By BARBARA PROFFITT | March 1, 2023

The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Feb. 27, with Commission Chair Danny McCullough absent. Commissioner Jason Hightower as Vice Chair conducted the meeting.

Commissioners began by approving the minutes of the last meeting followed by approval of claims in the amount of $366,524.42. That action was quickly followed by approval of adds and abates 2022-828 through 2022-853 totaling $16,3373.16.

Operations Manager Galen Anderson with AMR then reported on transport numbers for the last week, adding they have an EMT celebrating his one-year anniversary and one celebrating his ten-year anniversary.

Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend reported on his numbers for the week noting inmate numbers are up slightly.

Linn County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator gave his weekly report and requested the hiring of Alyssa Coyer for the Parker fire station. Commissioners approved the hiring pending screening and with a six month probationary period.

Hegwald further reported he is currently collecting bids to replace the aluminum tanks on the rangers which are currently corroding. He added severe weather preparedness is set for next week.

Jessica Hightower reported on mowing bids compared to 2022 and 2021. EDA Hightower noted in 2021 the mowing was done in-house and in 2022 two-thirds of the year was handled by Scarecrow Farm with the total bid being $905. The cost is $55 more per mow than the county paid last year. Commissioner Jim Johnson moved to accept the mowing bid from Scarecrow Farm and it carried on a 2-0 vote.

EDA Hightower requested approval of the Summer Youth Employment grant at 10 spots with taxing entities not eligible for the grant this year. The grant maximum is $1,200 with the grant paying $4 per hour of the required $8 per hour wages up to the cap. Commissioners approved the program.

EDA Hightower then requested approval of the community development grant of $250 for events headed by communities at a total of four at $250 each.

EDA Hightower noted the Linn County Economic Development is hosting a Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in early May that will be open to the public. Judges are needed for the event.

Public Works Administrator Shaun West provided a three to five year equipment plan as requested by commissioners. West noted that Public Works is planning to replace the Planning and Zoning truck due to the needs of Darin Wilson and his department. Wilson’s current truck will then replace a 1996 truck in the south shop with over 277,000 miles on it. West presented a bid from Victory Motors for a 2022 Chevy, which saved $2,500 on the bid. West added it is equipped at a higher level than the current truck because fleet vehicles are currently not available. Following a brief discussion, commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the purchase in the amount of $40,614. 

West noted he had a request for a letter of recommendation for a grant for an elderly assisted living facility in Prescott. County Counselor Gary Thompson noted it would need to be signed today but he cannot write it until he receives something from Willard showing what they are doing. West noted he can get that to Thompson shortly.

West requested a five-minute executive session for legal matters, which commissioners entered into shortly thereafter on a 2-0 vote.

Upon resuming regular session, Commissioner Hightower noted no action was taken and with no further business a motion was made and approved to adjourn the meeting.