Commission approves bridge-inspection contract, tax-sale fees and updates building rental rules

Woodson County commissioners on June 9 approved several administrative and financial items affecting county operations and facilities.

Road & Bridge Superintendent Gary Ward reported that the annual bridge inspection contract with CFS Engineers would increase to $15,730. Commissioners agreed to keep the existing vendor because of CFS Engineers’ familiarity with county bridges; Justin Clark moved to allow Ward to sign the contract and the motion passed.

Treasurer Michelle Zimmerman requested creation of Fund 913 (Registered Offender Technology Fee Fund) and Fund 173 (County Attorney Diversions Fund). The commission approved transferring $1,808.50 from 2025 receipts and $1,750.00 from 2026 receipts into the new County Attorney Diversions Fund and approved establishing the Registered Offender Technology Fee Fund.

Zimmerman also recommended and the commission approved tax-sale processing fees: a $70 Tax Sale Abstract Fee per parcel, attorney fees of $400 per parcel for Klenda Austerman, and court costs of $300 per parcel; notices have been mailed to affected property owners. Vouchers in the meeting were approved in the amount of $63,300.59.

On facilities, deputy clerk Kathi Vining reported on needed repairs to the Bressner Building; the commission discussed cost-sharing with the Fair Board and approved updated rental rules and rates effective immediately (Community Building: $200 for 7 a.m.–noon; Bressner Building: $120 for 7 a.m.–noon) with signage prohibiting staples and tape and lease provisions allowing fees for damages.

Commissioners also heard an ACE Refrigeration estimate to replace a courthouse attic HVAC unit for $6,880.99 and agreed to follow up on the District Court request to use an outer attic room for public computer access pending shelving relocation and a security camera installation estimate.