County departments reflect on Christmas storm response
In the first county meetings of the year, county crews were commended for their coordinated response to the snowstorm just before Christmas.
Highway Supervisor Shawn Bonar said on his team of snow plows encountered snow drifts as deep as six feet. On Christmas day — well after snowfall had ended — the department assisted over 15 stranded vehicles.
Sheriff Holliday reiterated this later, adding that it was incredibly helpful to have such hardworking teams and open communication to keep everyone safe.
Bonar thanked Commissioner President Mike Vanover for helping coordinate efforts in the snowstorm and the Uniondale Fire Department for hosting a snowplow in their garages so it could be ready to plow in the area.
Bonar later informed the county commissioners that the harsh wind had sustained some damage to the county’s salt storage container. He also noted they had still not received bids on low-voltage wiring for the new highway garage.
Lastly, Bonar recognized the recent retirement of Barry Penrod, who had worked for the Highway Department for 22 years.
Council amends travel policy
The Wells County Council agreed to raise it per diem allotment for employee conference and training travel in a 6-1 vote Tuesday.
The allotment was previously $30 per day, which Sheriff Scott Holliday has shown not to cover even fast food meals for deputies recently. The council agreed to raise this amount to $50 plus a 15 percent gratuity.
Council members Seth Whicker, Todd Mahensmith, Steve Huggins, Brian Lambert, Vicki Andrews and Scott Elzey voted in favor of the change; council member Brandon Harnish opposed.
Drainage board entertains increase for Bills Creek Watershed
During their meeting Monday, the Wells County Drainage Board discussed a possible rate increase for properties in the Bills Creek Watershed.
Surveyor Jarrod Hahn said the 7,000-acre watershed has been running at a deficit for many years, most recently running at a consistent $30,000 loss. Currently, the watershed collects $10,000.
Hahn proposed that the annual rates be raised from $1 to $2 per acre, with a new minimum of $10. According to his calculations, this would put the area at a break-even.
The drainage board agreed a change was needed and decided to move forward with the issue in their next meeting.
— Compiled by Holly Gaskill
