Grant County Commissioners opened their December 2 meeting with a prayer led by Pastor Steve Swan, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda included a wide range of department updates, discussions, and approvals.
County Employee Longevity Awards Presented
The commissioners recognized several employees for their years of service. Judith Mills and Dale Godfrey each received awards for 20 years of service, while Daniel Alexander was honored for 10 years.
Department Reports and Updates
Fire Department Chief John Crosby announced he would be meeting with Kugler for upcoming fire and safety training.
Sheila Brown discussed ongoing CPR training efforts.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Sam Minks reported multiple road signs are being repaired and ditch work is underway throughout the county. He also updated the board on the County Wash Out repair and noted the landfill has been extremely busy. Work continues on transitioning certain processes to a paperless system. Later, Minks addressed questions about the airport fence placement and inquired about why his department was paying a $68 bill for the storage area attached to the museum. He asked whether the expense could be shared with the Law Enforcement Center.
EMS Director Jeff Baier reported handling 60 calls and 20 transfers. He also highlighted an ACLS class that had 11 students.
David Monzano discussed various maintenance issues, noting minor concerns will be addressed. He asked about securing a shop to operate from and requested several tools to better perform his job. Commissioner John Martin suggested he check with the Civic Center regarding available tools. Grant County Senior Citizen Center Director Nancy Borthwick said she would also look into finding a more permanent space for Monzano.
Treasurer Terri Trotman noted tax season has kept her office extremely busy.
Grant County Clerk Anita Lane reported renewals were being completed and that everything else in her office was business as usual. She also encouraged those nearing retirement to reach out with questions.
Civic Center director Mary Honstead said activity has slowed since the Tumbleweed Bazaar, which featured more vendors than last year. She added floor waxing has gone well thanks to a reliable machine.
Register of Deeds Julie Widder reported processing 88 documents and seven passports. She also noted that a wall in her department needs repairs.
Borthwick expressed appreciation for the Mennonite Meals program and discussed transfer of the food bank to the Civic Center. She also shared information on a senior assistance program and thanked Monzano for helping at their building. Due to health concerns affecting a staff member, she asked about bringing in outside help and described upcoming adjustments to expand services at the Senior Center.
Grant County Health Department Director Denise James presented information on revalidation notices and discussed the difference between Medicare funding levels and the county’s reimbursement structure. Along with a matter which is being looked into in regards to some vaccines.
Sheila Brown updated the board on the county website, which currently costs $5,431.86. A firm had approached the county regarding services, but no action was taken.
Solar Project Presentation Sherman Bennett, representing NextEra Energy Resources, discussed a planned solar project with an estimated $9 million investment. Designed to cover 2,200 acres—though possibly less depending on technological developments before the anticipated 2029 completion—the project could offer benefits to county entities such as schools and road departments. The solar farm would be monitored remotely from Florida with one local maintenance worker on site. Richard Olmstead of KutakRock provided additional details on how a county agreement might proceed. Commissioners asked the group to keep them updated as the project moves forward.
Other Business and Actions The board revisited a Seaboard contract previously questioned due to property ownership. Since Seaboard does not own the land, the prior contract is believed to no longer be binding, allowing the previously stalled project to move forward.
EMS Director Jeff Baier requested an executive session to address a non-elected personnel matter. No action was taken from the executive session. Following the session, a 2024 motion regarding repairs to a county fire truck was amended due to rising costs.
Commissioners approved a $9,000 agreement for Campbell Mapping’s 2026 GIS services.
A Blue Cross Blue Shield contract was reviewed, with the Freedom Choice plan selected and approved. Dental insurance renewal paperwork from Bob Moore was also approved.
Motions passed to transfer an unexpended balance allowed by state statute, adopt Resolution 2509 for financial statements, and approve 2025 gifts for full- and part-time county employees.
The EMS 2025 new hire was presented and approved.
An individual road-crossing permit request was not approved pending casing. Additional discussion resulted in accepting a $725 bid to purchase a computer for David Monzano. Sheila Brown also provided updates on how the airport fence project is being handled.
With no further business, Commissioner John Martin moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded and approved, officially concluding the meeting.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here