Presiding Commissioner Steve Daleske called the Benton County Commission meeting to order on February 3 at 9:00 AM. Those present included: District 1 Commissioner Larry Berry and District 2 Commissioner Scott Harms. Also present were visitors David Malecki, Gary Batson and Ricky Hinkley.
The Commissioners discussed information received from CentralSquare Technologies, LLC. Currently, GeoComm is the vendor providing Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) services for the E-911 Dispatch Center and local law enforcement agencies. This service is being terminated by GeoComm in December, 2025. To replace this important service, Central Square Technologies, LLC, has provided a bid for AVL service and to provide significantly enhanced services. Based upon a quote received from CentralSquare, the Commissioners tentatively agreed to proceed with finalizing this agreement in December, 2024. The agreement was confirmed after receiving an adjusted invoice on January 29, 2025, when Benton County was approved as a member of the Interlocal Purchasing System Program (tips), which provides discounted fees associated with this agreement. The five-year agreement will total approximately $370,000 shared with four agencies: Benton County Central Dispatch, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Police Department and Warsaw Police Department. Under the CentralSquare agreement, three of the four agencies will receive a reduced annual cost and receive significantly improved information services. Commissioner Harms made the motion to sign the updated agreement for services. Commissioner Berry seconded the motion. The motion passed.
The Commissioners discussed the need to purchase an oil distributor. Bids will be sought for this purchase. Discussion was also given to upcoming summer asphalt projects. A bid notice will be published soon.
Commissioner Berry made the motion to approve the bid from Warsaw Oil Company for unleaded gasoline for Road District #1 at a cost of $2.47 per gallon. The motion passed. Other bids were received from Zollicker Oil Company at a cost of $2.52 per gallon and from MFA Oil Company at a cost of $2.68 per gallon.
Commissioner Berry made the motion to approve the bid for diesel fuel from MFA Oil company for Road District #1 at a cost of $2.58 per gallon. The motion passed. Other bids were received from Warsaw Oil Company at a cost of $2.82 per gallon and from Zollicker Coil Company at a cost of $2.895 per gallon.
Commissioner Berry presented a quote from Schulte to purchase a rotary mower. This equipment is listed through the State bid specification at a cost of $25,137. Commissioner Berry made the motion to purchase the mower. The motion passed.
A telephone conference call was conducted with Aaron Caster from Caster’s Tow and Transport, LLC. Caster requested information pertaining to Ordinance #2019-1, which outlines the criteria to be utilized by tow companies whose services are needed by the Benton County Sheriff’s office. Caster indicated that he would like to be added to this list. A copy of the ordinance was sent to Caster for his records.
The Commissioners noted the receipt of the contract for security patrol for Corps of Engineers property. This is the annual contract for services provided to the Corps that takes place from April through September each year. Commissioner Harms made the motion to enter into this agreement for fiscal years 2025/2026 and 2027 as specified in the contract. The motion passed.
County Clerk Susan Porterfield presented a monthly abatement for signature and approval. Bills were submitted for approval and payment.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 PM.
