Colton Kronkraskia, with CPI Technologies, came in and discussed the opportunities he offers regarding copiers and printers. He left his card with his contact information so the Commission could reach out if they ever needed to.
Matt Gormly, with Scotwood Industries, met with the Commissioners and they talked about products for dust control on rural dirt roads. He explained that he has recently taken over and is making his rounds and discussing what he can do for us and our rural gravel roads.
John made a motion to accept Tara Ward to stay on the Senate Bill 40 as a board member for a three-year term. Trent seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
January 12, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Sheriff Chad Anderson had an appointment with the Commission to discuss a few different things and asked for Jami Page to be present. He first explained that one of his employees is trying to get his FMLA figured out, as he will be needing some time off soon regarding personal reasons. This certain employee started in June of 2025 and moved to full time in October of 2025. This brought up a concern of the 90-day probation period (1,250 hours) making an employee eligible for FLMA. The FMLA requirement only states that an employee must serve 1,250 worked hours to become eligible. Therefore, if the part-time employee has worked 1,250 hours, they should be eligible to receive FMLA. Chad and Jami discussed it back and forth, agreeing that if a Part-Time employee has served their 90-Day probation period while being employed Part-Time, they would be eligible to start receiving sick leave at their Full-Time start date. The only time an employee would not be eligible for sick leave at their Full-Time start date would be due to them not having 90-Days worked before a Full-Time position. Therefore, the employee would have to finish the remainder of their 90-Day probation before they receive any sick leave. With the Commissioners in agreement, they are allowing Sheriff Anderson to see if this employee has worked enough hours to be eligible for FMLA so that he may grant him the sick leave he needs. The Commission was also in agreement, so John made a motion to make the 90-Day Probation include Part-Time or Full-Time hours. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
While discussing all of this, Sheriff Anderson brought up a suggestion to change how the County handles Time-Sharing. He explained an idea of a Time-Sharing Pool. This would be a pool of donated sick hours if individual employees felt moved to do so. This would allow employees to donate sick time to any employees that need it in a time of distress outside of work. There will be an application put in place that you fill out, and the board would have to approve it before you obtain the hours you are requesting. The Board is something that is still being discussed. It is possible that the Board will consist of two elected officials and three employees that will have the responsibility of reviewing these applications and granting the hours that are being requested. Board members have not been selected or decided on yet. Chad felt as if this keeps it fair to everyone who is donating and helps keep shared hours from being abused. He mentioned that other counties have put this into action and that he would be reaching out to those counties to learn more about this process and relay it back to the Commission. This is something that will be investigated and sorted out with more details so the county can do what is best for the employees, especially when they are in a time of need.
Lastly, Sheriff Anderson informed the Commission that the booking desk at the Bates County Jail has taken more trips around the sun than it should have and they need something safer and more efficient for those behind the booking desk and the ones being booked. They will be taking bids for a new desk design soon. Chad will send over the new design they are wanting so the Commission can look at it.
Jami Page and Jim discussed the ballot language for SB3. Jami will type up a resolution for the Commissioner to send to their attorney.
