The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with Chairman Madison Traster and Commissioner Marty Long present. Commissioner Carl Higgs was absent due to illness. Linda McHenry, County Clerk, was also present.

 

            The tax foreclosure sale was postponed until a later date due to inclement weather, National Day of Mourning for the death of former President Ford, and questions regarding possible publication problems.

 

            Marty Long made the motion to approve the minutes of the December 19 and December 28, 2006 meeting and the claims against the various funds of the county. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed.

 

            Lance Babcock, Sheriff, gave an update on his department. He talked to the commissioners about the possibility of the city and county building a storage building for vehicles and equipment. The building would be 50’ x 100’ with a concrete floor and electricity. It is estimated the county’s portion would be about $15,000. The sheriff will bring more information to a later meeting.

 

Jerry Jo Deckert, Emergency Medical Service Director, reported the data base and billing program for her department is a mega system and the annual maintenance/service contract cost is between $2300 and $2400. Commissioner Long suggested that she contact the company to determine if it is better to pay the maintenance agreement or pay for services by the hour. Ms. Deckert said she will do this. The commissioners authorized her to use whichever method is more cost efficient. At Ms. Deckert’s request, Marty Long made the motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed. After 15 minutes the meeting continued in open session.

 

Discussion was held on compensation for the Civic Center and Transfer Station Manager. Due to the successful completion of a probationary period, Marty Long made the motion to increase the hourly rate of pay for both positions to $15.25/hour. Madison Traster seconded the motion and it passed.

 

The commissioners had lunch with the Hospital Board of Trustees at Park View Assisted Living. The following were in attendance: Robert Ohlen, Hospital Administrator; and Trustees, Mike Brewer, Terri Christian, Eldon Dirks, and Keric Sullivan. General discussion was held. The commissioners were invited to attend a meeting of the trustee’s financial committee on January 15, 2007.

 

The commissioners adjourned to meet again in regular session on January 16, 2007.