The Greenwood County Commissioners held two routine business meetings recently, where they discussed a variety of projects including road projects, personnel policy and expanding the hospital board, during the routine commission meetings on Monday, Sept. 14 and Tuesday, Sept. 8, due to the Labor Day holiday.
Commission Chair Preston Evenson noted that the commission “may have jumped the gun” regarding comp time/overtime, as it might need to be adjusted for those departments that do get overtime. Sheriff Heath Samuels shared that several years ago, the county enacted a floating holiday, which helped save the county funds and he would like to keep that. Counselor Paul Dean will get with Sheriff Samuels to discuss this more in depth.
Sheriff Samuels also raised concerns about animals in the courthouse, noting one was a pit bull, and said a policy should be put in place on whether they are allowed or not.
The group discussed office hours, with commissioners stating that departments should remain open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., noting that departments should not close for lunch or early if not busy. (The Greenwood County Treasurer’s Office closes daily at 4:30 p.m.) It was shared that a department had closed at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, with it being noted that the office was “dead” due to the holiday weekend. It was also noted that various departments have closed over the lunch hour when only one staff member remains in the office. It was stated that in years past the county had employees who “floated” from departments. The commission stated the departments needed to figure out how to keep the doors open to the public during normal business hours.
The commission held a brief discussion regarding Section 10 of the personnel policies. County Counselor Dean noted he believed the commission should have work sessions with department heads to work through the policy and approve the revisions the following week. The commission asked Clerk Deann McCaffree to share with department heads that they need to review Section 10 and be prepared to share suggested revisions during next week’s work session.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood presented two different bids for proposed chip and seal projects for Reece Road and P Road (Lake Road). It was noted that Engineer Michael Marris was looking at grants to assist with the expense. The county has approximately 48 miles of chip/seal roadways and Commissioner Judd Everitt noted that the commission needs to review them closely. A motion to approve the projects failed with commissioners Evenson, Ron Mast and Roy Ballard all voting against. No further discussion was held. Greenwood also presented a bid for a 140 grader, which was ultimately approved by the commission. Road and Bridge Administrative Assistant Kassie Lazar shared that construction is set to begin at 250th Street and H Road next spring.
A 10-minute executive session was held with Greenwood, Dean and the commission for legal matters pertaining to a contract. No action was taken.
During the clerk’s agenda, the commission discussed the possibility of removing one of the official newspapers for county publications, as it was believed changes were coming to
The Madison News,
due to recent staff changes. For the past several years, the Greenwood County Commission has approved both newspapers within Greenwood County as its official newspapers. The commission ultimately noted they approved both newspapers for the year in January and should fulfill its commitment.
Noxious Weed Director Debi Selfridge presented a bid for a tractor, noting that she was still waiting for additional bids during the Sept. 14 meeting. Once acquired, she will present the bids to the commissioners. The commission directed Selfridge to purchase a push weedeater.
County resident Lance Cowley shared that he has organized a monthly prayer group in Butler County and would like to bring it to Greenwood County. He requested the commission’s permission to use the gazebo on Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 8 a.m. for the monthly prayer group. The commission supported the event.
Maintenance Supervisor Greg Rawlings shared that he has projects planned for the Eureka Junior/Senior High School community service day, which is slated for this Wednesday, Sept. 16. The commission was in favor of Rawlings purchasing needed materials for the students to assist with.
A special Greenwood County Rural Fire District 1 budget hearing was held following the Sept. 14 meeting. The budget, which doesn’t exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate, was approved and signed.
During the road and bridge report on Sept. 8, it was shared that the bridge south of 400 Highway and H Road was temporarily fixed. The group also discussed a bridge at 210th and FF Road. The commission approved a bid from Ramsey Concrete to pour a concrete slab on H Road, south of 400 Highway.
Dawn Larcom, with the Appraiser’s Office, presented a contract for the software program for each county office for daily work. The system was upgraded in 2023. The commission approved the annual contract for $5,070.74, as presented.
Eureka Downs General Manager Mike Weiss introduced himself and provided a racetrack update. He also asked for help moving gravel for the starting gate, which the commission supported.
EMS Director Brian Mongeau shared that he had hired two parttime technicians. The commissioners approved both new hires, Erynn Gardner and Ella Green, as EMTs at $16.69/hour.
The commissioners approved the Severy Street easement for the well project.
Sheriff Samuels shared that Senator Jerry Moran said Greenwood County would receive a grant to help switch to the mandated 800 MHz radios. See related article.
Commissioner Everitt discussed the possibility of changing the Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) board of trustees from a five-person board to a seven-person board. During the Sept. 14 meeting, the commission noted they were in favor of moving forward with the change with County Counselor Dean noting the change would need to be through a resolution. Dean will draft a resolution for the commission to approve at their next meeting.
The commission reviewed the weekly treasurer’s report at both meetings.
The Aug. 31 and Sept. 8 meeting minutes, along with special payables, totaling $18,569.68; special payables, totaling $5,664.78; regular payables, totaling $157,119.79; and payroll, totaling $159,193.40; were approved as presented.
Following the Sept. 14 meeting, the commissioners held the monthly Eureka Township meeting. The commission also held a work session with Rhonda Fernandez with PIC Insurance.
The next Greenwood County Commission meeting is Monday, Sept. 21, at 9 a.m., in the commission meeting room at the courthouse.
