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Van Buren County commissioners approve grants, moratorium and facility items; internet funding passes 7-3
Summary
At a July 2026 meeting, the Van Buren County Board of County Commissioners approved a state ambulance grant recommendation, accepted a $150,000 school resource officers grant, adopted a moratorium on data centers, approved a small budget amendment for a health department eyewash station, referred Company Store Road to the county attorney, and approved internet service for the old courthouse museum by a 7-3 vote.
Van Buren County commissioners approved several routine and policy items at their July 2026 meeting, including grant acceptances, a moratorium on new data-center activity and multiple procedural actions.
Committee A reported it had met July 6, 2026, and recommended approval of a state grant to purchase a new ambulance; the committee's motion was moved into the full meeting and approved by roll call. Committee B reported a recommendation to adopt a moratorium on data centers; that recommendation was moved and approved on the floor by roll call.
Other actions recorded during new business included a motion by Michael Willie to refer an issue about Company Store Road to the county attorney for review; that referral was seconded and approved. The health department requested a budget amendment of approximately $1,000 to install an OSHA-required eyewash station; the amendment was seconded and passed by roll call. The board accepted a School Resource Officers grant totaling $150,000 so staff could sign and return required state documents.
The board also approved replacing missing signs at the Slaton/Rockfish bridge area and discussed providing internet service to the old courthouse museum. Commissioners debated whether to table the internet item until firm pricing was obtained; after discussion the motion to proceed (or not to table) was seconded and the roll-call vote was recorded as 7 yes, 3 no.
Votes at a glance (motions recorded in the meeting minutes):
- Approval of minutes (June 22, 2026 and special call July 6, 2026): motion to approve recorded as made by Terry Hickey; second by an unnamed member; roll call indicated approval (recorded as in favor during roll call). Outcome: approved.
- Ambulance grant (Committee A recommendation): committee motion (Terry Hickey moved; Terry Hodges seconded) to approve accepting a state grant for a new ambulance. Committee roll call in favor; motion placed on floor and approved. Outcome: approved (committee recommendation carried).
- Moratorium on data centers (Committee B): motion by Michael Chandler, seconded by Kenny Smith; committee reported all in favor and the floor vote passed by roll call. Outcome: approved (moratorium adopted for county consideration/record).
- Company Store Road referral: motion by Michael Willie to send the matter to the county attorney, seconded by Kenny Smith; committee noted road superintendent input and no further action required immediately. Outcome: referred to county attorney (approved).
- Health department eyewash-station budget amendment (~$1,000): motion presented by staff ("Miss Woodland"), seconded; roll call passed. Outcome: budget amendment approved.
- School Resource Officers grant acceptance ($150,000): staff presented the grant, motion to accept made and seconded; roll call passed and staff directed to sign and return documents to the state. Outcome: grant accepted.
- Replace signs at Slaton/Rockfish bridge: motion by a commissioner (voice S4) to replace missing road signs; motion seconded and approved during roll-call voting. Outcome: approved.
- Internet service for old courthouse museum (estimated $60.95/month): commissioner proposed funding internet access; some members asked to table pending confirmation of pricing and commercial terms. After discussion the motion to proceed was seconded and the roll-call vote was recorded as 7 yes, 3 no. Outcome: motion carried (7-3).
No formal ordinance readings or ordinance adoptions were completed during the meeting; commissioners agreed to follow up on outstanding items, including arranging vendor representation for technical briefings where requested.
