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Oceana County commissioners approve in-person public comment rule, tighten vehicle-use policy and pass multiple budget changes
Summary
The Board of Commissioners approved an amendment banning personal use of county vehicles, a rule requiring in-person public comment, several budget adjustments including Motorola radios and an airport easement payment, and authorized $922,815.30 in claims (one commissioner abstained).
The Oceana County Board of Commissioners on May 8 amended county policies and approved several budget adjustments and claims in a meeting held at the Board Conference Room.
The board voted unanimously to amend the county vehicle policy (Motion #2025-52) to add meetings under permitted utilization and to state that “Use of county vehicle for personal use is prohibited.” The amendment was moved by Commissioner Joel McCormick and supported by Commissioner Tim Beggs.
In a separate unanimous vote (Motion #2025-54), commissioners changed Board Rule 5.3.2.5 to require that public comment “shall be received in person.” Chairperson Robert Walker said he consulted chairs in neighboring counties who warned that allowing remote comments can extend and complicate meetings. Administrator Tracy Byard told the board the change was intended to keep meetings manageable when high-profile topics arise.
The board also approved several budget adjustments and administrative items, all carried by roll call votes:
- Motion #2025-56: Approved budget adjustment 02-0225 to increase revenues and expenditures for Motorola radios, with reimbursement expected (mover: Tim Beggs; support: Craig Hardy).
- Motion #2025-57: Approved airport budget adjustment 03-2025 to pay Prein & Newhof for easement work; the expense will be reimbursed via a state grant (mover: Craig Hardy; support: Tim Beggs).
- Motion #2025-55: Amended the Building Department fee schedule to raise the shed permit threshold from 120 sq. ft. to 200 sq. ft., with an added phrase to ensure compliance with the State Building Code (mover: Joel McCormick; support: Paul Erickson).
- Motion #2025-58: Approved the Equalization L-4029 Tax Rate Request and authorized the Board Chair to sign (mover: Tim Beggs; support: Joel McCormick).
The board adopted Motion #2025-48A to transfer $25,000 from the general fund for Parks and Recreation (mover: Paul Erickson; support: Craig Hardy).
On claims, the board approved Motion #2025-60 to release accounts payable and authorize payments totaling $922,815.30 across funds including Ambulance, Building Department, Veterans Affairs, Technology & Innovation, and the General Fund. Commissioner Tim Beggs abstained from the vote because his company appears on the claims list; the remaining commissioners voted yes and the motion carried.
The meeting record shows more detailed fund-level claims discussed in the Finance & Administration Committee earlier the same day, including a Life EMS quarterly appropriation of $267,675.55 and a Prein & Newhof invoice of $27,938.82 for airport work.
The Board concluded routine business, including commissioner reports and a unanimous vote to enter and exit a closed session for the County Administrator’s evaluation. The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Motion #2025-52 (vehicle policy amendment): passed (5–0). - Motion #2025-53 (Mental Health Awareness Month): passed (4–1) — see separate coverage. - Motion #2025-54 (public comment must be in person): passed (5–0). - Motion #2025-55 (building fee schedule change): passed (5–0). - Motion #2025-56 (Sheriff budget adjustment — radios): passed (5–0). - Motion #2025-57 (Airport fund adjustment — Prein & Newhof): passed (5–0). - Motion #2025-58 (L-4029 tax rate request): passed (5–0). - Motion #2025-48A (parks transfer): passed (5–0). - Motion #2025-60 (payment of claims): passed (4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain).
