County buys 'tractor' for transfer station
After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, as they do before every meeting, Marion County Commissioners conducted routine business Friday during an end-of-the-month session.
David Brazil reported that the transmission in the tractor at the transfer station had gone out, so repairs were needed. The semi-tractor is used to pull trailers filled with waste out of the transfer station at night, as required.
The tractor was taken to Williams' Service at Florence, Brazil said, and repairs were estimated to cost $3,000.
Williams had suggested to Brazil that the county purchase a 1990 International nine-speed tractor he had on hand for $5,500 with trade-in.
Commissioner Leroy Wetta asked if the tractor could be leased on a trial basis, and commissioner Howard Collett wanted to know more about it. However, Brazil said the tractor was needed immediately.
After more discussion, commissioners agreed that Rodney Williams has been a reliable provider in the past, and the need to be in compliance was imperative, so they authorized the purchase.
Commissioners reviewed copies of an official agreement between the county and N.R. Hamm, Inc., for acceptance of solid waste at Hamm's landfill at Perry. Brazil said special permits to individuals will be available.
Collett asked for clarity from the company on construction and demolition waste, and commissioner Bob Hein wanted to know if the county could get special rates for citywide spring clean-ups. Wetta noted that insurance should be pegged to industry-wide standards.
County attorney Susan Robson will review the revised agreement before commissioners sign it.
County clerk Carol Maggard reported that Friday was the first day of direct deposit for county employees. Shye said 117 people had signed up for it, leaving a much smaller stack of payroll checks.
Warrants totaling $840,103.77 were approved for payment. The amount included $120,700 in county liability, vehicle, and property insurance.
Sales taxes received in January were $6,726 more than a year ago. Maggard said the $41,297.24 represents taxes from November sales.
Maggard reported that the county's liability for accrued sick leave, vacation, and comp time totals $149,469.03.
Sheriff Lee Becker reported that David Martinez of Peabody, a retired Navy man, has been hired to serve as jailer at the Marion County Jail. Becker met in executive session with commissioners for 10 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken after the meeting re-opened.
Robson presented a $1,600 contract from TBS Systems Consulting to advise the communications department on the radio system. Commissioners authorized Collett to sign the contract.
Sheriff Becker said his department has received the used car contracted for from Kansas Highway Patrol.
Maggard reported that money from the general fund was needed for transfer station expenses until the Jan. 21 distribution of taxes. She said the money will be paid back.
Fuel bids accepted from Cooperative Grain and Supply were: Area 1 — 800 gallons for $799.92; Area 2 — 2,150 gal. for $2,171.50; Area 3 — 1,800 gal. for $1,799.82; and Area 4 — 1,800 gal. for $1,799.82, a total of $6,571.06.
Road and Bridge superintendent Gerald Kelsey reported that tree trimming along county roads continues. He met in executive session with commissioners for 10 minutes. No action was taken after the meeting re-opened.
