The Greenwood County Commission held a routine weekly meeting on Monday, June 2, where they discussed budget proposals, a social media push and routine business.
Commissioners again heard from Levi Vinson, with Emergency Management, regarding the social media and website push. This week, Vinson was joined by Madison Morris who will be taking on the social media role. It was noted that the primary goal was to increase engagement with the community. Morris, with the commission's blessing, will be meeting with the departments to be able to feature employee/ department spotlights each month. Morris stated that she had created a timeline of which department would be featured. She also noted that she plans to attend community events to take photos and get the community involved with the page using interactive posts/polls. Discussion was also held regarding the county's website. Vinson noted that four people have the login information and can update those details, however, approval must be given by department heads before moving forward. Clerk Deann McCaffree also noted that department heads could contact Taylor Hunt, website developer, to make those changes. The county's website can be viewed by visiting www. greenwoodcounty.org. Following a fiveminute executive session for personnel matters, employee evaluation, with Vinson and County Counselor Paul Dean, the commission made a motion for new Noxious Weed Director Randy Knight to be covered by insurance effective June 1. Clerk McCaffree stated that standard protocol for insurance coverage is the first of the month, following 30-days of employment.
Budgets were presented by Ben Sims and Jamie Lindamood for Greenwood County Extension. Sims also presented a budget for the 4-H Foundation. The extension noted an increase of $8,000, where the 4-H Foundation
request remained the same as last year. Sheriff Samuels presented budget requests for the sheriff's office, E911 Budget and Juvenile. He noted the primary increase for the sheriff's office related to the personnel wages and benefits, referencing the 10% suggested allotment for insurance costs. The Emergency Management budget discussion was tabled until a future meeting.
Sheriff Samuels presented an employment verification form for Andrew Penland as a sheriff deputy at $18.90/ hour. See related article on Deputy Penland.
The commission held a 15-minute executive ses - sion for personnel matters (no subject provided) with EMS Director Brian Mon - geau and County Counsel - or Dean. No action taken.
It was reiterated that all county vehicles have to be marked as Greenwood County vehicles. Clerk McCaffree noted she was going to check on the de - cals for the vehicles at
the courthouse. Mongeau shared that he contacted the company to do the let- tering, however, he is no longer able to get in contact with the company. He has switched companies and has approved the total. He is working on getting the installation scheduled.
Commissioner Roy Bal lard stated he had received a call from a resident in - quiring about the appeals process. It was noted that the caller referenced the recently approved tower near Madison. It was not - ed that those wishing to appeal approval needed to do so between the zoning board approval and the commission approval. No appeals were submitted during that time. It was also shared that a legal no tice was published in the county newspapers, which are also available to view for free at www.kansas -
publicnotices.com
Health Director Jayme Lewis shared information regarding the Everfull pro -
gram. See related article.
The May 19 meeting minutes were approved as presented. Following the meeting, the commission held a work session with Darren Theel with Theel Insur ance and Financial Services to discuss health in- surance.
During the meeting, several separate conversations were held while the commission continued discussion on various topics, making it difficult to follow the meeting at times.
May 27 Meeting
During their weekly meeting on Tuesday, May 27, the commission heard from Vinson with Emergency Management regarding a shift in social media coverage. Vinson shared data regarding the younger generations and how many of them get their "news" from social media avenues. With that in mind, Vinson stated that employee Morris has ideas on how to increase the number of people visiting the county's Facebook page while sharing tidbits about each county department. Vinson noted that with there being 12 departments, Morris hopes to feature one business per month, as well as create an interactive page featuring questions and polls. The commission was in support of this effort. Editor’s note: It was also mentioned at this time that “no one reads the paper.” After the editor shared that was incorrect info, it was shared that “only the ones with subscriptions.” The Eureka Herald would like to clarify that many people continue to be invested in community happenings, including local government, and read the articles/various minutes, legal notices and ads about those governing bodies. We thank our subscribers, those who purchase the paper through various racks in the community, as well as those who visit area businesses and read their copies. Your continued support is what keeps us going.
Due to heavy rainfall over the Memorial Day weekend, Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood was unavailable during the meeting, however, Vinson shared that the state made a surprise visit to the Landfill and Household Hazardous Waste for a surprise inspection and didn't find any issues to report. In old business, the commissioners revisited the discussion on Granite, a company that provides internet/phone service.
The Greenwood County Sheriff's Office still utilizes the service, however, other departments are no longer using that provider but are still paying for the services. It is believed that the contract was renewed automatically. The clerk's office recently requested a copy of the contract and plans to review the matter further. During this week’s meeting, it was shared that the county hadn’t received a response from a recent letter they sent.
In new business, discussion was held regarding budget planning. It was noted that the department heads should plan for a 3% Cost Of Living Adjustment, 2% Merit and 10% for insurance.
The commission held an executive session, totaling 10 minutes, for personnel matters (no subject included) with County Counselor Dean.
The commission then held two executive sessions, totaling 15 minutes, with Dean for legal matters. A fourth session was called for personnel matters (no subject included), with Dean. No action was made after any of the executive sessions.
The May 12 meeting minutes, Payroll for $149,987.91; special payables for $1,007.47 and regular payables for $159,485.52, were approved as presented.
The commission meets weekly on Mondays at 9 a.m., with their next meeting scheduled for Monday, June 9 at 9 a.m.
