The Wayne County Board met for their monthly meeting last night at the Wayne County Courthouse.
With only 1 dissenting vote, the board voted to reascend a resolution that was passed at the December 2023 meeting. The resolution reascended was presented in December by Wayne County Supervisor of Assessments, Jodi Poole. She had requested that the county be divided into quadrants for assessment purposes. Several board members stated that they didn’t feel like they were fully informed on the issue by Poole and had sought more information on their own, leading to the vote. Board members also voiced concern that a severe lack of communication existed between the Assessors and Poole’s office. Poole was also criticized for her lack of attendance at most board meetings.
Office Reports:
County Treasurer Yvette Anderson reported that the final distribution of taxes had been completed
County Clerk Lizann Woodrow advised those attending that early voting began yesterday, with 10 people casting ballots. She stated that over 500 mail in ballots have been requested. The board approved an $8,000 expenditure for new batteries for the county’s electronic voting machines.
Coroner Carrie Dagg updated the board on the new refrigeration equipment being installed at her office. She also stated that Lucy Britt was working in her office as the result of a grant. Britt is currently in college, pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.
Sheriff Chris Otey informed the board that local business owners Bryan & Barbara Williams had provided a donation to his department that was used to purchase 7 new ballistic helmets for his department. The sheriff and board extended their gratitude the Williams for their generosity. The Sheriff said that Active Shooter Drills have been completed for all North Wayne Schools, with drills being planned for Wayne City and the remaining county schools. The sheriff updated the board on several pieces of surplus equipment they will be receiving. The equipment includes an RV that will become a Mobile Command Center along with 7 helmet mounted night vision scopes. The equipment was obtained at no taxpayer expense.
Ambulance Coordinator Tom Windland advised the board that the contract for providing ambulance service to Garden Hill, Zif, Keith & Berry was approved by the Clay County Hospital and the Clay County Board will cote on the contract at their next meeting.