Commissioners approve $5,770 bid for fairgrounds bathroom renovations using recycled fixtures

The Decatur County Commissioners convened on May 19, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including discussions on disaster recovery funding and improvements to fairground facilities.

The meeting began with an update on the county's efforts to secure reimbursement from FEMA for expenses incurred during a recent storm event. A representative highlighted that FEMA officials had indicated the county likely met the threshold for financial assistance, which is set at $125,000. Currently, the county estimates its eligible expenses to be around $40,000. The representative emphasized the importance of having all necessary documentation prepared for FEMA, noting that the process had gone smoothly thanks to thorough preparation by the highway department.

Following this discussion, the commissioners moved on to consider quotes for bathroom improvements at the fairgrounds. Two bids were presented: one for $5,770, which included reusing fixtures from another facility, and another for $8,558, which would involve installing all new fixtures. The commissioners expressed a preference for the lower bid, citing the additional refurbishments included in the proposal, such as epoxy flooring and electrical upgrades. A motion was made and passed unanimously to accept the $5,770 bid.

The funding for the bathroom improvements will come from the fairgrounds program fund, which currently has a balance of approximately $20,000. The commissioners confirmed that this allocation would cover the costs of the project.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to disaster recovery and its commitment to enhancing community facilities. The next steps will involve finalizing the FEMA documentation and proceeding with the approved bathroom renovations at the fairgrounds.