PROCEEDINGS FOR THE
TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Taylor County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 26th, 2023.
Supervisor Fitzgerald called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Supervisor roll call: Fitzgerald, Watson, Beggs, all present. Also present: Corey Leftwich, Josh Good, Tim Bomgardner, Toby Craig, Justin Savage and Michael Williams.
Watson motioned to approve the minutes from January 20th with revisions to the date and time, as well as approve the agenda for today’s meeting with the addition of the appointment of members to the Board of Health being discussed and decided upon. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Watson reported on his 5th Judicial meeting from the 25th of January. Beggs reported on his latest meeting with Adams/Taylor Landfill and the Ambulance Board meeting. Fitzgerald reported on his Crossroads, Workforce and Matura committee meetings.
Savage presented to the Board an update on Secondary Roads. There are no utility permits for approval. Savage advised his budget presented a cost-of-living increase based on the current state of the economy, various scenarios of which were included in the budget worksheets turned into the Auditor.
Savage reported information on the All-Systems Permit he discovered regarding how other counties are handling the permit. He advised most other counties are only offering limited routes as part of this process. He discussed the history of the proclamations made by the Governor each year and the variance between the proclamations and the All-Systems Permit. Fitzgerald asked about the impact to the gravel roads, and the appropriate signage to make the program work. Williams discussed with the Board the desire to approve the permit and the impact it will have. Savage advised the proceeds from the permit would not offset the damage being done to the roads. Discussion continued on the permit, and getting the bridges evaluated to better understand the potential routes for the permit. Savage advised it would be approximately $6,500 to evaluate all the bridges in the County, and would take approximately 3-4 weeks. Beggs motioned to have the bridges evaluated. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Robert Lundquist, Lisa Tiepelman and Linda Hogan joined the meeting virtually. Savage, Williams, Bomgardner and Craig left the meeting.
Lundquist and the Lenox Community Center (Lisa, Linda Hogan) presented to the Board the services offered by the Lenox Community Center. He requested funding in the amount of $15,000 for the next fiscal year to help support their food pantry donations. The Board advised they will take the request into consideration when reviewing the budgets.
Good presented the IBM maintenance agreement to the Board, and the need for a maintenance package for the AS400, which essential County systems operate on. The cost to reinstate the maintenance agreement would be $5,621 initially and would continue annually at a reduced renewal amount. Watson motioned to approve the request as stated, Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Nick Fehring, Crystal Drake, Belinda Ogle, and Julie Robinson joined the meeting.
Fehring discussed grant possibilities through Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP), which requires a REAP Committee to be established to request REAP funds. He inquired whether a Supervisor would like to join the Committee. The Committee would develop a plan that would serve both the Cities and the County. Beggs volunteered to join the Committee.
Fehring left the meeting.
Leftwich presented the previously discussed idea to utilize the partial self-fund account held by the County, to reduce the cost of health insurance for employees on the family plan by $100 a month. He also presented the 50/50 plan in which dental and vision insurance would be offered at a lower rate, half being paid by the county and half being paid by the employee. The impact to the partial self-fund account was discussed as was the recommendation by the insurance provider to offer the additional incentive to employees based on the balance of the fund potentially being self-sustaining. Beggs motioned to approve as discussed, Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
The terms of two members of the Board of Health were discussed as their terms have expired. Kim Watson and Jennifer Miller previously expressed continued interest in serving on the Board of Health, and Watson motioned to reappoint them to additional 3 year terms. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0. Their terms expire 12/31/25.
Josh Weed joined the meeting. Drake, Ogle and Robinson left the meeting.
The Board reviewed the preliminary budget worksheets that were turned into the Auditor’s Office. Valuations differences from the previous years were discussed as well as when the Board would like to meet with the different departments to discuss their budgets. Leftwich advised of the potential impact of legislative changes being discussed and how it will change the valuations if signed into law.
Weed presented quotes to the Board for “upfitting” the new Tahoe for the Sheriff’s Office. This includes many enhancements to the vehicle to fulfill the role and duties of a Sheriff’s Deputy, including a cage and grill guard. The estimate for the upfitting was $15,457.98. Watson motioned to approve the “upfitting”, Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Clint Spurrier joined the meeting. Weed left the meeting.
The Board discussed ARPA funds with Spurrier, and the appropriate way to utilize the funds based on guidance from the State Auditor.
The Board reviewed topics for discussion in future meetings. Watson motioned to adjourn the meeting, Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Ronald Fitzgerald, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Corey Leftwich, Auditor
