The Wayne County Board met Thursday evening for their regular monthly session.
Claire Vaughan and Ashley Rutherford from Raylen James Marketing addressed the board, providing an update on a new website for the Wayne County Government. The project has been in the works for some time and should be rolled out for testing very soon.
Board approved appointments:
Roger Solomon reappointed to a 3 year Trustee term on the Wayne Fire Protection District #1.
Steven Deitz to a 3 year term on the Orchardville Fire Protection District as a Trustee.
Wayne County 911 Authority reappointed Scott Clark, Vern Hutson, Chris Otey, and David Vaughan to 4 year terms.
Office Reports:
States Attorney Kevin Kakac announced that Fairfield native Kyle Ellis has been hired as Assistant States Attorney. He will begin his duties on April 1.
Circuit Clerk Pam Southerd announced that her office had received a Technology Grant totaling $62,000. The money will be used to purchase new computer equipment, digitalize records, and erect a digital sign on the southwest corner of courthouse property. The sign will be 4′ x 8′ and will be used by county agencies to provide public information.
Sheriff Chris Otey announced that they had received a $25,000 grant from Grainger Corp. The grant will be used to purchase and replace maintenance equipment at the jail. He also updated the board on a future grant enabling them to purchase an Iris Scanner, which is the latest in identification technology. The Sheriff also updated the board on several items recently received from Government Surplus, including night vision equipment, a large RV Mobile Command Center, and an MRAP armored vehicle. The MRAP can be used for officer protection on high risk arrests as well as high water rescues. The total of all the equipment received is over $700,000, with no cost to the taxpayers. He also stated that his current jail population is 20.
County Clerk Lizann Woodrow updated the board on this Tuesdays Primary Election. She indicated that early voting and mail in voting has been brisk. She also announced that the courthouse will be closed for the eclipse on April 8.
Jeff Jake with the Wayne County Health Department announced that an electronic waste disposal day will take place on April 13 at the former Recycling Center at SW Park. The building currently houses the Wayne County Coroners offices.
An ARPA request for $53,000 was approved for remodeling of the dispatch center at the Police Department. A second dispatcher has been added, so some reconfiguration of the room has to be done to accommodate the extra work station
The board unanimously passed a resolution, saluting agriculture and its positive impact on our area. The resolution was drafted by the Wayne County Farm Bureau..