Routine business was discussed during the weekly Greenwood County Commission meeting on Monday of this week, with several departments sharing updates.
Clerk Deann McCaffree asked the commission if they would like to continue the same holiday bonus as last year. The commission approved to do the same, which will give full-time employees $150 and part-time employees $75. The bonuses will be included in the Dec. 12 payroll.
During the Road and Bridge report, Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson shared an e-mail that was received from Engineer Michael Maris. It was noted that Maris had reviewed the stone arch bridge F Road on 130th Street and shared that a low water crossing would be the best option. Commission Chair Mac Obourn stated that he had spoken with several people in the area and they aren’t thrilled with the idea of the low water bridge and would like to keep the arch bridge. Further discussion was held regarding the process of bridges becoming historic by the state.
The commission directed road and bridge staff to gather bids for various options for bridge replacement as well as to look at repairing a trailer over purchasing a newer one for hauling equipment.
A social media update from Madison Morris was shared with the commission. She noted that recent events have surged views and followers to the county’s pages. Morris also asked the commission to participate in an Ugly Sweater contest on Monday, Dec. 22, with the community voting on social media for the best Ugly Sweater. Commissioners agreed to participate.
The third quarter financial report was presented and approved for publication; it will be published in next week’s edition.
The commission held a five-minute executive session for personnel, regarding the leave policy, with Clerk McCaffree. Another five-minute executive session was held for personnel, no justification provided, with County Fire Chief Glenn Collinge. No action was taken after either session. Although not included in either motion, County Counselor Paul Dean remained for both executive sessions.
The commission later approved for leave donation between employees, within the same department.
Health Director Jayme Lewis presented an employee status pay change for Morris. Lewis stated Morris had been with the department for three years and was set for a pay raise. The commission noted that this should be presented during December with end-of-year reports.
EMS Director Brian Mongeau shared that he will be advertising for a full-time position as one of the technicians has stepped down; however, the employee will continue to work part-time. Discussion was also held regarding open positions at Road and Bridge, as they are looking for two or three more employees.
Commissioner Judd Everitt shared that a hospital board vacancy was approaching as he believed a current member planned to resign. Everitt noted that in previous months, he had been approached by JJ Smith who expressed interest in serving on the hospital board. Everitt planned to share the information with the hospital board during their November meeting, which was slated for Tuesday of this week.
Open enrollment insurance for full-time county employees was Tuesday, Nov. 25.
The commissioners approved the Nov. 17 meeting minutes and presentation of claims, including the regular payables t o t a ling $ 181,173.02 and regular payroll totaling $161,412.95, as presented.
The courthouse is closed this Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The next meeting for the Greenwood County Commission is Monday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m.
