Dunn County commissioners approve permits, budget amendments and personnel action; engineering updates offered

Dunn County commissioners heard engineering and road-project updates, approved several permits and budget amendments, rescinded the seasonal burn restriction and voted to terminate the county road superintendent during a lengthy meeting.

Engineering staff gave updates on multiple 2024–2026 road projects, including easement negotiations for 90 Second Avenue SW and 100 Fifth Avenue, cultural‑resources and 404 permit work on several stretches, and design progress on Twelfth Street and 16th Street projects. Staff and commissioners discussed proposed easement language; engineering said the family’s attorney requested language that would require the easement grantee to “maintain and repair the easement area during term of the easement,” and staff agreed to ask county counsel and negotiate minor wording changes so responsibilities are clear.

Road staff and contractors also reviewed construction specifications. One speaker urged using county road backfill specifications rather than a more expensive DOT bedding spec, noting a contractor estimate that changing specs could reduce an example project’s bedding/backfill cost from roughly $38,000 to about $10,000; commissioners discussed balancing cost savings and erosion‑control requirements imposed by state inspectors.

The board approved a state DOT “destination light” permit to place a marker light at the southwest corner of Third Street and the Highway 22 bypass. Commissioners were told DOT will install the light but the county will be responsible for the ongoing electric bill; staff explained a destination light is intended to mark the approach to an intersection rather than fully illuminate it. The board also approved two utility crossing permits — one electric crossing for Mackenzie Electric and a waterline crossing for a Southwest water installation — by voice vote.

Other approvals and routine business included a liquor license for J & S Investments (McKinsey Bay Marina), authorization to survey land for a planned Public Safety Center, and auditor‑presented year‑end financial reports. The auditor reported a 12/31/2024 general fund balance of $51,620,314.64 and capital projects fund balance near $23.3 million. The board approved budget amendments for veterans’ services, county agent, weed control and building fund expenses.

The board rescinded the county burn restriction (staff noted controlled burns still require notification) and approved two county meal requests: the commissioners’ meal at the Dunn County Fair (June 28) and a meal for a Vision West Missouri Basin meeting scheduled for March 20. Staff also presented quotes and early discussion on fencing the county shop yard (one quote cited about $132,000); commissioners asked staff to check procurement thresholds and return with formal bid/advertising recommendations.

A personnel motion moved and seconded terminated the employment of the county road superintendent effective immediately; the chair directed HR and county staff to complete required separation paperwork and the board said it will place advertising for the position on a future agenda. The meeting also included an announcement that Peggy Hendricks, the county recorder, submitted an immediate retirement notice.

The board approved vouchers and payment of county bills as presented. Several motions and routine approvals were carried by voice vote; where recorded roll calls were used the chair announced the results.