The Decatur County Commissioners meeting began with the approval of the previous meeting minutes. Meeting minutes from the Budget Session on June 30, 2025. Claims and Payroll Claims were also paid.
Jeremy Pasel, Commissioner provided an update on the Fairgrounds Community Building. He stated that the building has been delivered and footers and foundation work is being completed. He did say that part of the claims approved tonight included pay application #2 in the amount of $596,182.82 for the building project.
Todd Houk, Highway Superintendent stated that his department continues to perform patching, grading, mowing, and spraying in the county. He has submitted and received approval on 2024-2 closeout. 2025-1 road work is being completed, they are a bit delayed due to weather but are beginning to catch up.
Mr. Mike Powers, a concerned resident came forward during the meeting concerning a culvert by his property that is too small in his opinion and has asked the county to conduct an analysis to see if the pipe is in fact the right size. He voiced concern that he had reached out about this and had not been contacted back. After conversations the commissioners and Todd Houk agreed to review the size of the culvert to ensure that it is the correct size. Mr. Powers stated that he has reached out to other departments and not received a return call and he asked that it be stressed that citizens need to be called back.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose received approval for his credit card request for CIT. He stated that this will assist with accurate accounting of what costs are attributed to CIT.
The commissioners approved credit cards for Maintenance, an additional card for Commissioners, Prosecutor’s Office, and the Child Support Division within the Prosecutor’s office.
Christy Smiley, Auditor explained that due to a recent IRS rule change in order to utilize the tax-exempt status the user must show a credit card that matches the tax-exempt documentation. This will require using a credit card in order to use the tax-exempt status that the county has.
Erica Gunn, Tourism Executive Director requested a cell phone stipend for both her and her Marketing Director. They utilize their phones while they are outside of the office, especially during summer events. Erica stated that the office’s phone currently is a credit card, commissioners’ questions this as the Tourism office receives an itemized bill from Great Plains that states they also have phone service. Erica stated that they do not have a phone in the office other than a cell phone through Verizon Wireless. Gabe Nobbe, Commissioner and Erica are going to work on getting the phone and the bill straightened out and Gabe explained that he might have a few cost saving ideas to explore with her. The commissioners and Erica agreed to table this conversation until the next Commissioners meeting to allow Gabe and Erica to do some research.
Wayne Delong, Geenex (Cobia Solar Project) Director of Development and Danny De Castro VP of Development spoke about the Economic Development Agreement (EDA) that they are working through with the county. Wayne stated that they are working out the agreement and would be happy to share that with the commissioners at their next meeting. Donny stated that the project has intentionally presented the economic payment at an amount that they originally proposed before SB 1 lowered the amounts that would be required of the project. Donny stated, “We want to pay our fair share as a corporate citizen of the county.” Both Wayne and Donny stated that they will be back at the next commissioners meeting to present and talk through the EDA.
The commissioners approved the revised overtime policy.
The commissioners introduced the newly hired Emergency Management Agency Director as Michael Snyder. He is a resident here and previously worked in the Decatur County Communications Center.
The commissioners approved a quote for window repair at the Annex for the amount of $2,957.07.
The commissioners approved a temporary road closure for August 23, 2025 8a-10a for the On Eagles Wings 5k.
The commissioners notified the audience that HVAC work is being conducted on Thursday and that staff may encounter warmer temperatures as the work is being conducted. Commissioner Pasel did state that department managers may allow their staff to dress more comfortably that day but that they must still be in appropriate clothing for their positions.
The commissioners approved the insurance policy required for the Truck Drags during the fair and also signed a new insurance policy for underinsured and uninsured that encountered a mistake in the original policy.
The commissioners approved a quote from Clear Sound for the audio and equipment used at the fair.
