Commissioners note highway equipment updates, approve appointments, bonds and custodian backfill

At the Feb. 2 Switzerland County Board of Commissioners meeting, Highway Superintendent Dusty Hunt reported crews had been plowing snow, said three new Peterbilt trucks are in paint and ‘‘should be ready for pickup in the next week,’’ and noted the combined price for the trucks came in $9,063 below original estimates. Commissioners discussed additional equipment needs, including a new front loader, and Joe Bennett said Bridge 16 needs a contract signed.

The board moved through several administrative items. Commissioner Joe Bennett moved and Commissioner Ryann Harrison seconded appointments of Christy Alexander and Amanda Roselle; the motion passed. Commissioner Ryann Harrison moved to approve bonds for Gayle Sullivan and Dawn Naylor; Joe Bennett seconded and the board approved the bonds. The board voted to backfill the courthouse custodian position (motion by Ryann Harrison, second by Joe Bennett).

The board also reviewed property and liability insurance and discussed Henriott assuming all county coverage; the transcript records discussion but not a final recorded motion on that item. The board approved an engagement letter for a law firm to handle a federal employee case limited to that case (motion by Ryann Harrison, second by Joe Bennett).

Jeremy Harsin requested use of the Tech building for a bingo event tied to the Swiss Wine Festival; the board approved the building use contingent on a formal application being approved. During board reports Commissioner Ryann Harrison (referred to in parts of the transcript as "Ryan") said water in the new courthouse was not working because of an unknown meter; repair was scheduled for Friday or the following Monday. An audience member offered praise for highway crews' snow work. The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

The transcript does not provide job descriptions for the appointed individuals, final policy text for the insurance transfer to Henriott, or a contract text for Bridge 16; those items will require follow-up with county staff for documentary detail.