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Jefferson County commissioners approve bids, license and tax change; hold executive sessions
Summary
At their Dec. 22 meeting the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners awarded low bids for signs and a culvert, approved a cereal malt beverage license for Komal LLC and a 2025 tax change order, received updates on emergency services and courthouse duct cleaning, and recessed three times into executive session with no binding action announced.
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners met on Dec. 22, 2025, and approved multiple routine items, including contracts for signs and a culvert, a cereal malt beverage license and the county's annual Add/Abate/Escape Tax Change Order for 2025. The board recessed three times into executive session for attorney-client privileged matters; no binding action was announced after those sessions.
Commissioner David Christy called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners David Christy, Richard Malm and Doug Walbridge, County Counselor Josh Ney and County Clerk Julie Dunkle. Early business included a unanimous vote to approve the minutes of the Dec. 15 meeting and review and approval of vouchers.
James Tweed, Emergency Services Director, updated the board on staffing and progress on the new Perry satellite building, and reported ongoing hiring for the department. Public Works Director Ben Domann presented results from last week’s open bids: Newman Signs, Inc. submitted the low bid for signs at $9,197.55 and J&J Drainage Products Co. submitted the low bid for a culvert project at $51,920.50. After Domann recommended the low bidders, the board voted to accept both bids.
Judge Etzell raised concerns about vents and recommended duct cleaning; Domann said the county had contacted Bob’s Janitorial and scheduled the initial cleaning for the coming Saturday with additional cleaning planned throughout the courthouse.
Commissioner David Christy presented quit claim deeds approved at a prior meeting and the board authorized Christy to sign the deeds on the board’s behalf. The board also approved the yearly Add/Abate/Escape Tax Change Order for 2025.
The board approved a cereal malt beverage license for Komal, LLC, located at 4538 K237 Hwy, Ozawkie. The application was moved for approval and signed on the board’s behalf.
Planning and Zoning Director Stephan Metzger requested an executive session to discuss contract negotiations. The board recessed at 1:19 p.m. for the attorney-client privileged session, met with Metzger, Domann and County Counselor Josh Ney present, extended the session by five minutes and later reconvened; the chair announced that no binding action was taken. The board recessed two additional times into executive session to discuss interagency issues and non-elected personnel and wages, each with County Counselor Josh Ney present; both sessions were extended and the chair announced no binding action was taken after reconvening.
County Clerk Julie Dunkle presented documentation and an explanatory email regarding the Valley Falls, Delaware Precinct election and provided records of payments related to that election to Commissioner Richard Malm and the board. Commissioner David Christy said he would review the materials and follow up.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of Dec. 15, 2025 minutes: Moved by Commissioner Richard Malm; seconded by Commissioner Doug Walbridge; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Vouchers review and approval: outcome: approved (board action recorded). - Award signs contract (Newman Signs, Inc., $9,197.55): Moved by Commissioner Doug Walbridge; seconded by Commissioner Richard Malm; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Award culvert contract (J&J Drainage Products Co., $51,920.50): Moved by Commissioner Doug Walbridge; seconded by Commissioner Richard Malm; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Authorize Commissioner David Christy to sign quit claim deeds on behalf of the board: Moved by Commissioner Doug Walbridge; seconded by Commissioner Richard Malm; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve 2025 Add/Abate/Escape Tax Change Order: Moved by Commissioner Doug Walbridge; seconded by Commissioner Richard Malm; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve cereal malt beverage license for Komal, LLC (4538 K237 Hwy, Ozawkie): Moved by Commissioner David Christy; seconded by Commissioner Richard Malm; outcome: approved (unanimous).
The board adjourned and will meet in regular session on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
