By JACKIE TAYLOR | September 21, 2022

The commissioners met for their weekly meeting and paid bills in the amount of $1,197,160.55.

They received the written report from Sheriff Kevin Friend that he has 38 prisoners in-house with 19 of them from other counties.

Fire Chief Randy Hegwald reported 15 incidents week-to-date totaling 402 year-to-date. He said he has been attending local parades and passing out recruiting information to try to get more firefighters signed up.

He said they have training scheduled Saturday, Sept. 24 in Prescott.

Health Nurse Missy Lancaster said her department performed seven covid tests and gave 22 booster shots; among a host of other items they completed.

Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower reported she is working on the potential grant that will allow the next phase of development for the airport; the grant pays for engineering to help create airport operations.

Commissioner Danny McCullough questioned the insurance value of $390,000 for the Pleasanton senior meals location; he felt that value was too high and costing the county money for additional insurance.

Public Works Director Shaun West said he is looking over senior center grant projects that include flooring, air conditioning and more for some locations in the county.

County Counselor Gary Thompson handed out preliminary drafts of a proposal for demolition of the old jail. Conversation ensued concerning the gas pipeline that feeds the jail; as well as, the courthouse.

The commissioners discussed that they need to get Atmos Energy involved in the demolition as the gas line will need to be terminated for the jail and buried deeper for the courthouse.

Dumping fees for the debris will need to be addressed as well.

Thompson said that the sheriff plans to be out of the old jail by the end of October.

A conditional use permit for a cellular tower that was sent back to Planning and Zoning last week was approved by the commissioners. The tower will be located in the La Cygne Industrial Park and be 280 feet tall. Resolution 2022-30 was approved 3-0.

Several executive sessions for legal and personnel were held.