Mayor Newman updates on Highland Rim school facility status and upcoming renovations

The Lincoln County Commission convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including updates on local school facilities, appointments to various commissions, and the introduction of new planning initiatives.

The meeting began with an update from the school system regarding the Highland Rim facility. The speaker reported significant progress on the new building, noting that power is operational, flooring installation is underway, and the project remains on schedule for completion by August 2025. Renovations for the old building are also in the planning stages, with bids expected to be released soon.

Following the school update, the commission unanimously approved the reappointment of David Sanders and Danny Shelton to the Lincoln County Planning Commission, with terms set to expire in May 2029. The commission also voted to hire Croerry Engineering to complete the Lincoln County growth plan, with a budget of approximately $31,000, which includes public hearings as required by law.

In a notable personnel change, Jerry Mansfield was appointed as Lincoln County Historian following the resignation of Clark Wagner. The commission expressed gratitude for Wagner's contributions over the years. Additionally, Mansfield, along with Nancy Harris and Byron "Butch" Carter, was appointed to the records commission, ensuring the archives will now be open four days a week.

The commission also approved the appointment of Charles Hunter to the Federal Main Street Board, filling a vacancy left by Jenny Walters. A corrections report from the county property assessor was accepted without opposition.

A significant discussion arose regarding the introduction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to the county's zoning regulations. The planning commission recommended a public hearing to consider this addition, aimed at addressing housing needs by allowing homeowners to build smaller units on their properties. The proposal sparked questions about enforcement and occupancy regulations, with concerns raised about potential abuses of the system. The commission agreed to hold a public hearing on May 27 to further explore this initiative.

Lastly, the commission discussed the frequency of work sessions, deciding to transition from monthly to quarterly meetings to allow for more focused discussions.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance local infrastructure and governance, with a clear focus on community needs and future planning. The next steps include the public hearing on ADUs and continued updates on school facility projects.