The Greene County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday.

The Board continued a lengthy discussion on the possible county social host ordinance. Several questions were asked by the Board of different scenarios with respect to the enforcement of the ordinance that was presented last week. Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn said it would cover 18-20-year-olds, where alcohol, controlled substances and/or prescription medications were consumed at a social gathering. The state code covers individuals 17 and younger. If the host of the gathering took reasonable steps to prevent actions from happening, they would not be cited a civil infraction.

The ordinance would apply for gatherings at a residence, a city and/or county park or another facility that was rented. However, the person hosting the gathering or renting the facility would be issued the infraction, not the person who owns the facility or the grounds, like a park. Laehn noted that it would be at his discretion whether or not to prosecute the infraction. 

Board Chair John Muir said they didn’t want to deter legitimate businesses from promoting events, but was concerned with who has the power to enforce the ordinance. Laehn said it would be any law enforcement official could enforce it. No action was taken by the Board following the discussion.

Laehn also updated the Board on a couple of other issues. He thanked the Board and the County Engineer’s office for installing a new metal door at the counter of the attorney’s office. Laehn said over the last six months there have been threats made to his office. He also said the Board could re-negotiate for a lower cost to the new pilot probation program. Currently Greene County contracts with Boone County Probation to take the first 20 inmates that are assigned informal probation with the Greene County Sheriff’s office. There are only two in the program since it started on July 1st. Laehn mentioned they could re-negotiate for a lower price by a certain time period if needed. No action was taken by the Board following the discussion.

Deputy Auditor Billie Hoskins gave an update. She said she has funds budgeted to purchase a $7,800 mini scanner for absentee ballots. Hoskins pointed out that the mini scanner would take less time to process absentee ballots than using a regular ballot counting machine with a laptop. The Board agreed with the purchase.

The Board then heard an update from County Engineer Wade Weiss. He said gravel hauling was completed and they are starting on concrete patching throughout the county. Finally, the Board accepted courthouse custodian Amy Chapman’s resignation.