By JACKIE TAYLOR | June 15, 2022

The Linn County Commissioners met for their regular weekly meeting and paid bills in the amount of $814,162.69. They approved payment no. 21 for River City Construction in the amount of $404,828.51.

Sheriff Kevin Friend’s report showed a total of 29 prisoners in-house with nine farmed out.

River City Construction project manager Warren Moody reported the fire system is installed and close to complete. He said a few things need to be done and they will schedule an inspection by the fire marshal.

They are hoping to have an open house for the new Justice Center the last of June.

Virgel Swanson, AMR, reported they had 20 calls last week with 10 transports.

Fire Chief/Emergency Manager Randy Hegwald reported six incidents last week with 249 year-to-date.

Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower who, performing some Public Works duties for Shaun West in his absence, said Public Works is getting requests to help departments move to the new Justice Center when the building is ready.

She said the airport grant was submitted and they should know the first of July if the county was successful.

She also reported that the request-for-proposal for the Phase 1 Study for industrial parks was sent out and four firms responded that they were interested in submitting a proposal.

Road Foreman Mike Nation reported that the semi that went to Inland had number 1 and 2 cylinders pitted and rusted and number 6 was not sealing; the cost to repair was $24,000.

The commissioners approved up to $25,000 to repair the two year old truck.

Cleaning ditches was discussed with the use of a wheel loader and dump trucks seeming to be the most cost effective method yet.

Commissioner Danny McCullough said he is still working to get contractors to look at the elderly meal site in Pleasanton and did not have a report yet.

The commissioners toured the Justice Center and learned that there are just a few items left to be done before the county can move into the facility.