Commissioners approve new sheriff’s pole‑barn design pending resolution of $3,971 down payment

Henry County commissioners voted to approve architectural design work for a pole barn at the sheriff’s office on Wednesday, contingent on resolving a previously paid $3,971.50 down payment.

County staff presented the request as a $5,600 architectural fee plus a $450 state review fee. Commissioners were told the sheriff’s office had paid $3,971.50 under a previous administration for a different design; staff said auditors and the State Board of Accounts had indicated that payment likely could not be refunded without appropriate documentation.

Commissioners and county attorney Joel discussed options for reconciling the prior payment, including recrediting the amount from the sheriff’s budget or the general fund or providing an invoice showing a purchase to re‑establish the bond accounting. Joel said either replacing the funds from an internal source or producing documentation could be acceptable, but staff needed guidance from the State Board of Accounts about how to proceed.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the architectural design contingent on “finding a resolution for this $4,000” payment; the motion passed, 3-0. The board instructed the sheriff’s office and finance staff to obtain necessary invoices or State Board of Accounts guidance and to produce documentation supporting any internal recrediting.

County staff and commissioners noted the design differs from the previously authorized building; staff described the preferred structure as one that could be insulated and heated, which the earlier quoted vendor could not provide. Commissioners asked that accounting documentation and any State Board of Accounts guidance be presented before funds are reallocated or the bond accounting adjusted.