VIENNA — The Maries County Commission reviewed a wide range of administrative and budget matters, including courthouse operations, insurance costs, cleaning services, equipment maintenance and the handling of county funds.

Early discussion initiated by Maries County Clerk Rhonda Brewer focused on statutory notice requirements tied to upcoming hearings and deadlines, with her emphasizing the importance of timely publication.

The commission shifted into early budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year, reviewing payroll figures, employee benefits and insurance costs. Health insurance expenses were discussed alongside life insurance and COBRA administrative fees, with officials noting that while costs have increased modestly, coverage levels have remained relatively stable.

Attention also turned to courthouse operations and maintenance, particularly cleaning services. Because the contract is renewed annually, officials agreed the service should be rebid and that a public advertisement should be placed to gauge interest from additional providers. Commissioners expressed that this would be a good opportunity for someone who was retired.

“I think we should take it out for bid,” Eastern District Commissioner Doug Drewel said. “Who knows if we could find someone like that, unless we ask. If you don’t put it out there for bids, then you never know.”

Accessibility issues were also reviewed, including ongoing problems with the automatic handicap door at the courthouse.

Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman said the door isn’t working correctly.

“The handicap door is not functioning. I haven’t had a complaint yet but we need to get it fixed,” Stratman said.

Commissioners discussed whether repairs would be sufficient or if replacement costs should be budgeted proactively, noting that specialty components can be costly and that future complaints could arise if the issue worsens.

Stratman stressed that the door still opens when you manually open or close it, however the electric push-button is currently inoperable.

Beyond operations, officials examined broader financial practices, including how idle county funds are handled. Commissioners questioned whether short-term certificates of deposit could generate additional interest compared to standard accounts, citing discussions with other counties that may use different approaches. Staff were asked to gather updated information from local banks before further consideration.

“I don’t see why we couldn’t invest in a CD,” Western District Commission Patrick Kleffner said. “Even a 90-day, right? You know, we could get two or three 90-day things and come up with an extra few thousand dollars.”

The meeting also included review of technology and equipment expenses, including copier costs, software renewals and prior wiring projects within the courthouse. Brewer noted several large IT expenditures from the previous year were one-time costs and should not recur at the same level, however she noted that some 911 technology needs to be looked at.

Brewer said, “We’re going to have to give 911 some money for them to get this fixed, but it’s in the 911 budget. It needs to be rewired.”

No formal votes were taken during the meeting, which served primarily as a working session ahead of more detailed budget deliberations scheduled for Jan. 12 and later this week on Thursday during the commission’s regularly scheduled meeting.