Commissioners approve payroll, discuss roads and budget
The Perkins County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to approve payroll, review county operations, and hear public input on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 county budget.
Payroll and Claims Approved
At the regular 8:30 a.m. meeting, Commissioners Steve Tucker, Darin Robertson, and Mark Bottom approved the agenda and minutes from the Aug. 18 meeting. Payroll and claims totaling more than $75,000 were approved, covering county employees, roads, the fair, transit, 911 services, and local and transfer ambulance operations.
During public comment, Mike Hagan raised concerns about road maintenance and opposed plans to combine road districts. “I would like to have this discussed further at the next meeting,” Hagan said, requesting to be placed on the Sept. 15 agenda.
Officials Provide Updates
Sheriff Miller reported on monthly fees, inmate counts, an upcoming vehicle upfit, and a recent Sex Offender Registry audit. AEMT Travis Ogg reviewed ambulance call activity, finances, and progress in a paramedic training program.
Highway and Noxious Weed Superintendent Steve Leimer outlined upcoming training sessions and discussed sharing mowing resources. Leimer also detailed plans to restructure the county roads department. “We’re looking at restructuring the roads department to improve efficiency,” Leimer said. Commissioners instructed him to begin advertising for an assistant highway superintendent and asked County Attorney Rick Roberts to draft a restructuring resolution for the Sept. 15 meeting.
Public Transit Director Trish Jimenez updated the board on new software for transit employees, noting that a second vendor was selected after the first withdrew. County Clerk James Brueggeman provided an update on recent courthouse mold testing, with results expected at the next meeting.
Inventory and Reappraisal Approved
Commissioners approved annual inventory statements from multiple departments, forwarded discussion of conditional use permit procedures to the Sept. 15 agenda, and signed a contract with MIPS, Inc., for residential property reappraisal services. The regular meeting adjourned at 9:29 a.m.
Budget Hearing Draws Public Comment
A special budget hearing began at 10 a.m. Clerk and budget preparer James Brueggeman presented the proposed FY 2025-2026 county budget, highlighting key changes from the previous year. Taxpayers, including Mitzi Gartrell and Doug Sexson, were given an opportunity to comment.
Chairman Tucker declared the hearing closed at 10:42 a.m., and the board adjourned the meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Perkins County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15, at 8:30 a.m. at the Perkins County Courthouse in Grant.