The Pierce County Commissioners voted to increase the fuel budget by 10 percent to keep up with rising costs in the fuel industry at its Jan. 4 meeting.

After comparing the 2009 oil costs to run the motor graders with the 2010 figures the commissioners discussed the increasing cost of fuel. Commissioner Duane Johnston participated in the discussion by phone as he was out of the state when the meeting was held. The commissioners unanimously voted to increase the line item for fuel by 10%.

HACTC asks county to suspend lease payments

Another top issue at the meeting was brought before the board by Elaine Little, administrator, Heart of America Correctional and Treatment Center (HACTC).

She asked if the commission could suspend their lease payment of $1,125/month that the county pays for law enforcement department space. She reported that the facility had an average population for December of 120 inmates. With the correctional and treatment center firmly on its feet, there is no longer a need for the county’s help.

The commissioners discussed the issue and decided that the payments could always be reinstated, if necessary.

Mike Christenson moved to suspend the lease payment for $1,125/month effective January 2011. Rick Larson seconded the motion. Christenson, Larson, and Dave Migler, all voted in favor. Johnston was absent and did not vote on this issue.

In further business

Don Jelsing, fair board association, asked the commissioners if the fair was again included in their budget. He said he didn’t want to just assume the funds were there. The commission responded that the funds were in the budget.

One of the commissioners asked whether or not there would be a carnival with this year’s fair. Jelsing said carnivals are hard to find in this area. The availability is not there. He also said that the fair association would have to raise additional funding to the tune of $25,000 above what is normally budgeted for the fair. They will have the inflatable games and kids seem to like those. The board did spend more than usual to hire the Johnny Holm Band to play for the fair. With all of the people in town for the 125th Celebration, they expect a large attendance for that band.

Since the old sheriff’s residence was built in 1911 and will be 100 years old this year, the commissioners discussed giving tours and serving cake and coffee in this historical home during the Centennial Celebration in July. They are thinking that Friday, July 1 might be the best day for an Open House.