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Polk County commissioners approve claims, accept $359,387 grader bid and OK alcohol at fairgrounds
Summary
At its April 15 meeting in Osceola, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved routine claims and minutes, accepted a $359,387 bid for a John Deere motor grader, authorized a special designated permit for alcohol at the county fair on May 24, and gave verbal approval to switch certain employee life/disability coverage to Colonial Life.
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners met in Osceola on April 15 and completed routine business while approving several notable items affecting county operations and events.
Chairman Jerry Westring called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and the board approved the minutes of the previous meeting. The board audited claims across multiple funds and voted to allow the claims generally. On a separate recorded motion, Westring moved to allow all claims except a claim to Boruch Masonry Construction; Boss seconded and the motion passed with Westring and Boss voting aye and Commissioner Boruch voting aye on that initial motion. The board then voted on the Boruch Masonry Construction claim for concrete repairs at the sheriff’s office; Westring moved to approve that claim, Boss seconded, and the roll call was Westring aye, Boss aye, Boruch abstain. The motion carried.
Also among vendor payments presented were General Fund payroll of $80,724.51 and individual claims such as Timothy P. Matas (legal services) for $5,137.50 and Platte County Detention Facility for $2,030.23. Road Fund claims listed payroll of $34,886.00 and several large equipment and fuel invoices.
On a separate agenda item, Greg Ptacek asked the board to approve a special designated permit to allow alcohol at an event on the Polk County Fairgrounds. Commissioner Boruch moved to allow Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company to sell and serve alcohol in the Ag Pavilion on May 24, 2025; Commissioner Boss seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor.
The board also accepted a bid for heavy equipment. Commissioner Boruch moved to accept Murphy Tractor & Equipment’s bid of $359,387 for a John Deere 772GP all-wheel-drive motor grader; Boss seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
On employee benefits, Steve Melnick of Colonial Life Insurance presented a proposal to replace the county’s current life, accidental death and dismemberment, and short-term disability coverage with Colonial Life options, saying the plan would provide more coverage at the same per-employee cost. The board gave verbal approval to change from Dearborn Life to Colonial Life. Separately, Dustin Will of Benefit Management presented the firm’s services for comparing group health insurance plans and advising the county on plan selection.
Highway Superintendent Theis updated commissioners on Road Department work: a semi tractor is in York for repairs; a trailer awaits a new tarp; crews will compile prioritized gravel needs for each route; R Road’s bridge over the Blue River is being repaired; driveways and culvert repairs are underway; an excavator thumb is due for delivery; and P Road from 131st Road to 133rd Road was graded last week. Theis said the county’s trial in its case against Richard Urban is set for April 22 and reported he had spoken with Evan Dean in Congressman Flood’s office about federal funding the county must reapply for. Because the county has already begun Shelby North and Osceola North projects, Theis said officials identified paving two miles of 141st Road from S Road to U Road as the alternative project and are requesting letters of support from nearby lake owners.
There was no further business. The board adjourned at 11:55 a.m.; meetings are scheduled next for April 22 and May 6, 2025, with agendas available from the county clerk’s office.
