On Monday, December 18, Greenwood County Commissioners heard from County Clerk Kathy Robison in regards to election security and equipment. Robison shared that a grant had been awarded for election security. The total project for the amount of $33,550.30, the county paying 10% and the state reimbursing for 90%, would go towards needed work to secure election equipment and would also include locking file cabinets and a trailer to transport equipment. Commissioners approved to proceed with the grant project.
In discussion of election equipment, Robison reported that the county would be needing additional equipment for the coming presidential election. Commissioners were provided with bids which included the purchase of new poll books as the ones currently possessed are outdated the total for 12 at $955 each was shared at $47,455. These are electronic sign-in tablets. The total for needed equipment, including the poll books, was $75,000. Robison noted that funding was available in the department’s equipment reserve to cover a majority of the cost. She asked that the remaining dollars be loaned from the general account, with hopes of the end-ofyear transfer covering the total to replace this. Robison explained that a Presidential Primary Preference Selection would be held in March. This will replace the caucuses. It was noted during discussion that updated equipment must be obtained to be in compliance with regulations. Commissioners approved to proceed.
During the weekly Road and Bridge report, Superintendent John Schouten presented the county solid waste management plan for annual approval. Following review, commissioners approved the plan. Schouten shared that tire trouble on the loader at the landfill had been experienced. Three quotes were received to address this: $6,349 for repair, if able, and two bids for replacement, $8,674 and $11,400. Commissioners voted to proceed with repair. The bridge near Fall River dam was revisited. After commissioners discussed the item, it was noted that they would be looking to restrict access to foot/bicycle traffic. Schouten shared that an applicant is anticipated to come in this week. As the meeting progressed, commissioners inquired about barrel trailers. Schouten noted that they have been looking into pricing and obtaining one in the future.
Commissioner Preston Evenson brought the bridge at U Road and 100th Street to the floor, revisiting discussion, asking that Schouten reach out to the Corps of Engineers. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson then shared an update, explaining that questions had been submitted back to the state and an official response is anticipated following the first of the year.
Commissioners discussed the fence viewing held following their previous meeting. Sheriff Heath Samuels shared that his recommendation would be new fence along AA Road and additional repair to documented areas that have issues. A letter will be drafted to order that the fence be addressed. The fence must be brought to minimum standards. The individual will be given three weeks to do so. This was approved.
One bid was received for the County dinner. Commissioners opened the bid received from TNT Catering for a brisket meal for the amount of $16 per plate and approved this. The dinner will be held for county employees on December 29.
Robison shared that evaluations had been completed for county employees. Still pending were the commissioners’ reviews of each non-elected department head.
Holiday schedules and vacation pertaining to departments operating on a 10-hour work schedule were discussed for potential changes to the employee handbook. No action was taken at this time. Commissioners are to review the policy further and discuss it in January.
Commissioner Roy Ballard notified fellow officials that he was contacted with an inquiry regarding whether or not the county has an improvement board. Ballard explained that the individual is needing additional electrical power to their business as it requires more than can currently be provided at the location. Installation of the needed line would be $78,000. The individual was inquiring if the county could aid in the search for resources- grant aid or financial assistance. After it was noted that the county doesn’t have an official grant writer, commissioners discussed reaching out to the City of Eureka to discuss the issue for potential advisement.
Following a 5-minute break, it was shared that the deed had been transferred for the property being obtained by Home Bank and Trust. A request for waiver of tipping fee was previously presented during last week’s meeting. Commissioner Paul Hodge voiced opposition to the county continuing to waive the fee for businesses. This was later revisited at the suggestion of Register of Deeds Marsha Ramsey. It was then suggested that commissioners look to adopt this policy beginning at the first of the year. Commissioners approved to waive the fee in a 4-1 decision, Commissioner Mac Obourn voting no.
Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings shared that roof damage on the north end of the building had been repaired while the company was here completing scheduled work.
Job descriptions for the Road Foreman and Public Works Administrator positions were approved.
Special payables in the amount of $78,867 was approved.
The November Fee Report was presented for review.
GSI Engineering Annual Sampling Report: provided for review Appraiser’s Office employee Shawna Griffitts requested a 15-minute executive session for the subject of non-elected personnel. Following the session, no action was taken.
An executive session for non-elected personnel was held for 10 minutes. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Commissioner Obourn asked that fellow officials take a look at a program called Smart Dollar by Dave Ramsey. Obourn noted he thought this would benefit county employees and also asked that the department heads take a look at this as well.
A 5-minute executive session for personnel was held with Rawlings. Following the session, no decisions were made.
A 5-minute executive session for discussion of personnel was held with Schouten. Following the session, no decisions were made.
A 5-minute executive session was held for discussion of personnel including Vinson. Following the return to regular session, no action was taken. Before concluding their meeting, commissioners later advised that Vinson had earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security in 2022. Reflecting this, commissioners increased his pay to $60,000 for the coming year.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commission will be held Friday, December 29 at 9 a.m.
