The Atchison County Commission met Thursday, October 13, 2022. Present were: Presiding Commissioner Curtis Livengood, North District Commissioner Jim Quimby, South District Commissioner Richard Burke, and Susette Taylor, Clerk of the Commission.

Presiding Commissioner Livengood called the meeting to order.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Bills were reviewed and approved for payment.

Monthly department reports were reviewed and approved.

Clerk Taylor presented a summary of the revenue needed to cover the costs of applying 90 ton of rock per mile to the CART roads in Atchison County. After reviewing the information and funds remaining in the rock fund that can be utilized for 2023 the commissioners voted to set the 2022 ag rock levy at 50 cents for the 2022 tax billing.

This rate will be applied to every ag acre in Atchison County and be used solely for rock. The approved rate for Atchison County by voter approval was $1.00 per acre, but with good fiscal oversight the commission has been able to keep the needed amount to only 50 cents for each year it has been in place.

The commission then met with Randy Arnold and Linda Shelby to discuss the county’s 2023 health insurance options. Mr. Arnold reported that Blue Cross and Blue Shield does not currently have the renewal ready, but everyone agreed to move forward with an application to pursue options with other companies to see how the rates come in. Mr. Arnold will forward the necessary application. The county would like to have rates available by November 1.

The commission reviewed a quote from Midwest Data Center to provide Voice Over IP phone service for the courthouse. The current analog system provided by Midwest Data Center/Rock Port Telephone is outdated and equipment is outdated. This being the only locally owned phone service for Atchison County, and the current provider of phone service to the courthouse, the commission did not seek bids for the project since it is an upgrade to the current telephone service provided. After meeting with all office personnel and addressing questions and concerns the commission gave approval for a final bid to provide the necessary services to the courthouse. Joe Metzinger with Midwest Data Center will draw up the final documents for the commission’s review and approval.

Presiding Commissioner Curtis Livengood, Treasurer Debbie True, and Road and Bridge Assistant Darian Thomas traveled to Maryville to finalize the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Discretionary Grant application. If awarded, the grant would provide planning funding for deficient bridges in Atchison County. The application was prepared by the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments. The CFDA number for this grant is 20.940.

There being no further business, the commission adjourned.