County holds audit closing meeting

by Patty Cheffey

The Marion County Commission held their exit meeting with the state auditors to start Monday’s meeting.

While two commissioners, Steve Begley, Western District; and Larry Welch, Eastern District, were present for the closed session, only Begley was present for the rest of the meeting, so only a light agenda was covered.

According to County Clerk Valerie Dornberger, the auditors had relatively few recommendations for the county.

However, the county learned, in most cases, state audits will only be performed every eight years now.

In open session, the county met with Dale Phillips with Phillips Insurance, which offers a wide range of plans and programs.

Phillips said his company is working with other counties, including, Clark, Caldwell and Mercer.

While stating he appreciated Phillips taking time to visit with the county, Begley said he believed Marion County was staying with GDC Insurance for at least this coming year.

“We’ve been happy with what we get from them,” he said.

Mike Schaefer, county highway supervisor, reported that while Bleigh did some patch work on the Taylor bridge approaches because that bridge has settled, more will need to be done in the future.

While there were no CARES Act applications to review this week, Teya Stice, county improvement coordinator, reported there will probably be at least 40 to review next week.

The commission has set a deadline of Oct. 31 for businesses and entities to submit applications.

Stice added there will be no problem in giving away the rest of the funds.