During their year-end meeting held on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, Greenwood County Commissioners were notified of a crack in the boiler of the Courthouse/Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office heating system.
Commissioner Preston Evenson reported that the boiler had cracked. Evenson commented that he believed it was time for a new boiler and noted that the unit was 40 years old. It was noted that greater efficiency was anticipated with a new unit. Evenson told fellow commissioners that County Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings was working on sealing the crack.
The subject was later discussed with Rawlings, who noted he was looking to get bids for replacement of the boiler. He explained that the crack was located between the third and fourth section of the boiler and is leaking on the topside. The current unit is a 1983 boiler. Commissioners spoke in favor of looking for bids Road and Bridge Superintendent John Schouten provided a brief report on Road and Bridge. In addition to work cleaning bridges and trying to address washouts, Schouten reported that a new employee would begin work Tuesday, Jan. 2. Following a question from commissioner Mac Obourn, Schouten noted that surplus equipment for the department is listed with Gavel Roads and they have historically worked with the company. In regards to auctions, Commissioner Ben Fox noted he would rather see Road and Bridge utilize a local county-based service.
Year-End Transfers Ambulance: EMS Director Brian Mongeau reported that they were under budget and cashwise, had done better than the previous year. Transfer of $30,000 to the EMS equipment reserve was approved.
This was later rescinded as the final payroll was not accounted for.
Emergency Preparedness: Transfer of $16,000 to Emergency Management equipment reserve and remaining to insurance freedom claims account. Remaining dollars after payroll of $1,000 was transferred.
Greenwood County Fire: Transfer of $40,000 into the fire equipment reserve.
Noxious weed: Transfer of $30,000 to the equipment reserve. This was later rescinded, with $26,000 being approved for transfer to the equipment reserve and $4,000 to insurance freedom claims account.
Household Hazardous Waste: Transfer of $10,000 to the equipment reserve.
Appraiser: Transfer of $16,000 to their equipment reserve. This was later rescinded and $16,000 was transferred to insurance freedom claims.
Register of Deeds: Transfer of $10,000 to the Register of Deeds equipment reserve. This was later rescinded and commissioners approved $5,000 being transferred to equipment reserve and $5,000 to the insurance freedom claims account.
Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office: Transfer of $50,000 to SO equipment reserve, $50,000 to the insurance freedom claims account and $40,000 to the new jail fund.
Solid Waste: transfer of $15,000 to special bridge capital project fund. This was later rescinded and commissioners approved transferring $15,000 to insurance freedom claims.
Recycling: No transfer made.
Road and Bridge: Transfer of $150,000 to special bridge capital project account, $50,000 to special highway and $200,000 to special machinery fund.
County Clerk’s Office: for Election - transfer of $25,000 to equipment reserve and $2,000 to insurance freedom claims fund. Clerk’s Office transfer of $10,000 to equipment reserve and $5,000 to insurance freedom claims account.
Health Department: No transfer was made. This was later rescinded and $7,000 was transferred to insurance freedom claims fund.
County general: Transfer of $50,000 to insurance freedom claims account. This was later rescinded and $65,000 was transferred to insurance freedom claims account.
Attorney: $10,000 to attorney equipment reserve and $20,000 to insurance freedom claims account.
During this time, Greenwood County Attorney Jill Gillett provided a year-end update for commissioners regarding department operations. Gillett Referenced the cyberattack to the state court system and commented that her staff has been twice as busy since then, adding that they have went above and beyond. She explained that her office has maintained paper files and this has proved to be beneficial in light of this.
Gillett explained that as the court system comes back online, this will ease the workload they have had since October.
Treasurer: $10,000 to equipment reserve and $10,000 to insurance freedom claims account.
Note: To offset increase and fully fund insurance for the year, the county had to meet a minimum balance for the freedom claims account. Transfers were rescinded to allocate additional dollars towards this.
A 10-minute executive session was held with Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey for discussion of personnel. Following the session, no action was taken.
Regular Business
The retainer for Jarrad Gilmore and Phillips public accountant for audit services was approved.
Cereal Malt Beverage license renewals for Pete’s number 53, on 400 Highway, and for Jim and Lila’s Café were approved.
Commissioners approved proceeding with the 5% COLA and 2% merit increases.
Payables in the amount of $154,851.64 were approved.
Special payables in the amount of $17,980.93 were approved.
Commissioners approved payroll for the amount of $135,491.93.
Minutes of the Dec. 18, 2023 meeting were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held Monday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m.
