James O’Donnell, a key figure in the meeting, requested permission to hire two RNs for the West Central Regional Juvenile Center after Advanced Care Health provided a 30-day notice to end their contract, originally set to expire in June 2025. O’Donnell highlighted significant cost savings, estimated between $37,000 and $197,000 annually, by transitioning to direct hires. With the planned termination initiated by the provider, the board determined that a formal action to end the contract was unnecessary, though the option remained open for future consideration if deemed appropriate. The board approved the hiring and allocated up to $100,000 for variable hour staff to ensure a seamless transition of medical services at the center.

In addition to staffing changes, O’Donnell proposed compensating the Public Health department for oversight costs during the transition period. He clarified that the juvenile center operates as an Enterprise fund, necessitating reimbursement for nursing hours at an overtime rate to mitigate budget impacts on Public Health. The board unanimously passed a motion to approve this reimbursement.

Cyber security was another focus of the meeting, with a presentation by Jocelyn Sloan, a new Cyber Security Analyst. Sloan underscored the threat of phishing emails, which county staff receive in large volumes weekly. She detailed the training initiatives designed to equip staff with the skills needed to identify and report such threats. The presentation also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in cyber security, emphasizing the need for careful data handling to prevent security breaches. The board expressed appreciation for the IT department’s proactive measures and the importance of leadership in fostering a culture of vigilance.

The meeting also addressed financial matters related to ongoing projects, including the DMV facility. County Administrator Steve Larson presented change order number four, which involved utilizing $11,366.62 in contingency funds to address issues like card reader malfunctions and landscaping modifications. The motion to approve this change order was passed, leaving a contingency balance of $177,178.49. Additionally, Facilities Director Joe Olson requested a budget increase for furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the DMV project. The original budget of $225,436 required an increase of $1,793 due to the high cost of necessary chairs. Olson expressed frustration over the late-stage budget adjustments but acknowledged the need for proper furnishings as the facility’s opening approached. The board approved the budget increase after discussion.

Attention was also given to a issue at the county jail, where a failed compressor in the chiller system necessitated immediate replacement. The board reviewed multiple quotes and approved the lowest bid of $53,139.69 to ensure the system’s optimal performance, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

In other matters, updates were shared on community initiatives and projects, including the recently completed Snaky Creek project, which came in under budget. Plans for future developments, such as the Buffalo Red Watershed One Plan and the Family Resource Center, were also discussed, with potential state grants anticipated to support these initiatives. The board addressed ongoing and upcoming community engagement efforts, such as Thanksgiving meal provisions for veterans and the availability of a local facility for public events.