Henry County commissioners approve routine claims, truck purchase and building change orders; staff warn culvert delays

Henry County commissioners on Wednesday approved routine claims, payroll and monthly reports, authorized purchase of a replacement pickup truck and signed off on multiple construction change orders while public works staff warned one box culvert replacement could exceed a $50,000 procurement threshold and face long lead times.

The actions took place at the March 26 commissioners meeting, where commissioners also heard an update from public works on small-structure inspections and a report from the sheriff's office about a repaired generator.

Braden, a public works staff member, said crews have not had to close additional roads so far but that one box culvert “possibly could be, at least 1 of those that's gonna come in over that $50,000 threshold.” He said manufacturers are experiencing a rebar shortage and that, based on current lead times, ordered boxes would likely arrive in July at the earliest. “Fingers crossed, we haven't had to close any more roads,” Braden added.

Commissioners voted unanimously on several routine items. The board approved last month's minutes, county claims and payroll, the IT monthly report and the treasurer's report; each motion was recorded as carrying 3–0.

The board also approved purchase of a replacement county pickup truck. Braden told commissioners the current truck has about 204,000 miles and has had two beds fail in the last year; he presented two dealer quotes and said one quote was about $4,000 cheaper. A motion to proceed with the lower-priced vehicle passed 3–0.

Jeff, a county staff member, asked about several change orders on the courthouse and related buildings submitted by DLZ, the county's project consultant. Commissioners discussed a change that stained wood window trim on the courthouse and the office building across the street; that addition raised costs by about $12,000, and one line item referenced a $16,000 inclusion. Commissioners instructed staff to confirm that staining scope and then approved the change orders by voice vote 3–0. The change orders also included ceiling removal to investigate window boxing, a sally-port floor coating upgrade and joint-seal work around the main entrance and Justice Center glazing.

A sheriff's department representative, Mister True, updated commissioners on a generator repair, saying technicians did not charge labor or parts for the repair but that the county had not yet received the rental bill. “They actually say because of all the issues we had, they're not charging any labor or parts for the repair, but I've yet to see the rental bill,” True said.

Human resources notified employees that a voluntary pet-insurance benefit will be available during open enrollment in April; the county will not pay the premium and employees must opt in and pay the cost themselves. The board was also informed that an air-permit application linked to Rush County Stone and activities at Greensboro Sand and Gravel has been received and appears to have been approved, though that item was presented for information only.

No public commenters spoke during the meeting and the board adjourned after the listed business.

Votes at a glance: - Approve minutes of last month's meeting — outcome: approved (3–0). - Approve county claims — outcome: approved (3–0). - Approve payroll — outcome: approved (3–0). - Accept IT monthly report (February) — outcome: approved (3–0). - Accept treasurer's report (February) — outcome: approved (3–0). - Purchase replacement pickup truck (lower-priced quote selected) — outcome: approved (3–0). - Approve DLZ change orders (courthouse window staining clarification to be confirmed by staff; other change orders including sally-port coating and ceiling investigation) — outcome: approved (3–0).

The board did not take formal action on the box culvert replacements during the meeting; staff said they would return with quotes and may call a special meeting if necessary depending on the bids and deadlines.