The Greenwood County Commission addressed road damage, an upcoming floodplain mapping open house and county communication concerns during its regular meeting Monday, June 1.
Road and Bridge Administrative Assistant Kassie Lazar discussed damage to a double-tinhorn crossing at GG Road and 290th Street that washed out during recent storms. Commissioners noted the crossing has been reset approximately 10 times over the past 12 years and reviewed a bid from Ramsey Concrete to install a low-water crossing. The bid totaled $39,000.
Commissioner Roy Ballard said he would like to gather additional information about the location before making a decision. The road would be closed until repairs are completed.
Commissioners reviewed the county treasurer’s report. No claims were presented for approval.
Commissioners also discussed military flags donated by Mark and Sonya Kennedy for display at the courthouse. Maintenance Director Greg Rawlings said the former flag poles are no longer in place and asked whether the commission intended to display the flags year-round or only during special occasions. Commissioners planned to contact the Kennedys to determine their preference.
Discussion was also held regarding potentially mounting permanent flag holders beneath the courthouse eaves. Rawlings recalled a previous estimate of approximately $1,500 to $1,800 for permanent mounting hardware.
Job descriptions related to the county’s pending pay scale review are expected to be submitted by the end of the week, with commissioners planning to review the proposal during next week’s meeting.
Commissioners also discussed the recent Unbound Gravel event. While officials noted the event’s presence in Greenwood County was limited compared to recent years and neighboring areas, some residents reported concerns about driveways being temporarily blocked by participants. Organizers reported unofficially that participants represented 51 countries. Participation exceeded expectations by approximately 1,000 riders. Various race routes traveled through the northern portion of the county, with many participants and supporters gathering in Madison.
Emergency Manager Levi Vinson announced an upcoming floodplain mapping open house scheduled from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on June 15 at the Eureka Public Library. The event is intended to provide information to property owners, real estate professionals, insurance representatives and other interested residents regarding updated floodplain maps. See related article.
In other business, commissioners said County Counselor Paul Dean is drafting a letter regarding the roundabout project in Severy.
The commission entered a 15-minute executive session for legal matters with Dean. No action was taken following the session.
Before adjournment, Commissioner Mac Obourn questioned whether weekly Road and Bridge reports were still being prepared and why a department representative was not attending weekly meetings. During discussion, it was noted that weekly reports continue to be drafted; however, Lazar said emails sent to Obourn had recently been returned as undeliverable. It was then noted that Obourn does not use his county email account. Clerk Deann McCaffree planned to provide Lazar with the correct email address moving forward.
Obourn said he would like to see a Road and Bridge representative attend each meeting to provide regular updates. Commissioner Preston Evenson said he would prefer department staff remain focused on their work unless a major issue needed to be addressed and continue providing updates through weekly reports.
Editor’s note: In recent years, the Road and Bridge Department has been the only county department routinely asked to attend weekly commission meetings, aside from the clerk’s office, who records the official minutes.
The meeting adjourned at 9:52 a.m. The next Greenwood County Commission meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, June 8. The monthly Eureka Township meeting will follow.
