Not much business was transacted during Monday afternoon’s Wabash County Board of Commissioners meeting, which lasted just six minutes.
Board Chairman Tim Hocking reported there has been no new word from Bellwether concerning amended solar applications submitted to the county.
Hocking said work continues on the county budget, with meetings planned later this month with department heads to review their individual budgets.
The county has also heard from the state concerning its Energy Transition Community Grant. Hocking said that process continues to move forward, with the county leaning toward seeking reimbursement for individual projects rather than receiving grant money upfront.
Wabash County Highway Engineer Dustin Bunting reported crews have been busy with road work while keeping up despite the recent heat and the start of harvest.
The department recently tried using hot-mix asphalt for patching on County Road 400, south of Lake Prairie Church toward Wabash 12 Avenue. Bunting said the cost is comparable to cold mix, but hot mix is considered a better product. The county purchased approximately 25 tons for the trial and will monitor how the repairs hold up.
Bunting also reported that delayed road striping work has now been completed.
Sheriff Derek Morgan gave a brief report, telling commissioners his department has been busy and that the county jail is full.
Under new business, commissioners approved moving forward with a preliminary renewal of the county’s employee health insurance. Hocking said the county may still consider changing plans in an effort to reduce costs, with the Health Insurance Committee expected to review available options.
Commissioners had also planned to consider bids on surplus property, but those bids were not available at Monday’s meeting. The matter will be placed under old business for a future meeting.
County Clerk Janet Will reported her office is working on tax reports and preparations connected with the upcoming consolidated election.
Animal Control Warden Sam Osman’s August report showed six dogs, 19 skunks, 20 raccoons, three groundhogs and one snake were picked up during the month. Osman traveled 1,633 miles.
The meeting adjourned after approximately six minutes.