~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
Business was fairly routine at the county board of supervisors meeting Aug. 12. Only three supervisors were present – Peter Bardole, Tom Conter and chair John Muir. Supervisors Dawn Rudolph and Mick Burkett were absent.
The board took action to correct a billing error for property taxes, unanimously approving tax abatement for 45 parcels. The parcels were billed for property taxes although they are tax exempt. Because of the billing mistake, a formal abatement of taxes was required. A list of the organizations and parcels is available in the auditor’s office.
Ryan Berven and Samantha Gudenkauf, representing the insurance broker of Group Benefits Partners, met with the board as a change in agent of record was considered for the county’s health insurance. The board unanimously approved a change from Kingston Life and Health to Group Benefits Partners, retaining Berven as agent.
Berven assured there would be no change in insurance or benefits, and that the transition would be “seamless.” Berven had previously been agent of record with Kingston.
The board unanimously approved a resolution for the temporary transfer of $200,000 from the general basic fund to the general supplemental fund. The “loan” will be repaid after sufficient tax revenues have been deposited to the general supplemental fund during the current fiscal year.
The meeting opened with Jefferson city administrator Mike Palmer’s monthly update. Palmer reported the city now owns the buildings on the east side of the square that have been home to Air Temp and CompuSense. The city will restore the façade to the original brick, do asbestos abatement and roof work, and then make the buildings available for purchase.
Palmer also mentioned the plans for a pedestrian trail from the old Milwaukee Road depot to the municipal cemetery. A walkway along the west side of S. Elm St to Greenewood Road and from Central Ave west to the water tower are also under discussion, Palmer said.
Arch Alley, located on the north side of the square, will have a new paved floor, he added.
During the reports portion of the meeting, Chuck Wenthold reported 350 vehicles participated in Hot August Night event Aug. 8.
The board heard from county attorney Thomas Laehn about putting the recently approved art policy into effect. He said other municipalities have reached out for copies of it. Laehn also spoke of the need for drafting a social host ordinance.
A social host ordinance would allow civil penalties against hosts of parties at which minors are provided alcohol.
County sheriff Jack Williams reported a jailer was assaulted by an inmate during the past week.
