Harrison County Supervisors Meeting April 3, 2025 Chairman Brian Rife called the meeting to order with members Tony Smtih and Rebecca Wilkerson in attendance. Motion to approve the tentative agenda changing the first agenda item to Woodbine Golf Course was made by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Motion to approve minutes from all March 25th meetings and March 27th by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Attendance: Auditor Megan Reffett, Thad Pothast, Paul Rhoten, Shelia Phillips, Michele Stirtz, Stephanie Blackford, Curt Nelson, Teresa Crosgrove, Debra Straight, Michele Stirtz, Steve Crosgrove, Marty Loftus, Rob Brownback, Diane Crha, Susan Bonham, Mary Jo Mentzer, Christina Dickinson, Kristi Hildreth, Randy Barnett, Mike Stolz Liquor License for Woodbine Golf Course The Board approved the liquor license for Woodbine Golf Course with a motion by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Liquor License for The Twisted Tail The Board approved the liquor license for The Twisted Tail with a motion by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Harrison County EMA update EMA director Bonnie Castillo provided an update regarding the Marth 19th blizzard and the Governor’s emergency proclamation. She updated the board with estimated damages that she has been working on and how residents can apply for assistance through the proclamation for repairs and grocery replacement costs. She also advised that she is working with Harrison County REC to receive assistance to help cover almost 2 million dollars in damage that was caused by the storm. Fiscal sponsor for Walter Scott Family Foundation Grant Conservation Director Thad Pothast presented the Board with a grant that conservation technician Lane Vennink will be applying for to purchase body cameras and other safety items. The board approved acting as the fiscal sponsor for the grant with a motion by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. US Bank Handwritten Warrant Discussion was held about not approving a portion of the claim for rubber bracelets from the 911 department. The board agreed not to pay the discussed portion of the claim without further information. Motion to approve in the amount of $6,457.83 was made by Wilkerson, second by Smith. Motion carried. Melody Oaks Public Hearing Chairman Rife opened the public hearing as advertised. Comments were heard from the public regarding safety, costs, alternate entrance and exit points, dust control, and the legality of closing the road. After all the comments had been heard, member Smith made a motion to close the public hearing, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. FY25 Budget Amendment and Public Hearing Budget Director Megan Reffett reviewed the FY25 budget amendment with the board and requested they set the public hearing. Member Wilkerson moved to set the public hearing for April 24th at 10:00am, second by Smith. Motion carried. FY26 Budget Review Budget Director Megan Reffett reviewed the FY26 budget that contained the requested changes from the last meeting. The board reviewed and requested more cuts but did not provide specific amounts. Director Reffett reviewed the levy rates and advised that she was able to bring down the supplemental rates down from the published proposed rates based on the amounts that were presented. Review Proposed Budget for FY26 Budget Director Megan Reffett presented the board with the proposed levy rates for FY26 that will be published for the public hearing on April 24th. Pay Increase for Sheriff and Employees Sheriff Brandon Doiel requested the Board approve salary increases for himself, the Chief Deputy, and two Sergeants for the increase in work from taking over Logan. The Board discussed how the salary increases would be paid for and advised that the increase would have to come out of reserves from the general fund and cause an increase in the supplemental levy rate. Chairman Rife voiced concerns with increasing the rates and pulling from the reserves. Member Wilkerson stated that she would be willing to give up her 2,000-mileage reimbursement for the Sheriff’s office to receive this increase. Member Smith made a motion to give the Chief Deputy and two Sergeants an increase of $3,006 starting July 1, 2025, and an additional $3,006 starting January 1, 2026, with the Sheriff salary being set based on this increase, second by Wilkerson. Smith Yay. Wilkerson Yay. Rife Nay. Comment Board Member Tony Smith provided comments regarding the chain of command in County Government and reminded everyone to follow that. He provided an update regarding the resignation of the EMA Director and complimented her for everything she has done for the County. Shelia Phillips: Gave comments on department budget increases Michelle Stirtz: Gave comments on the EMA Director leaving and thanked the board for their work on the budget Curt Nelson: Gave comments on opening Melody Oaks Trail Teresa Crosgrove: Gave comments on the budget and suggested employees pay a higher portion of insurance costs Suzy Bonham: Gave comments on the Sheriff budget and salary increase over the past 5 years. Diane Crha: Gave comments on closing Melody Oaks Trail Mary Jo Mentzer: Gave comments on the budget and levy rates. Provided comments on the application process for county jobs. Christina Dickinson: Provided comments on the EMA director and the work that she did to help a resident impacted by the March blizzard Randy Barnett: Gave comments on opening Melody Oaks Trail Mike Stolz: Gave comments on opening Melody Oaks Trail With business of the day completed, the Board adjourned motion to adjourn by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. ATTEST: Megan Reffett, Auditor Brain Rife, Chairman NOTE: These minutes are as recorded by the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors and are subject to Board approval at the next regular meeting. MVTN 4-9-25 TDR 4-10-25
