The meeting began with the approval of the May meeting minutes.
Josh Tressler, IT Director, came before the council to request approval for an additional purchase that was not included in his 2026 budget. He stated that he needed to purchase equipment that is critical for addressing potential cybersecurity threats. Josh explained that he was being intentionally vague about the equipment because of its sensitive nature. He also discussed how costs have risen since he first planned the purchase, citing a recent example in which an item he intended to buy had doubled in price.
The council acknowledged Josh’s request and authorized him to proceed with the purchase.
Jeremy Pasel, Decatur County Commissioner, attended the meeting to request authorization for the commissioners to post a starting salary range for the vacant Highway Superintendent position. Jeremy stated that the position had been posted for two weeks with no applicants and that two weeks remained in the posting period. He referenced the salary study that had been conducted and requested a salary range of $60,000 to $70,925. This range does not include FICA or fringe benefits. The council made no action on this request during this meeting.
The council and Jeremy discussed the possibility of hiring a Civil Engineer to fill the Superintendent position, noting that the county could receive partial reimbursement of the salary from the state. At the conclusion of the discussion, the council asked Jeremy to review the costs the county currently incurs when contracting with Civil Engineers. The council also stated that it would investigate how the state reimbursement process is structured.
Jeremy also provided an update regarding the Commissioners’ vote to increase the per diem rate and make other changes related to employee reimbursement.
The council met with the United Fund’s outgoing Executive Director and incoming Executive Director to discuss the possibility of the United Fund assuming responsibility for administering the county’s Riverboat funding program. Historically, nonprofit organizations have appeared before the council annually to request funding. Under the proposed change, the United Fund would receive applications and determine which organizations would receive funding. Rick Nobbe and Kenny Hooten will attend the United Fund Board meeting to discuss the proposal further.
The council voted to renew its contract with GFC (Reuben) and approved the additional appropriations and transfers.
The council established the following 2027 budget schedule:
August 17, 2026 – Following the Commissioners’ meeting: Budget workshop with department heads and elected officials
August 18, 2026 – Following the Council meeting: Budget workshop
September 15, 2026 – During the Council meeting: Public hearing
October 19, 2026 – During the Council meeting: Adoption of the budget
