The Tyler County Commission met on Monday December 30, 2024, in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, the minutes of the December 10, 2024 meeting were approved. Also approved was the Fiduciary Report from County Clerk Neil A. Archer II. There were no Exonerations.

First on the agenda was the approval to send a letter to the State Auditor outlining how the county plans to use the 25 percent rollover from the general fund. The letter will include items such as the payment for the courthouse renovations, a potential building to house the office of Emergency Management, Tyler County’s portion for the new health department and possibly the construction of a new cell tower.

Next was a discussion about the use of the Tyler County Camp and the reservations they have been receiving. Commission President Mike Smith began the discussion explaining that the camp was originally set up for use by the kids of Tyler County, especially the dormitories. The camp was reserved for use by 4H, youth groups, and churches, with a focus on benefiting the children first. Also, the camp is to be used for emergency use and storm shelters. Reservations by outside groups beyond the mentioned 4H, youth groups, and churches, for weekends stays have led to significant damage and lack of clean up on the property. Another issue arises when reservations are made six months in advance, preventing 4H or other organizations from using the camp when needed. Commissioner Lance Hickman explained that while it is acceptable for someone to use the building along with the grounds, the camp is not designed to function as a hotel. Tom Cooper added that the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) relies on the facility for training but has been unable to secure reservations, forcing them to seek alternative locations. The discussion primarily focused on the dorms emphasizing that the county needs to prioritize reservations for the originally intended groups moving forward, and the topic needs to be on the agenda for the January meetings.

Commissioners then approved renewal of the National Rent-A-Fence contract for the temporary courthouse site buildings for 2025 at the current pricing.

Toriseva Law was on hand to discuss the EMS legal plan. The commissioners went into Executive Session at 9:23 AM with Toriseva with no announcement following the session.

Following the approval to pay the bills the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Tyler County Commission will be held on January 14, 2025 in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne.