By BARBARA PROFFITT | January 25, 2023

The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Jan. 23, and began with the approval 0f minutes of the last meeting.

The commissioners then approved payment of claims totaling $286,217.60 on a 3-0 vote.

Commissioners then heard, or read into the record, weekly reports from the Linn County Sheriff, AMR, and Linn County Rural Fire.

Missy Lancaster, director for Linn County Health Department requested approval of a grant for a sign with a digital screen that she says would be visible from the highway and from 1100 Road. Lancaster noted it would give them aid in letting folks know about upcoming classes, clinics and more. After a brief discussion, commissioners approved the purchase on a 3-0 vote.

Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower requested permission to go out for bid on repairs to the house on the Linn County Park and Marina property. Following several questions from commissioners, Public Works Administrator Shaun West stepped up and stated the property needs too many repairs to get it up to par for an Airbnb rental at this point and repairs need to be prioritized.  Following further discussion, the commissioners agreed to allow the repairs to be put out for bid but want to see the list of needed repairs and future plans.

West told commissioners he had spoken with the engineers working on the landfill issue and plans to meet with them soon.

West then told commissioners he ordered repairs done on State Line Road that amounted to roughly $700 and wanted to know if he should bill the other entity or not. Consensus was to not bill.

West asked permission to retain the transportation bus that is being replaced with a van so as to always have a backup in case one goes down and commissioners agreed.

West then requested an executive session for 15 minutes, five for legal matters and 10 for personnel.

Commissioners entered into executive session with West for the requested time and reasons and returned to regular session with no action taken.

Mike White asked commissioners what is going on with the Pleasanton meals site and Commissioner Danny McCullough stated the county is waiting on the city to put their counteroffer in writing.

Commissioner Jason Hightower then asked if the county had ever looked into contracting with the school programs for construction or other repairs. West responded that he and Jessica Hightower had discussed it at one point and Hightower stated she would like to see the school programs contacted for some projects. West stated he will look into it and report back.

Kristy Schmitz reported to commissioners that the Marais des Cygnes Master Gardeners will assist with plans to spruce up the courthouse. (See related article in this edition.)