When the Blaine County Commission met in regular session Feb. 5, it was faced with a variety of topics.
Many were standard operating procedures, accepting reports from various departments in the county, making appropriations and approving blanket purchase orders, basically paying the bills.
However, the commissioners also approved the bids from North Canadian Builders to construct two large metal buildings for District #2 in Okeene. The cost of construction will be $147,066 for the two 45x100 feet buildings, used to keep the county equipment out of the weather. The same company also won the bid for the fence around the structures at $42,677. North Canadian Builders was the only bidder on the fence project.
The commission also approved requests from the Canton Fire Department for repair funding on a tanker costing $3,509 and a request from Longdale Fire Department for a purchase from A&A Supply in Seiling not to exceed $500.
Longdale also asked for and received permission to surplus a 1982 forestry truck, a pump, 800 gallon tank, a forestry monitor and a hose reel. Along the same lines, District #3 asked to surplus a vibrating compactor. Once surplused the items can be disposed of by the county via sale or donation to another governmental entity.
The Watonga 522 EMS asked for and received the green light to purchase two chest compression systems with batteries, battery chargers and power supply systems from Stryker. The purchase is on the state contract and will cost $48,275.
The systems assist in CPR and will be used in ambulances.
Sheriff Travis Daugherty noted that his office has investigated five sex crimes cases already in 2024, including a recent search warrant issued on suspicion of internet crimes against children. That case involved a 4year-old child and the warrant proved fruitful, resulting in an arrest and the suspect being held in lieu of $750,000 bond.
The sheriff’s office also investigated a case of robbery at the Canton Senior Citizen Center, where a suspect grabbed the donation jar and ran, beginning a manhunt. A suspect was arrested later that afternoon but it is unknown how much he allegedly took from the center.
During the audience participation, Vonda Compton presented the commission with a petition from residents along CR 2610, asking them to consider raising the speed limit on the road from 45 to 55. Compton noted the road has been repaired and the traffic on it has decreased significantly since the speed limit was adjusted about six years ago.
Commissioner Tracy Matli thanked Compton for bringing the matter to his attention and told her a traffic study had been ordered on the road to see what the usage is. Once that study is completed, Matli said the commission would consult with the sheriff to determine the appropriate speed limit on the road.
The commission also accepted and approved the revisions and update to the personnel policy which includes the drug and alcohol testing policy. The new employee handbook will be distributed to all employees with the changes printed in red for clarity. Employees will be required to sign or initial that they have received and read the new handbook and the policies will go into effect in 30 days.
The Blaine County Commission meets at 9 a.m. each Monday save holidays at the courthouse on Weigle Avenue.