The first temporary relocation of county offices to accommodate work on the courthouse HVAC system is in place. Last week the county attorney’s office moved from the third floor to the first floor. Signage will direct those needing service to the correct location.
Also this week, Verdin Company is working on the Mahanay Bell Tower and the carillon. Work specifically on the bell striker mechanisms is planned for Wednesday, with other maintenance tasks planned for Tuesday and Thursday.
The budget season has begun in earnest for the county supervisors, with several budget requests at the Dec. 15 meeting.
The Greene County Librarians Association requested $110,094 for the year starting July 1, 2027 (FY27). That’s a 10 percent increase over the current year. County funds are allocated to the six public libraries in the county to be sure the libraries and services are available to rural residents.
Rick Hunsaker, executive director of Region XII Council of Governments reviewed current projects Region XII has been involved with in the county. The total budget request is $23,770.47, with an additional 3 cents per mile for a capital match in the transit budget. The budget includes $8,507.87 for dues, which is based on population and an increase of 1 cent per capita. The capital match for mileage reimbursements remains at $100, and the request for the local housing trust fund through Council of Governments Housing Inc is $10,000.
Don Van Gilder, a member of the Bell Tower Community Foundation, presented the budget request for that group. The foundation has moved from billboard advertising to online advertising at a cost savings of $9,000 in that budget line. However, other line items have been adjusted so the total budget request from the county is $10,000, the same as in the current fiscal year.
Mike Piepel presented the Greene County Historical Society’s budget request of $6,500, the same as in the current year. He also reviewed the budget for indigent care. There are currently two clients served in that program. Piepel requested $800, the same as the current year.
Jefferson Matters: A Maion Street & Chamber Community board president Amy Milligan and Jefferson Matters director Matt Wetrich highlighted grants provided to local business, community events sponsored by Jefferson Matters, and other activities, including winning a Great America Main Street Award. They requested $10,000 in county funding for the group, an increase of $3,500 from the current year.
The board approved the second reading of the proposed amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance dealing with data centers and crypto mining. Three readings are required for the amendment to go into affect.
The board approved the federal aid agreement and the final plans for a bridge project on X Ave over Little Beaver Creek between Hwy 30 and 230th St east of Grand Junction. Also approved was the final plans for a road project on County Rd E-26 (170th St) from east of the railroad crossing in Dana to the Boone County line, and County Rd P-46 (W Ave) from Hwy 30 north to E-26.
The board approved by resolution two hirings for Greene County Ambulance. Cade Silbaugh was approved as a fulltime EMT with an annual salary of $60,840, and Morgan Luther was hired as a part-time ambulance driver at an hourly rate of $12 while driving and $4 while on call. Employment for both Silbaugh and Luther will begin Dec. 15.
Greene County Ambulance director Michelle Madsen reported that the recent wage increases in the department have boosted staffing. During the past month, the service was able to fill all but two requests for transfers from Greene County Medical Center. The service’s lack of staffing to provide patient transfers was a primary reason for increasing wages.
