throughout the county as the recently approved resolutions were published in The Eureka Herald. With grant funding being previously mentioned, the commission asked if those funds could be used for the realignment of the four intersections listed. Vinson noted that after reviewing the LTAP, the grant funding available is for major collector roads and not minor collector roads. Therefore, grant funding wouldn’t be available.
After referencing the safety concerns and reiterating that the federal and state levels have recommended these changes, the commission approved a motion, 4-1, to move forward with the realignment. Vinson noted that he would work with County Counselor Paul Dean to begin the realignment process.
Retraction from March 24 meeting: Regarding the road discussion, The Eureka Herald inadvertently noted that Howell and Jan Stephens addressed the commission regarding the 90th Street and Q Road intersection. However, it was Howell and Jan Stuber who were present at the March 24 meeting.
Eureka Fire Department Eureka City Fire Chief Luke Westerman updated the commission on the HV507 SFA 4x4 chassis, sharing the interest rate of 10% from Unruh Fire. This option, Option 2, would delay the payment on the chassis until next year’s budget year. However, Option 1 noted a 4.982% interest rate through Citizen’s State Bank, which has two branches in Greenwood County. Westerman again shared that a 20% down payment of $64,380 was due when the chassis arrived to Unruh Fire. The county’s portion is $42,877.08, with the City of Eureka paying $21,502. Chief Westerman stated that the city will invoice the county for their portion and the City of Eureka will make the down payment, as well as following the same method, beginning in February 2026 with payments for the remainder of the cost of the truck, which totaled $321,900.
Road and Bridge
During the road and bridge report, Supervisor Allen Greenwood shared various quotes on a trailer he is looking at adding to the fleet. The commission recommended Greenwood “put eyes” on the trailers to determine the exact trailer that would best service the department. A brief discussion was held regarding Baker Crossing. The discussion then shifted to an approach at 375th Street, 130th and U Road and BB Road. The commission held two executive sessions regarding legal matters on roads with Dean, Greenwood and Vinson. No action was taken following the executive session. Before adjourning the meeting, the commission again addressed various road and bridge projects with Greenwood.
Other Business
Clerk Deann McCaffree presented a bid to the commission from Advantage Computers.
The bid for five computers totaled $5,740, and was approved as presented. It was noted that funds for the computer in the server room would come from the General Fund; election computer would come from the Election Fund and the remaining funds would come out of the clerk’s budget.
County Resident Frank McCollum addressed the council regarding the intersection safety and bridge behind the dam. Before the commission responded, Counselor Dean stated the county has no legal interest in the bridge and would not discuss the topic further. McCollum then changed topics, asking the commission when the tax increases would reach a breaking point. He referenced the spending on fire trucks and roads and how neither brings jobs to the county.
After the publication of Resolution 2025-13, Vinson was informed that a description was missing for a half-mile portion of roadway in Pleasant Grove. The commission approved the Correction Resolution 2025-13, including the portion of 110th Street from GG50 to the county line. The corrected resolution will be published in next week’s edition.
Noxious Weed Interim Director Candice Baxter presented a bid for a generator for the noxious weed director. She noted that if power was lost and chemicals froze, the county would be eating the expense. It was noted that during the winter months, the county has approximately $100,000 worth of chemicals. Discussion was then held to wire the building with a transfer switch to use a portable generator and possibly add additional insulation to the building. Baxter was asked to gather additional quotes.
The commission approved Resolution 2025-37, Treasurer’s Tax Sale, which will allow the county to file and begin the process.
Two executive sessions, totaling 25 minutes, were held with Sheriff Heath Samuels and Counselor Dean for legal matters. No action was taken.
The commission held a 10-minute executive session with Dean, Vinson and Greenwood for legal matters- contract negotiations. No action was taken.
Commissioner Preston Evenson expressed interest in working with department heads to create listings for both replacement and maintenance items.
The commission approved the following: Special Payables for March 31, totaling $2,155.31; Payables for April 4, totaling $132,773.99; Payroll for April 4, totaling $160,778.31; and the March 24 meeting minutes as presented.
The Greenwood County Commission meets weekly at 9 a.m. on Mondays. Their next meeting is slated for Monday, April 7 at 9 a.m.
