Commissioners approve claims including Community Corrections HVAC and bridge guardrail repairs; discuss pursuit of payments

DeKalb County Commissioners on Sept. 2 approved claims that included an HVAC repair invoice for Community Corrections and a guardrail replacement bill for Bridge 133 following a vehicle crash.

Michelle, representing Community Corrections, described multiple HVAC service calls this year and presented a bill for "just under $9,000" to repair a system at the Community Corrections building. Commissioners approved the claim as part of the consent claims list.

Separately, Ben Parker, highway/maintenance staff, reported a crash on County Road 64 that sheared the guardrail at Bridge 133. Specialty repaired the structure at a cost of $9,200, which the highway department paid from its maintenance budget. Ben said the county has attempted to contact the driver, identified in records as Lucas Clevenger, to request reimbursement and was told the driver suggested payment arrangements and indicated insurance and personal difficulties.

Commissioners discussed options to recover the costs from the responsible party, including setting up a payment plan, sending further written demand letters, or pursuing small-claims litigation. The board asked staff to re-contact the individual and to report back in two weeks if there is no acceptable repayment arrangement. Commissioners noted that the county already paid the repair bills to restore safety and that unpaid costs will affect departmental budgets and future maintenance spending.

The motions to approve the claims and to pay the invoices passed by voice vote; the board recorded "aye" and the motions carried.