Howard County commissioners approve contracts, claims and an appointment; table elevator agreement, hear public comments on battery storage and records access

The Howard County Board of Commissioners approved several routine contracts, claims and one personnel appointment, and heard public comments about battery energy storage regulation and public‑records access.

Contracts and claims - The board approved a contract with Faulkner's Bindery for plat book procurement services, not to exceed $13,750. County Auditor Jessica presented the contract and asked for authority to sign; the motion to approve passed by voice vote. - Payroll and salary claims were approved as presented; the transcript recorded payroll expense and a salary/claims total of $1,134,402.73. Operating claims were approved in a separate voice vote with an amount of $1,802,442.30.

Facilities and small purchases - Highway staff reported a prior, small payment of $2,250 to J and J Electric to set posts and a meter on the Highway Electrical Dry Storage Building after demolition and rewiring; staff asked for permission to charge that work to a building upgrades account (fund code read in the meeting as 1138.47243). The meeting record indicates staff proceeded under their authority for small expenditures and sought accounting approval. - An American Elevator labor agreement was presented that would set labor fees for elevator work; commissioners agreed to table the agreement so County Attorney Alan Wilson could review it before the county executes the document.

Appointments and ordinances - The board appointed Tracy Martino to the Howard County Planning Commission by voice vote. - Commissioners approved an ordinance referenced in the meeting as Ordinance 2025 BCCO 32 (item on the 40th Parallel); staff said earlier notice issues had been corrected and the ordinance was approved for signature.

Public comment highlights - A commenter representing Eastern Howard County fire chiefs asked that the county solicit input from local fire departments when drafting an ordinance governing battery energy storage systems. The board agreed to collect examples from other communities and to consult local chiefs and hold discussions before finalizing the ordinance. - A member of the public, Callahan Beatty, asked whether the public-private jail agreement would be publicly accessible. County staff said the agreement is a public record and can be requested through the county’s public records request form rather than being posted directly on the county website. Several speakers discussed intermittent issues with the online request form.

Votes at a glance - Faulkner's Bindery contract for plat-book procurement: approved, not to exceed $13,750. - Payroll/salary claims: approved, $1,134,402.73. - Operating claims: approved, $1,802,442.30. - Appointment of Tracy Martino to Howard County Planning Commission: approved by voice vote. - American Elevator labor agreement: tabled pending County Attorney review.

Ending: Commissioners approved the listed contracts and claims and directed staff to correct notices for items requiring additional public hearing. Staff will return with reviewed documents and finalized signatures as needed.