Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Government topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Deuel County commissioners approve Pitney Bowes lease, table building-permit fee decision and ask attorney to research Perkins Canal engineering support
Summary
The Deuel County Commissioners approved a five-year Pitney Bowes lease with a quarterly fee of $544.86, tabled action on allocating 10% building-permit penalty fees to schools pending more information, and asked the county attorney to investigate engineering representation related to the Perkins Canal project. They also heard highway, fairboard and claims updates and approved $181,938.81 in payroll and claims.
The Deuel County Commissioners met April 21, 2026, and approved a five-year renewal lease with Pitney Bowes for office mailing equipment and service, accepting a quarterly fee of $544.86 — an increase of $132.00 per quarter. County Assessor Michele Bartlett presented the lease and the board voted to approve it on a motion by Commissioner William Klingman, seconded by Commissioner Jean Timm; the vote was recorded as Reichman, aye; Klingman, aye; Timm, aye.
The meeting also included a detailed discussion about the county’s 10% building-permit penalty (or $10 minimum) and how those penalty fees are allocated. County Treasurer Alicia Adams said the penalty fees are to be allocated to schools under current practice; commissioners discussed whether to retain or revise the fee structure. Commissioner Klingman moved to table the agenda item until the next meeting to allow for more information; Commissioner Jim Reichman seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Michele Bartlett told the board she is concerned about landowners who may be affected by the Perkins Canal project and recommended retaining an engineer to assist with negotiations and legal matters. County Attorney Jon Stellar was directed to investigate how area counties and landowner coalitions have handled similar projects and to report back; commissioners asked that the matter remain on future agendas so they can track developments.
Fair Board President Jeff Ortgies and County Attorney Jon Stellar discussed implementing monthly Fair Board reports and reviewing the fair building rental policy. The commissioners agreed the Fair Board will submit monthly reports and will review the current rental agreement with legal counsel; the rental policy review was placed on the May 5 agenda.
Highway Superintendent Toney Krajewski and Assistant Superintendent Kristian Fusilier updated commissioners on road operations, saying work on the south end of Road 165/167 (south of the interstate) is scheduled to begin in May. Fusilier reported he had researched Werner Construction’s proposed asphalt plant placement at the fairgrounds and said Werner uses a "wet bag" system intended to minimize airborne emissions; he also said the process compacts the asphalt in a way he expects will reduce the risk of ground pollution. The board noted the plant will remain at the location previously agreed with Werner Construction.
Veteran Service Officer Charles Graves provided an update on his office’s hours. At 9:32 a.m. the commissioners entered executive session for legal and personnel matters with the county attorney and select staff present; they reconvened at 9:52 a.m.
The board approved payroll and claims in the amount of $181,938.81 (payroll: $39,365.88; claims: $142,572.93) on a motion by Commissioner Klingman, seconded by Commissioner Timm. Itemized claims were read into the record.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2026.
