Latest reports from the Bates County Commission
Steven Cohen, with HR Solutions On Call, met with the Commission to discuss opportunities through their company. Steven explained how they would work alongside our HR Representative for better outcomes and solutions as needed. Replacing and/or adding policies that are outdated, strengthening the Handbook for the workplace and the option of tackling tasks in our best interests.
Jami Page attended the meeting to learn more about the company and what they had to offer. She was very impressed and felt as if it was something the County and County Employee’s would positively benefit from. Jami asked if Steven could send over a contract that they could review and he said he would send it over before the end of the week.
The Commission was also pleased with the information they learned. John is eager to move forward, as well as Trent. Jim stated he is pleased with what he read and learned but still had a few questions and will look at the Contract and see what it proposes.
Jami selflessly offered to pay $4,000 of the amount they need to secure HR Solutions On Call. She thinks it is a wonderful choice and will gladly do her part to bring them into our County HR.
March 23, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Shelly Harrison, Shelli White, Terry Bettels, Danyelle Baker, Jami Page and Jean Furr with the Bates County Republican Women came in and presented to the Commission a Resolution for the 250th Anniversary Celebration. They are asking that the Commission sign the American 250 Resolution in support of celebration.
Trent has been in contact with Shelly Harrison about parade floats and a place to decorate said floats. He is more than willing to help them with anything and offered his building located in Rich Hill for a gathering place if needed. He is on board and is also offering his time and support wherever they need it.
John was very impressed with their presentation and the detail they put into the Resolution and is in full support. He thinks this is a wonderful thing and is on board to sign and support this group of ladies.
Jim said that he needs till the end of the week so he can look over the Resolution and make sure they did not leave out anything of importance that he felt needed to be put in there. He stated that he liked what he heard and is in support, but he wants to make sure the Resolution is at his fullest potential. He was sure there was nothing to change but wanted to look just in case.
Kacie Robey, with the Treasurer/Collector Office, and Carl Bettels, with the Assessor's Office, came in and spoke once more about the Software they are wanting for their offices. To start the meeting, John apologized to Kacie for the unprofessionalism that was shown during a previous meeting and expressed his regret over the matter. Kacie thanked him and returned an apology.
John went on to explain that he really does want them to get this software but his concerns over certain things within the contract is making it difficult for him to see this through. He does not like that there is not a price cap on several different things as well as the price difference for the software. John claims he is trying his best to get those price caps in place because he does NOT want to “write a blank check” and continuously spend the citizens of Bates County’s tax dollars. Therefore John, as well as Jim, want Kacie and Carl to contact Ulrich and ask them about the price caps, auto renewals, and the rest of the questions and concerns that John has. Kacie stated that she felt she didn’t need to contact them since John has reached out to Ulrich, but John explained that he should not be the one to negotiate the contract and ask these things, that is Kacie and Carls place. Kacie disagreed but said she would call them and speak with them.
Jami Page presented the Contract from Steve Cohen, with HR Solution On Call, to the Commission and let them review it.
John then made a motion to approve the Contract with HR Solutions On Call. Trent seconded the motion.
Jami stated that she will be paying $4,000 out of her budget towards the amount for this first year, as well as Sheriff Chad Anderson, for a total of $8,000 paid towards the $11,000 total. The remaining balance will be drawn from the General Revenue Professional Services Account. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jami is going to send the signed Contract back to Mr. Cohen and will then receive an invoice for payment.
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