County receives gift from EDP Renewables

The Cloud County board of commissioners acknowledged the $300,000 annual gift from EDP Renewables North America during its regular meeting on Monday.
EDP Renewables, which operates the Meridian Way Wind Farm in Cloud County, gifts the county funds each year to be used to support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life, prosperity and safety of all citizens of the county by creating additional educational, recreational, social, health, community development and economic opportunities for them and for existing and new businesses.
The deadline for submitting an application for Wind Farm funds to the county commission is March 30.
The commissioners met with department heads during the meeting.
Department head reports presented include:
Mike Hake, Solid Waste director – Busy with tree limbs and working the construction pit with dirt.
Kristi Benyshek, District Court clerk – There is an open position in the office, and they will be advertising.
Jerry Collins, IT director – Finishing up the Emergency Operation Center and is working with the Health Department on its network.
Andy Asch, Highway Department administrator – working on tree projects, holes, dirt and ditch work and on filling two open positions.
Barry Porter, Appraiser – Discussed subsidized housing guides; mailed value notices; working on appeals.
Brandi Bray, Health Department administrator – Working on getting COVID-19 vaccinations done, and a couple of pharmacies are also vaccinating. Getting more vaccine in and will have vaccination clinics on Wednesday and Thursday at the First United Methodist Church. Family Planning had an outreach clinic at the Concordia Middle School on March 5. Working on grants; phone system; getting two more laptops; painting in the evenings.
James Quillen, Emergency Management director – Attending NIMS classes and storm spotter meetings.
Also during the meeting, Asch discussed the Kansas Department of Transportation money through the federal relief funds, as well as road and bridge matters. He reported a pickup is being purchased for the Weed Department.
Asch presented a new hire recommendation.
The commission approved the hiring of Jeff Cook as an equipment operator, at a rate of $15.52 per hour, for an introductory six month period, effective March 29.
Hake reported to the commission that he had received a call about the city of Clyde needing more wire/cage containers for recycling. He will look into the matter and grant money may be available.
It was also reported by Hake that he had received a call regarding cardboard and how many hours it takes his personnel to break it down after it is collected. He also discussed hazardous waste procedures and if they are viable for Cloud County.
Payroll deductions and benefits totaling $69,981.50 were approved by the board.
The board approved the following payroll expenses totaling $165,678.11:
General Fund, $87,123.06; Road & Bridge, $43,968.06; Appraisal, $5,434.40; County Health, $20,210.11; Noxious Weed, $1,755.79; Election, $1,536.92; Solid Waste, $5,649.77.