Jefferson County commissioners approve land transfers, zoning changes and election worker pay increases

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted on a series of administrative and land-use items at its March 16 regular meeting.

Chairman David Christy and fellow Commissioners Doug Walbridge and Richard Malm unanimously approved two quit claim deeds presented by Planning and Zoning Director Stephan Metzgar: one to transfer 11 lots from Jefferson County to the Jefferson County Landbank for sale at the April landbank meeting, and a second deed transferring three Lakeside Village lots to purchaser James Fleming after a late payment that met the board’s 14-day payment deadline.

The board reappointed Stephen Phillips to a new three-year term on the county Planning Commission.

On land use, the board approved Zoning Case PR2025-17/Z2025-17, allowing an approximately 9-acre portion of an 80-acre tract south of McLouth (near 74th and K‑16) to be rezoned from Agricultural to Suburban Residential so the owner, identified in the record as Mr. Willis, can create three roughly 3‑acre lots. Planning staff said the applicant increased each lot to three acres to address neighbors’ concerns about space for a lagoon if ever required and that Road and Bridge confirmed potential driveway access. The planning commission had recommended approval 4–0.

The board also approved PR2026-01/Z2026-01 to rezone roughly 70 acres near Republic Road and 27th from Agricultural to Rural Residential and Suburban Residential to permit a four-lot subdivision. Staff reported a moderate LESA score for farmland preservation and noted nearby existing residential development; Public Works was consulted about traffic. The planning commission recommended approval 4–0.

On budget matters, Kirk Webb, GIS director, and Katlyn Farrell, deputy county clerk and payroll manager, told the board a 2025 payroll shortfall in the GIS department requires an additional $66,318.40. The board approved a resolution to transfer funds from multiple IT and courthouse accounts into the GIS fund to cover payroll expenses, and the motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved changes to election worker compensation. The resolution rescinded a prior resolution and increased hourly pay for Election Board Workers from $10 to $12, raised the supervising judges’ day rate from $20 to $50, increased mandatory training pay from $15 to $30, and adjusted pay for the advanced board, review board and audit board. The Clerk’s Office will track election costs and bill Jefferson West School for any district-incurred expenses; Commissioner Walbridge asked for a cost breakdown once the final bill is available.

All votes noted in the official minutes were recorded as “all in favor.”