The Crawford County Board of Commissioners convened on December 20, 2024, to address several pressing issues, including ongoing maintenance projects and budgetary concerns. The meeting began with a discussion on employee benefits, leading to the approval of Resolution 2024-044.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on an invoice from Mid Central Contract Services related to sewer and drain issues at the county jail. The invoice, totaling $75,890.63, covered work completed through the end of November. The project, which has been ongoing for two months, faced complications that increased costs as more extensive repairs were necessary. The commissioners expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the escalating expenses and emphasized the need for better oversight on emergency repairs exceeding $5,000.

The discussion transitioned to budget implications, with officials noting that the sheriff's department is slightly under budget but will likely exceed it by year-end. The county has $77,000 remaining in the building improvement line item and $400,000 in the operating reserve, which could be utilized to cover the unexpected costs.

Commissioners also discussed the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, considering a proposal to redirect approximately $50,000 earmarked for condenser replacements to cover the jail repair costs. However, there was hesitation about altering the ARPA funding, as officials preferred to maintain the budget for the condenser project.

In addition, the board reviewed timelines for three childcare projects, with discussions about extending deadlines for completion. The new proposed opening dates for the projects were set for April 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026, to allow for potential delays.

The meeting concluded with reminders about upcoming sessions, including a work session scheduled for December 27, 2024, to further discuss the jail repair issues and other ongoing projects. The next regular meeting is set for January 3, 2025, to discuss insurance matters. The courthouse will observe holiday closures on December 24 and 25, and the regular session on December 24 will be canceled.