By BARBARA PROFFITT | November 23, 2022

The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Nov. 21, with Commissioner Rick James absent from the meeting.

The commissioners began with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by approval of paying claims totaling $374,614.92.

Commissioner Jim Johnson then read the Sheriff’s report into the record.

Galen Anderson with AMR reported on numbers for the month of October and noted there have been 44 transports so far this month.

Linn County Fire Chief Randy Hegwald reported his department handled 10 incidents in the last week bringing his year-to-date total to 507.

Linn County Health Department Director Missy Lancaster gave a brief rundown on current events with her department.

Jessica Hightower, Linn County Economic Development Director, reported there are two applicants for ARPA grants. Commissioners opted to wait until next week to discuss those when Commissioner James is in attendance.

Johnny Taylor gave a report on the Noxious Weed Department work this year, giving detailed information on spraying schedules and where they plan to pick up in 2023.

Commissioner Danny McCullough moved to appoint Darin Wilson as the third canvasser for the General Election results. Johnson seconded the motion and it carried on a 2-0 vote.

A motion was made to recess the commissioner’s meeting and open a meeting of the Board of Canvassers, which carried on a 2-0 vote. The Board reviewed the audit results and approved the audit on a 3-0 vote.

The board then went to the courthouse to canvas the 51 recommended ballots. Following the canvas, Johnson moved to approve the Election Abstract with the results of the provisional ballots and adjourn the Board of Canvassers’ meeting and reconvene the commission meeting.

Commissioners returned to their meeting room and Public Works Administrator Shaun West provided information on a buyback program the county could use for three maintainers at a price of $115,000 per unit leaving the county with a cost of $795,000 for the purchase of the three units. West, however, recommended the county use that money to replace other older pieces of equipment. Commissioners opted to wait until next week to make a decision.

Commissioners then entered into a 10-minute executive session for personnel matters. 

Following the executive session the commissioners voted 2-0 to accept the resignation of Zach Daniels.