The meeting began with the prior meeting minutes.
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose distributed the 2025 Commissary Report which had an ending balance approx. $104,000 on December 31, 2025. He stated that the rifles that he had ordered in December have been delivered. Sheriff Meyerrose requested to purchase suppressors for $20,980 and was approved. He asked about the one additional deputy and what they should be paid. The council approved that he pays the new deputy the 2026 base pay. He stated that he had six or seven show up for the physical agility testing and only three passed.
Michelle Guidice, Catch-a-Ride provided a year-end review of their services in the county.
Gabe Nobbe, Commissioner began his discussion by stating that the pool project has progressed to 3.5 million in funding to support for the project.
He renewed his request for 2 million from the last meeting. Reuben who serves as the financial advisor for the council. He states that the 2 million dollars exists in cash for the county to use for this project. County RDC will be paying 1 million over the next three years, Gabe is requesting that the project receive 2 million dollars now so that they can operate on until those funds come in to repay the council. Gabe stated that if the fundraising continues to come this will drop the amount of funding that is needed by the county council. Gabe stated that the commissioners are paid up on the first draw of funds and expects the second draw to be in the next 30 to 45 days. Both Danny Peters and Ernie Gauck mentioned not receiving any type of an itemized cost for the project and how this would have been helpful in the decision.
The council voted to approve the request for 2 million from County General with reimbursement from annual RDC payments of 1 million dollars. Kenny Hooten made the motion, and Bill Metz seconded with the council unanimously approving the request.
Brian Wenning, Commissioner- Long Range Planning Committee stated that the committee is working to look at long range planning for facility and capital improvement projects. They have had 4 meetings so far. Brian stated that they have reviewed the buildings and prioritizing needs that are needed in the future. One of the buildings that is being discussed is the Annex.
Bryan Robbins, Parks Board President came to the council to discuss salaries. He asked for adjustments to job descriptions as well as the salaries of the employees in the department. Bryan requested approval to meet with the salary committee to discuss salaries of the employees. Councilwoman suggested updating the job descriptions and have those reviewed by the organization that conducted the salary study and bring those back.
Christy Smiley, Auditor, requested an amendment to pay rates for two employees. She states that this causes a shortfall for the employees. The council stated that they would discuss this at the February meeting.
Doug Westerfeld, Area Plan- B.E.S.S. Funds Ordinance so that they can hire third party vendors to conduct plan reviews and inspections. This would be a reimbursement agreement for these additional costs as well as legal costs. This ordinance was 2026-4 and was approved unanimously.
The council approved additionals.
