Council updates RFP timeline, ARPA balance and local projects; sets 2025 meeting schedule

President Michael W. Kluesner and Auditor Sandra L. Morton provided a series of operational updates at the Dec. 16 meeting.

Kluesner said the county missed the Bridge Safety Program filing deadline by one day and that county plans call for refiling for the program in late 2025. He also said RFPs for a Courthouse Temperature Control System have been sent and are advertised to be accepted on Jan. 6, 2025.

Auditor Morton reported that all American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are under obligation except $173,409.11 and the council reached consensus to spend that unobligated amount on employee health insurance in December 2024. Morton also brought forward a wage issue for two courthouse security officers hired with experience; the council agreed to raise their wages to match current salaries plus a 2% increase and will advertise an additional appropriation and present an amended Salary Ordinance at the next meeting.

Council member Ryan Craig reported the walkway to the Our Precious Angels Monument has been completed; a check presentation will be held Jan. 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., and a bench will be delivered in spring. Craig also provided information on upgrading the meeting room audio/video system; the commissioners are awaiting a local vendor quote.

The council set the final 2024 meeting for Dec. 30, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. and established several regular monthly meeting dates for 2025; August through December 2025 dates remain to be set. The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.