The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Tuesday.

The Board split payroll and billing from the consent agenda before having short discussions on each. Payroll was eventually approved, and billing failed 2-3 at first, as the nays had questions on a statement for tasers from the sheriff’s department. Board Vice Chair Supervisor Maggie Armstrong pointed out that the statement was dated for July, but was only just showing up. Auditor Dani Fink was tasked with investigating the return policy for the tasers, and with that statement removed from the bills, the Board approved paying the rest of the bills 4-1.

The Board then approved to enter into an engagement with Ahlers and Cooney representative Tim Whipple on the matter of hazardous pipeline permits and regulations in a 4-1 vote. Whipple shared that the letter was based on the firm’s standard engagement letter, and was worked to focus on the permits, ordinances and regulations of hazardous pipelines. Supervisor Brian Johnson reiterated his belief that the county should not engage in adopting an ordinance at this time, and that not engaging and keeping communications open with Summit Carbon Solutions would be a “tragic mistake.”

The Board also heard from Health Services Director Jotham Arber, who shared they’ve found a potential site in Stuart for a mental health clinic, and that there was an independent mental health provider in the county who was willing to join under Public Health as a provider. The Guthrie County Library Association then gave a presentation, thanking the Board for their support last year, and asking for support once again this year. The Board will make a decision on whether or not to approve the requested eight percent increase at the next meeting.