The meeting began with the approval of the previous meeting minutes.
Several funding requests were presented as part of the county’s budget discussions related to riverboat funding:
- Marcia Hausman spoke on behalf of Youth to Yellowstone, an organization founded in 2014. To date, 153 students have completed the trip. Marcia highlighted the personal growth and transformation the students experience through the program and requested continued funding.
- Steve Gauck represented Decatur County 4-H, noting that over 500 youth are involved this year, supported by more than 150 adult volunteers. The program offers 70 different projects, with 2,450 individual projects submitted at this year’s fair. Steve requested funding to support the program’s continued growth.
- Lisa, speaking for Champions of Youth, stated the organization has served the community for 44 years. In 2024, they worked with 573 children, up from 553 in 2023. She requested funding to maintain and expand their services.
- Court Services requested that their insurance expenses continue to be funded through the Public Safety Tax.
- Sean Durbin, from the Health Department, informed the council that their budget had been reduced by 75%. Despite this, the department remains fiscally sound for the next two years. He also promoted the upcoming Back-to-School Bash scheduled for July 19, 2025. Sean requested a pay increase for Leslie Straight, who recently earned her RN credential. The increase will be covered by existing grant funds, and the council approved the request.
Additional approvals made by the council included:
- A pay increase for Jake Bauer, Part-Time Maintenance, from $17 to $18 per hour.
- An update to the Salary Ordinance.
- Approval of all transfers and additional appropriations.
