The centerpiece of the meeting was the progress on the new pavilion building at the fairgrounds in Herman. This project aims to replace the old, unsafe pavilion with a modern facility that will host a range of community events. The commissioners had initiated the project following a request from the fair board, and the initiative has since become a collaborative effort involving local volunteers and donations. Scott, a commissioner involved in the project, provided a detailed update on the timeline, revealing that demolition of the existing structure is slated for fall 2025, with construction of the new pavilion targeted to begin in spring 2026 and completion aimed for July 14th.

The new pavilion is designed to serve multiple purposes beyond the fair, including hosting a business expo and creating a teen center equipped with video games and simulators. Local organizations, such as the fire department and the Legion, are planning to utilize the pavilion for various activities during the fair. Additionally, a beer garden area will be designed to comply with future state alcohol licensing regulations.

Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly regarding the concrete work, which is contingent on favorable weather conditions. The board discussed two competitive bids for the concrete pour, scheduled for May, and noted the importance of preparing the site to withstand inclement weather. As the new building began to take shape, initial skepticism from some community members seemed to wane as the potential benefits became apparent.

In addition to the pavilion project, attention was given to the looming budget concerns related to sheriff’s contracts. The commissioners grappled with the projected costs for 2025, which could see a rate increase of up to $9 per hour. This increase is primarily driven by a $193,000 rise in payroll expenses, including a 7% wage increase. To mitigate potential financial strain, the board considered offering cities a contract extension at the current rate for three to four years, thereby creating a stable, long-term budget plan.

This strategy aims to smooth out budget fluctuations and prevent sudden cost spikes. However, concerns were raised about whether setting this precedent might complicate future budget adjustments. The board plans to gather five years of expense data to inform future rate decisions.

The meeting also delved into policy updates, particularly the adoption of an artificial intelligence (AI) policy and the renewal of cyber security training. The AI policy, developed after consultations with technology experts, establishes guidelines for AI use across county departments, prohibiting free versions on county devices to ensure data security. The board unanimously approved this policy, emphasizing its adaptability as technology evolves.

The renewal of the county’s cyber security training, conducted by KnowBe4, was also discussed. This training includes phishing email campaigns and quarterly sessions to enhance employee awareness of cyber threats. The board acknowledged the program’s effectiveness in preventing security breaches and voted to renew the training license, reiterating its importance in maintaining robust cyber security defenses.

Furthermore, the commissioners addressed the need to improve communication with local businesses regarding new ordinances, specifically the registration of low-CM products. Two businesses submitted applications for approval, and the board recognized the importance of facilitating awareness to ensure compliance with these regulations. The session concluded with the approval of these applications.