Barry County commissioners approve $14.77 million in prepaid invoices, ratify chief deputy salaries and clear routine business

The Barry County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 12 approved prepaid invoices totaling $14,769,918.51, ratified recommended 2025 chief deputy salaries and cleared a slate of consent items and personnel actions during a meeting in the Commission Chambers.

The board approved the prepaid invoices, claims and reimbursements by roll call votes that were unanimously in favor. Commissioner Jon Smelker moved the motions on multiple finance items; several motions were seconded by Commissioner Catherine Getty or Commissioner David Hatfield and carried with eight ayes and no nays. The meeting opened at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

The measures approved included: consent agenda items that covered appointments to county boards and committees; acceptance of a $10,000 donation from Two Seven Oh Inc. for the county Trap, Neuter and Release program; authorization of the county’s share of $17,000 toward the Hastings City/Barry County Airport taxiway project; and administrative personnel actions such as a job reclassification and a new Chief Deputy County Clerk job description effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The board ratified the recommended 2025 salaries for chief deputies of elected offices as presented: Chief Prosecuting Attorney $102,187.30; Undersheriff $83,833.20; Chief Deputy County Clerk $61,683.92. The board also approved claims totaling $128,947.69 and commissioners’ mileage reimbursements of $640.52.

Presentations and public comment Liz Lenz, director of the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force, thanked veterans and provided an update on the county’s Opioid Settlement Funds. Courtney Ziny, executive director of the Commission on Aging, reported on Commission on Aging activities and progress on the building project. Gino Lucci, manager of the Hastings City/Barry County Airport, described a Halloween event held at the airport and an update on the start of a new airport building.

During the limited public comment period, Gary White of Nashville raised concerns about salaries and pay structures; Larry Osborne of Delton thanked clerks for their election work; and Shelly Lake of Irving Township urged consideration of a ballot hand count system. Chair David Jackson referenced an Irving Township lawsuit concerning hand counting that had been filed the prior week.

Administration and committee notes County Administrator Eric Zuzga said he is scheduled to attend municipal meetings across the county through mid‑February and thanked the Clerk’s Office for its work on the recent election. Several commissioners reported recent township meetings and community events; Commissioner Bruce Campbell noted planning activity for the "Rock the Country" concert on June 13–14, 2025 at the Barry County Expo Center. Commissioner Mike Callton highlighted the county animal shelter’s TNR program and related grant funding.

Votes at a glance - Consent items: motion to approve consent items as amended; mover Bob Teunessen; seconder Jon Smelker; outcome: approved, roll call vote — Ayes: Callton, Campbell, Doster, Getty, Hatfield, Jackson, Smelker, Teunessen; Nays: none. - Prepaid invoices: $14,769,918.51; mover Jon Smelker; seconder Catherine Getty; outcome: approved, unanimous roll call. - Claims: $128,947.69; mover Jon Smelker; seconder David Hatfield; outcome: approved, unanimous roll call. - Commissioners’ mileage reimbursements: $640.52; mover Jon Smelker; seconder Bruce Campbell; outcome: approved, unanimous roll call. - Ratify chief deputy salaries (2025): Chief Prosecuting Attorney $102,187.30; Undersheriff $83,833.20; Chief Deputy County Clerk $61,683.92; mover Jon Smelker; seconder David Hatfield; outcome: approved, unanimous roll call. - Chief Deputy County Clerk job description/classification: effective Jan. 1, 2025, grade level 9; mover Jon Smelker; seconder David Hatfield; outcome: approved, unanimous roll call.

What’s next Chair David Jackson noted a change in board membership effective Jan. 1, 2025 and asked commissioners to consider potential adjustments to board rules and committee assignments. The meeting record shows no contested or divided votes; most items were routine approvals and administrative updates.