The Marshall County Commission approved several highway, emergency management and personnel items during its meeting Tuesday morning.
Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland reported the county has completed approximately $600,000 worth of road patching this season. Commissioners also signed a chip seal contract with Bituminous and approved boring permits for BDM and Northwest Energy.
Hofland said work on the Wade Bridge is nearly complete, with only approach work, cleanup and a final inspection remaining before the bridge can reopen. He also reported the county plans to meet with contractors this week regarding the Fort Road project.
The commission approved a one-year wage increase of $1 per hour for highway department employee Shari Schock.
Commissioners approved a $733 welfare claim for Britton Rentals.
Chief Deputy Austin Steiner received approval for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office to join the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Emergency Manager Logan Roehr received approval to purchase $943 in software that will supplement the county’s radio system while work goes forth on the Hillhead radio tower.
The commission also approved an update to the county personnel policy regarding federal overtime, bringing the written policy in line with current practice by allowing the sheriff and deputies to participate in the federal overtime program.
Brian Beck of Full Circle Ag met with commissioners to discuss installing a monitoring system for the courthouse generator that would notify the county when fuel levels are low. Commissioners said they will review the legal aspects of the proposal before taking further action.
Other business included approval of the post-election audit report and discussion of the county’s provisional 2027 budget.
During the public comment period, Jared Holland addressed the commission regarding a sheriff’s deputy.
The meeting concluded with a brief executive session for personnel.
In zoning matters, the commission approved a variance request from Tania Henning in Lake Township, with conditions requiring coordination with the State Park. The commission also approved building permits for Ricky Cole in Lake Township and Newport Township, Madisyn Neiber in Newport Township, Aarik Gray in Lake Township and Emit Valnes in Buffalo Township.
The commission also discussed proposed changes to the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation ordinance. The zoning director will begin the public noticing process for the changes, which will be reviewed by the board in the coming weeks. The commission also discussed permitting culverts in relation to jurisdiction and will send letters to the appropriate township representatives.
