The Morgan County Commission convened on August 5, 2025, to address several key issues, including emergency preparedness and employee performance evaluations. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the county's generator capabilities, particularly in relation to the fairgrounds.
Commissioners reviewed the current inventory of generators, noting that the county owns two: one designated as a light plant and another that functions as a welder and generator. The conversation highlighted the need for a reliable power source during events, especially in light of recent power outages. One commissioner suggested exploring options to upgrade the generator setup to ensure critical areas, such as food service zones, remain operational during emergencies. The importance of maintaining power to prevent food spoilage was emphasized, as it could lead to significant financial losses.
Following this discussion, the commission moved to award a bid for electrical improvements at the fairgrounds. A motion was made and seconded, with unanimous approval from the commissioners, indicating a commitment to enhancing the infrastructure to better support events.
The meeting also touched on employee performance evaluations. One commissioner expressed concern over the optional nature of self-assessments in the appraisal process, advocating for mandatory participation to foster accountability and self-reflection among department heads. This suggestion was met with agreement, and the commission discussed the need to revise the evaluation form to reflect this requirement.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commission's focus on improving emergency preparedness at the fairgrounds and enhancing employee accountability through revised evaluation processes. The next steps include implementing the approved electrical improvements and updating the performance appraisal requirements.