Knox County commissioners approve investment policy, award culvert contract and clear dozens of utility permits

The Knox County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 26 approved a set of routine fiscal and infrastructure measures, including an updated 2026 investment policy, certification of delinquent water and wastewater accounts for placement on property tax records, a $159,156 contract award for box culverts and dozens of utility permits tied to broadband expansion in the county.

Commissioners voted by motion and voice for the investment policy update submitted and signed by the county treasurer. The board also approved the certification for delinquent utility accounts to be forwarded to the Knox County Auditor for placement on property tax bills; staff said the certification is a recurring administrative action.

From a recent bid opening, the commission approved awarding the Knox County Engineers' box culvert work to USA Pre-Cast for $159,156. The motion to approve the bid award passed by voice vote.

The board then moved through a long series of utility-permit approvals, primarily for Bright Speed and previously for Spectrum/Charter, and one permit for Mercury Broadband. Approved permit locations cited by staff included roads in St. Clay, Fredericktown, Morris, Berlin and Union townships and others; commissioners noted overlap between providers in some areas and said more permits are expected as broadband work continues.

Sheriff Dan Wackas delivered the morning report before the business agenda. "We have 88 inmates in the jail, 13 females, and 75 males," he said, and reported that two candidates are being interviewed to fill open jail positions. Wackas also noted one deputy, Bruce Butler, is retiring after nearly 19-and-a-half years of service and that a major will handle the office's training-coordinator duties.

The board recessed for a short break and later resumed other business.