Washington County commissioners approve highway reimbursement and move one monthly meeting to evenings; several administrative items passed

Washington County’s Board of Commissioners approved a slate of administrative measures in its May 6 and May 19 meetings, including a $277,500.72 reimbursement tied to a highway change of scope, the relocation of one monthly meeting to evening hours and several routine personnel and facilities actions.

Highway reimbursement and claims: Commissioners approved a change of scope and a corresponding reimbursement totaling $277,500.72 to compensate the county for base stone the developer supplied when the county could not. County staff said the money will move from the paving account to nonpaving, which will reduce county paving by about 4.5 miles. The motion to approve the change of scope passed 2–1, with Commissioner Tony Cardwell opposing.

Meeting minutes and claims: The board approved minutes from April 21 and from May 6; both approvals were recorded as passing 2–1 with Cardwell voting no. At the May 6 session Cardwell also opposed approval of claims and payroll; that motion passed 2–1.

Meeting schedule: Commissioner Tony Cardwell moved to change the second meeting of each month to 7:00 p.m. for the remainder of 2026 to improve public access; Commissioner Phillip Marshall seconded and the motion passed 2–1 with Commissioner Todd Ewen opposing, who said prior evening meetings had low attendance.

Sewer line at fairgrounds: Extension staff and commissioners described recurring sewer backups at the fairgrounds that create health and operational issues. Cardwell moved to repair the line before the upcoming fair with a cost cap under $25,000; the motion passed.

Appointments and facilities: The board authorized Superintendent Voyles to fill a Weed Board vacancy through the end of 2029 after Joe Keith resigned. Commissioners approved an office for the Washington County Tourism office in courthouse space, and adopted a resolution recognizing the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Washington County YMCA.

Employee benefits and ordinances: Commissioners accepted voluntary vision and dental renewals effective July 1, 2026 (dental premiums rose to $39.90/month; vision to $5.82/month). The board held a first reading of an ordinance to regulate placement of signs on county property in a content‑neutral manner; the sheriff was removed as the sole point of contact and the commissioners retained the decision authority for courthouse buildings.

What’s next: Several items remain procedural (the sign ordinance is at first reading; the READI/4‑H grant is under state review). The county also awaits inspection to reopen Bridge 133 on Old Palmyra Road after flooding.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 001, topfinish SEG 005.