The Decatur Council meeting was held on December 17, 2024, at 11 am.
The meeting began with the approval of the November meeting minutes.
Todd Houk, Highway Department received approval to apply for the CCMG 2025-1 for 1.5 million dollars with a $500,000 match. The scope of this project would be looking towards doing chip and seal for approximately 115-120 miles of road.
Sean Durbin, Health Department Director received approval for the Healthy First Grant 2025. This is funding that the state has already approved for Decatur County. The total funding is $517,794.29. Most of these funds are being used in the community. These funds can also be used for building needs, a new van, and salaries. Sean said that of that funding $124,599.66 has been put aside for grant opportunities to local organizations.
Janet Howell, Clerk, came to the council to request a full-time Deputy position. Janet gave information about the added work that her department has taken on. She explained that she had hired a part time employee that didn’t work out. She is having a hard time getting good applicants for the part-time current position that is posted. She did receive a strong applicant looking for a full-time position. The council stated that this should have been brought to the council’s attention during budget season. Due to advertising requirements this was a subject that could not be voted on and will be brought back in January to the council for a decision.
Rob DeHoff, Parks Department provided an update on the Turf project and the back 4 Ball Diamonds. Rob stated that he has 14 tournaments that are confirmed for 2025. Currently the project is estimated to cost 1.4 million dollars.
Judge Tim Day received approval to utilize grant funding that the Juvenile Probation Department applied for and received. The grant was $75,000. The employee who works on a part-time basis has decided that they would like to move into a full-time role. This Full-time position has been approved for 2 years and never used for the hiring of that individual. This employee will be working mostly with the public and working with the schools.
The council approved the 2025 Salary Ordinance.
The council approved transfers, and additionals that included:
-Funding from the Fairgrounds funding for the Solar Eclipse. Danny Peters explained that this was supposed to not cost the county anything and due to “bad math” the fairground needed to pay the additional costs even after The Power of the Past received their “profit” portion. Yeas-Ashley, Melanie, Danny, Ernie, Kenny, and Deanna, Nea- Bill
-ARPA Funds- Healthcare Clinic of Decatur County- $20,000 towards Dental Equipment. Yeas-Ashley, Danny, Ernie, Kenny, Bill, and Deanna. Nea-Melanie
-ARPA Funds- 911 tower generator $35,798. Received unanimous approval
-ARPA Funds- Funds for the new Fairground Building Project. Received unanimous approval.
-ARPA Funds- Parks Department for Turf Project $100,000. Yeas-Ashley, Melanie, Bill, Deanna, Ernie, and Kenny. Nea- Danny
-ARPA Funds- Parks Department for Pickleball Courts $375,000. Yeas-Ashley, Melanie, Bill, Ernie, Deanna, and Kenny. Nea- Danny
The council approved the 2025 board appointments, and the 2025 meeting schedule.
Kenny Hooten thanked the other ARPA members for their hard work and said that many projects have been assisted in the county.
Danny Peters thanked Melanie Nobbe for her commitment to the Council and wished her the best as this was her last meeting.
The council also thanked Auditor Janet Chadwell for her work that she does for the county and what she has done to assist the council.
The meeting was adjourned.
