~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
The Greene County supervisors intends to fill the upcoming county recorder vacancy through appointment as unanimously passed by resolution during their regular meeting on Oct. 5. Special election to fill the vacancy was ruled out due to taxpayer cost.
Long-time recorder Marcia Tasler, retiring Oct. 31, had previously recommended the deputy recorder, Deb McDonald, for appointment. In a notice to the electors of Greene County, the board states McDonald will be appointed at the Nov. 2 board meeting.
McDonald would fill the office until the next election in 2022.
County attorney Thomas Laehn said, “McDonald is fully prepared to assume the duties of the office.”
However, Laehn added, “The public can petition for a special election with Nov. 16 as the deadline for that petition.”
Laehn also said, “(Other) people can apply for the recorder appointment and the board should consider (any applications) at the Nov. 2 meeting.”
In other business, engineer Wade Weiss reported he will attend an Emergency Operations Center meeting about preparation for Covid virus vaccinations, if those become available at some point in the future. He will also work with the public health department.
Chair John Muir said, “If we (the county) can help out, that’s great.”
Weiss reported receiving coils for the bells previously damaged by lightning at the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower.
Supervisor Pete Bardole said a crane will be required since the bells are smaller ones on the outside. Work is estimated to take place the middle of October.
The board unanimously approved changing sheriff’s office secretary Kim Christensen from part-time to fulltime effective Oct. 7, at a rate of $42,000 per year.
The 28E agreement with the city of Jefferson to assist during a staff shortage on the Jefferson police department includes administrative duties typically handled by the captain and sergeant. Both those positions are currently vacant on the JPD. The additional staff cost for the sheriff’s office is included in the 28E agreement.
The board briefly discussed moving Ellen Ritter, mental health services, to the current Law Enforcement Center building when the LEC moves to its new location west of the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery. Discussion will continue.
The board unanimously approved a contract with UnityPoint for medical electronic equipment maintenance. The agreement is between UnityPoint Health Consolidated Services and Greene County Ambulance. Laehn said there will be a cost-saving to the county.
The board unanimously approved a Class C native wine permit for Deal’s Orchard.
