A temporary road closure, ongoing pay scale discussion and a donation to a community event were the main topics during the weekly Greenwood County Commission meeting on Monday, April 20.
Officials announced that a low-water bridge failure has forced the closure of Q Road between 290th and 330th Streets near Burkett, with repairs expected to be completed by the end of the week.
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Commissioners also contin- ued conversations on main - taining a conservative pay scale approach while ensuring county wages remain competitive, alongside ap - proving community support.
Discussion continued on the pending pay scale. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson stated he would like to see the commission continue with a conserva - tive approach, further noting that it is easier to go up than it is to go back down. He further noted that Greenwood County does have competi - tive wages, noting that as a county, the median pay for hourly employees is $18.74/ hour, with the Greenwood County employee median pay being $19.49/hour. Commissioners also noted they would like to separate budget discussions for department heads, rather than have them on the same day.
The commission heard from Top Hand Youth Rodeo Association (THYRA) representatives Katie Greenwood and Shelly Decker. The THYRA will host their fifth year of rodeos this year, consisting of five weekends/ten rodeos, with the first rodeo on May 30-31 and finals slated for Sept. 5-6. THYRA strives to provide an opportunity for youth ages 18 and younger to participate in rodeo events. Greenwood explained that participants have the opportunity to receive t-shirts and jackets and earn rewards for competition. Greenwood said that THYRA is expecting an increased number of participants this year. All THYRA events are held at the Eureka Saddle Club Arena, 1427 Q Road, in Eureka. Additional information and a schedule can be found at tophandyouthrodeo.com.
The commission approved donating $2,000 to THYRA, as in previous years.
It was noted that Otter Creek Township had shared paperwork regarding a road closure; however, the property owner hadn't filled out the necessary county paperwork at the clerkâs office. Commissioner Ron Mast planned to reach out to the property owner.
Noxious Weed Director Debi Selfridge presented quotes for a spray truck, however commissioners asked her to acquire additional bids, noting different specifications. Selfridge will present updated quotes at a future meeting.
A five-minute executive session was held for personnel (evaluation) with the commissioners, County Health Director Jayme Lewis and County Counselor Paul Dean via telephone. No action was taken.
Appreciation was given to all who assisted in making the SEK District meeting a success last week. A total of 17 counties were invited to the spring conference, with representatives from 16 counties attending the meeting, which was held at multiple locations on Thursday, April 16.
The April 13 meeting minutes and the April 20 special payable, totaling $8,554.01, were approved as presented.
On calendar events, the National Day of Prayer is planned for May 7, from 12-1 p.m. at the Greenwood County Courthouse Gazebo.
The next Greenwood County Commission meeting is slated for Monday, April 27, at 9 a.m.
