Commissioner Proceedings 4/29/25

May 15, 2025

The Wallace County Board of Commissioners met in regular session with Becky Larson, Chairman, Brian Gailey, Commissioner, Will Walker, Commissioner and Debbie Welsh, Deputy County Clerk present. 

Warrants 32687-32784 in the amount of $ 158,306.40 were approved for payment. Payroll warrants in the amount of $140,575.99 for the working period of March 30,2025 through April 12, 2025, were approved for payment.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Larson at 8:00 a.m.
 
After some discussion on policies
Commissioner Gailey made a motion to sell the County car, Commissioner Walker seconded. The motion carried with:

3 YEA            0 NAY

Commissioner Gailey made a motion to remove the current $15/$15/$25 meal policy to $60.00 a day limit with receipts. Commissioner Walker seconded.  The motion carried with: 

2 YEA             1 NAY

Eileen Porubsky, representing Hope Springs, entered the meeting. She gave updates on new Physical Therapy services now available to the residents. Eileen also provided bids for a safer version of the step machine and 32 new dining room chairs. There was a question on whether a grant or Area Agency on Aging would be of help for the step machine. A Grant has already been turned down for the chairs. Consideration will be given as the Commissioners work on the Budget. 

Duane Barber, Building and Grounds Supervisor, entered the meeting giving updates on Hope Springs sprinkler system, Pool opening progress and a quote from Lehman’s Heating for the Geothermal unit. Duane presented an invoice for the parts needed for the repairs.
Anthony Garcia, Road Supervisor, and Doug Springsteel, Landfill Supervisor, entered the meeting.

The bridge replacement on RD 9 will cost the county $60.000.00 out of pocket. Anthony also reported on a new material to use to repair black top potholes that is easy to use and has a 3 year warranty. 

After reviewing the bids for an oil burner:

Commissioner Walker made a motion to accept the bid from Thunderbird Petroleum for $13,419.00. Chairman Larson seconded and the motion carried.

3 YEA       0 NAY

Christine Smith, Wallace County Treasurer, entered the meeting to inform the Board about sales tax revenues and the possibilities of how the funds could be used.
Marshal Unruh, Wallace County Sheriff, entered the meeting. He let the Commissioners know about the Road Hearing meeting on October 12th in Colby. He also updated and discussed with them, department budget and plans. 

Chairman Larson moved to go into executive session at 11:00 am  for Personnel exception-Personnel matter of individual NON-ELECTED personnel for 5 minutes and return at 11:05am. Invited are the 3 commissioners, County Sheriff Unruh. Commissioner Walker seconded.

3 YEA      0 NAY

The regular meeting resumed at 11:05 am No decision was made.
Craig Poe and Kaylee, representing High Plains Mental Health, entered the meeting. Craig gave updates on the new intervention center and available services in Hayes along with the opening of an office in Colby in May. The HPMH budget requests for 2026. The Commissioners will take into consideration the budget requests as they work on 2026 budgeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 pm for lunch.

The meeting was reconvened at 12:54 pm by Chairman Larson.
Minutes from the regular meeting April 8th and the Special meeting on April 17th were approved.

Connie Harrison, associate of Hope Springs, entered the meeting. She proposed for the county to provide two raised bed planters and two benches for the garden at Hope Springs. No decision was made.

After discussion the Board decided to set a Department Head meeting on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 4:30 pm. All departments are invited to attend.
Liss Sexson, Wallace County Community Development Director, entered the meeting. There will be a Developer meeting on Wednesday, May 7th at 2:30 pm with Doug Hutchinson and the Board of Commissioners. 

Lissa will get advertisements in the paper for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, to be held May 29th at 1 pm. She also gave updates on Grants and what approval letters she needs. 

There were two bids turned in for the Courthouse cleaning job. 
Chairman Larson made a motion to accept the lowest bid of $250.00 a week. Commissioner Gailey seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3 YEA              0 NAY

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:26 PM.

ATTEST:                                                                                             
Debbie Welsh, Deputy County Clerk
Becky Larson, Chairman
Brian Gailey, Commissioner                                                                                                                          Will Walker, Commissioner