County Planning Move into New Building
The June 22 commissioner meeting began with Building Inspector Kody Williams requesting a permit fee be waived for a community pavilion project, which commissioners supported. Immediately after, Extension Educator Tyanne Roland also presented the Extension Office budget, requesting additional part-time staffing and funding for building improvements while discussing potential office relocation to the new county building.
Chief Deputy Clerk Tara Horton presented Resolution 2026-14 authorizing the destruction of records that had met retention requirements. Commissioners approved a $1,690 quote for professional shredding services after discussing the security and efficiency benefits over in-house shredding. The resolution and service agreement were both approved, allowing the records destruction project to proceed.
Planning and Zoning Official Meredith Fisher informed commissioners that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Zims’ conditional use permit with conditions and received no public comments during the hearing. Commissioners agreed to consider the permit as an action item later in July without holding an additional public hearing. Fisher also announced that proposed zoning ordinance amendments will be published for public review ahead of the July 20 Planning and Zoning meeting.
Clerk Sherry Ward discussed the county’s Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payment allocation, and commissioners agreed to maintain the current distribution of 85% for Title I, 10% for Title II, and 5% for Title III.
Commissioners reviewed updated quotes for solid waste equipment presented by Waste Management Supervisor Steve Shelton, including lower-priced transfer trailers and plans for a new truck scale. They discussed using available funds to purchase the trailers this fiscal year to reduce ongoing hauling costs, updated the landfill inspection fee to reflect the new DEQ rate, and considered future options for constructing a protective scale building.
Road and Bridge Official Adam Balderson updated commissioners on ongoing road maintenance, equipment moves, and delays with scheduled dust abatement services. Commissioners also discussed concerns over a gate and no-trespassing signage on South Grays Creek Road. Balderson concluded with an update that repairs to the Indian Valley loader were complete, and the equipment was expected to return to service soon.
Commissioners quickly and unanimously approved claims, insurance, and juror expense payments totaling $82,829.24.
Sheriff Ryan Zollman presented a proposal to improve security within the Sheriff’s Office and Jail by reconfiguring the dispatch area to better protect staff and provide detention deputies with secure access to their firearms during emergencies. Commissioners reviewed the estimated $58,447 project cost, discussed including the improvements in the upcoming budget, and agreed that the upgrades would address existing safety concerns and jail standards. Zollman also provided a jail population update, reporting 29 inmates currently housed. Additionally, commissioners discussed with Zollman the concerns over the gate and signage on South Grays Creek Road, requesting he verify conditions before determining whether further action or a formal notice to the landowner would be necessary.
Portions of the meeting between presentations were designated to discussing the functions of the new county building. Department officials who will be the new inhabitants of the building met with commissioners to discuss the logistics behind office locations and daily operations. Efficiency and flow are the main considerations in preparation for the move that will be happening soon.
