During a recent meeting of the Hamlin County Commission, citizens raised significant concerns regarding the payment practices of road commissioners and the management of change orders related to the county jail project.

A local taxpayer expressed frustration over unauthorized payments made to road commissioners who did not attend scheduled meetings, citing the Highway Bridal Act, which stipulates that commissioners should only be compensated for their attendance. The citizen demanded that the county commission recover these funds from both current and former commissioners by August 13, threatening legal action if repayment was not made. This issue of improper payments has been a recurring theme, with the speaker referencing a past lawsuit involving unlawful payments to a public official.

Another resident, Linda, highlighted the need for better organization of county rules and resolutions. She criticized the lack of a comprehensive index for Hamlin County's regulations, which complicates public access to important documents. Linda suggested that the county should develop a code similar to those used by other municipalities, allowing for easier navigation of county governance.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the ongoing jail project, particularly about the increasing number of change orders and the transparency of the process. A speaker urged the commission to ensure that all members are informed about the project's status and to seek clarity on who is responsible for the costs associated with these changes. The speaker emphasized the importance of understanding the full context of the project, including the roles of the designer, engineer, and contractor.

The meeting underscored the community's demand for accountability and transparency in local government operations, particularly concerning financial practices and project management.