The Greenwood County Commission addressed employee reimbursement rates, routine business and personnel matters during its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 26. Commissioners approved increases to mileage and meal per diem rates and entered two executive sessions.
During the clerk’s agenda, the commission discussed increasing the mileage and meal/per diem rate for employees. It was noted that the mileage rate is rarely used as the county recommends employees use county vehicles when attending various meetings. County Counselor Paul Dean stated that he believed the county had a policy in place that automatically increased the rate to mirror the State of Kansas’ mileage reimbursement rate; however, the commission did approve to increase the mileage rate from $0.70 to $0.725/mile, matching the current federal rate. Discussion was also held regarding the meal/per diem rates. Prior policy noted that employees received $50 a day ($25 per meal) and if training/ meetings were held where a higher rate was needed, the department head needed to request additional funds. The commission approved an increase in the meal/ per diem rate to $75 per day. It was noted that tips and alcohol would not be covered by the county.
Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings shared that he was awaiting responses for the sound system bids. He hopes to have those details in time for next week’s commission meeting. Rawlings also planned to distribute the winter weather closing policy to the department heads, which was signed last week.
The commission held two executive sessions, both for 15 minutes. The first was with commissioners and County Counselor Paul Dean to discuss the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The second was with Dean and County Appraiser Shawna Griffitts for personnel matters regarding complaints. No action was taken after either session.
The Jan. 19 meeting minutes, special payables for Jan. 26, totaling $2,449.31 and Resolution 26-03 (Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan repayment [an annual resolution]), were approved as presented.
Following the meeting, Commission Chair Preston Evenson expressed appreciation to county crews (both Road and Bridge and Courthouse employees) for their work following the recent winter weather.
The next Greenwood County Commission meeting is slated for Monday, Feb. 2, at 9 a.m.
