County Engineer Scott Rinehart submitted his resignation several months ago, giving the O’Brien County Board of Supervisors a lot of time to find a qualified candidate. In this world, no amount of time is too much time. July 1, 2023 was to be his last day. With no applicants on that date, the BOS negotiated an extension for Rinehart to continue his duties through March 2024 if necessary.
Shortly after the approval of the contract a candidate was found. Two closed sessions later, the supervisors approved the appointment of Dennis Clark to the position of O’Brien County Engineer. Clark begins his duties on August 7, 2023. Clark is coming to O’Brien County from Brandon, SD. Clark was awarded a salary of $127,500 and start with 2 weeks of vacation and can accumulate up to 2 more weeks of vacation during his first year.
The 28E agreement that operates Sioux Rivers Regional Mental Health was not available on July 11 to approve. Members of the BOS chose not to appoint representatives to the organization without the 28E and without it being studied and approved.
Projects requesting American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA) were considered. Following discussion with the ARPA committee the following projects were approved: $35,000 for new Emergency Management vehicle, $30,000 for a playground at Tjossem Park, $45,000 for a bathroom at Tjossem Park, fire suppression equipment in the basement of the Sheriff’s building at a cost of $25,000. A warning siren to be placed at Mill Creek Park near Paullina was tabled. The approvals leave $730,485.00 in the fund. Prior to this approval, $1,778,833.80 has already been approved. The dollars must be committed to a project no later than December 31, 2024. Each project funded must completed by December 31, 2026.
On July 18 two sheriff’s office vehicles that had been ordered during the 2022 fiscal year have finally arrived. Each cost $40,400. The department had already had $120,000 budgeted for vehicle replacement. He requested supervisors to allow him to purchase a 3 Tahoe at the same price, plus approximately $75,000 to outfit all three. He asked to amend his budget to allow an additional the additional costs. The 3 vehicles plus the installations come to $196,200. He explained that Chevy is guaranteeing no interior changes until at least 2031. That allows the equipment to be moved from vehicle to vehicle and reduces the outfitting cost. Sale/trade-in value for the outgoing Dodge Durangos is budgeted at $68,000. A budget amendment of the difference would be $8,200.00
On July 18 the BOS discussed the procedure they would uses to appoint a qualified candidate to the O’Brien County Conservation Board (OCCB). The appointment is set for July 25 but existing statutes may make a delay in that appointment for 3 months the proper decision. Controversy over making an appointment for gender balance verses “the best qualified candidate” is driving the discussion and possible October appointment.