COMMISSIONER’S PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 27, 2021
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
9:00 – Longevity
9:30 – Tony Martin
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in a regular session with all present. Paul Kitzke, Attorney; Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk and RoGlenda Coulter with the Hugoton Hermes were also present. Tron called the meeting to order. Pat moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Joe seconded. Motion carried. Pat moved to approve the county vouchers. Joe seconded. Motion carried. The Clerk was instructed to draw warrants on the Treasurer chargeable to the various funds of the county for the following amounts:
| General | $ 42,284.15 |
| Judicial District | $ 922.68 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 74,401.84 |
| Airport | $ 2,243.16 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 2,723.51 |
| EMS | $ 6,195.55 |
| Fire | $ 2,078.82 |
| Community Health | $ 14,035.42 |
| Sheriff | $ 37,488.87 |
| Services for Elderly | $ 384.00 |
| Emp P/R Misc W/H | $ 33.14 |
| 911 Wireless | $ 18,115.84 |
| Insurance Agency | $ 173,495.00 |
| Insurance Agency Damages | $ 7,081.71 |
| ARPA | $ 4,245.72 |
| TOTAL: | $ 385,729.41 |
Paul Kitzke stated Wayne Tate turned in his resignation from the Foundation Board and Nathan Foreman would like to take his position.
Pat made a motion to accept Nathan Foreman’s request to take Wayne Tate’s position on the Foundation Board. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Joe stated he was disappointed with the county Christmas hams this year and would like to check into other alternatives. The commissioners discussed this issue and tabled until later.
Rodney Kelling came in and stated the firetruck price went up by $3,550.00 and Weis is willing to split the cost. He said the price went up because there are no more 2021 models and Weis must
purchase a 2022 model. Paul requested to see the contract from the bids but said the commissioners could agree if they choose to.
Pat made a motion to approve the extra purchase price being split in half where the county will pay $1,775.00 for the updated model of firetruck from Weiss. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Amy Jo informed the commissioners she received a letter from the U.S. Justice Department, the Civil Rights Division stating Stevens County now must have bilingual ballots for any upcoming elections.
Longevity gifts were presented to the following:
- Thea Schnittker – Register of Deeds, 40 years
- Gina Payne – Road & Bridge, 20 years
- Susan Schulte – GIS, 20 years
- Betty Rose – EMS, part-time 20 years
- Greg Sohm – Fire, part-time 20 years
- Rodney Kelling – EMS/Fire, 10 years
- Toni Mantzke – Sheriff, 10 years
- Phil Gooch – Fire, part-time 10 years
- Jesse Younger – Fire, part-time 10 years
Tony told the commissioners there are numerous signs being ran over out in the country and down on Hwy M and Main. It is being investigated but is concerning when the destruction of these signs can cause traffic accidents and possibly result in deaths.
Tony informed the commissioners a wall caved in at the landfill and broke windows on the dozer, but everyone was fine. He also stated he had calls from some local people about leaving a gate open to the landfill when they are closed. Tony said due to insurance purposes he cannot allow non-employees to enter the landfill when closed.
Tony requested an executive session for five (5) minutes over non-elected personnel.
Pat made a motion to go into executive session over non-elected personnel beginning at 9:35 AM. Joe seconded. Executive session concluded at 9:40 AM. No action taken.
Commissioners discussed bonuses for departments who received grant money for wages and if the departments should be allowed to give bonuses or use the money to go into salary support. Discussion was tabled.
Pat made a motion to give a COLA beginning January 1, 2022, in the amount of $2,000.00 per year for every full-time employee. Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Added and Abated Orders were reviewed and approved by commissioners and given to the County Treasurer; for tax year 2021 number 25, 27, 29 and 31 thru 34 total valuations removed 11,049 and tax assessed -$2,046.50; for tax year 2021 number 26, 28 and 30 total valuation added 1,147 and a relief assessment of $193.19. Total valuation of -9,902 and total tax assessed -$1,853.31.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk ________________________________
Tron Stegman, Chairman