January 20, 2026, Wells Co. Commissioners, Part 1 of 3
Part 1
- Long Term Planning
- Starts out strong with Lautt stating he did not complete his form because we need to fix the Chaseley Road.
- Options: Ripper the road
- Trusted Voucher: how does it work; purchase agreement for planned purchases procedure
- Lautt states, we represent the people
- Drainage ditch was brought up by Boone, not getting fixed along with Street signs and bridges not marked.
- Discussion on Hwy 70 & 71.
- Bremen Drainage ditch
- Boone: Investment discussion on delaying repairs each year can cost up to 20% more; how does that make sense to hold in investments at 4%. Does the interest justify the increase cost?
- Flex Foundation discussion of 20% County cost.
- Bridge inspection: Is a 2nd opinion an option? DOT Rules, yet county bridges.
- Trucks Speed damages roads:Â What is the solution?
- 2026 Budget is due at end of February of 2026
Staff discussions
- Where to make cuts
- Position coverage
- Do we keep our Service or downsize?
- Â Brainstorming on staff
Cut Fairground budget
Lower population or not services demand to keep the same or not
  Road Department
change the number of miles that are bladed
  -School bus & Mail Route
  -cut 1 blade
  -need to update Road Equipment/ more cost to deal with
Mill Levies discussion which resulted in passed motion of raising from 14 to 24. Raised by 10 mills. Goes on ballot to see results.
First Step then to increase 10 mills
 -Do not specify what these 10 mills is for, could say it for maintains of service we already have. Â
NO WIND PROJECTS: Does not look like this will happen.
Human Resources & Equipment Expenses
  Commercial valuation & residential valuation for Mill Levy discussion
Rate is between 90 to 100:Â Last balance mentioned was 97 as a board consensus.
Stan tells the board that he personally told Janet to raise it from 97 to 99 one day and no one at the table knew that he did it or about it.
Residential Farms assessments are low and could raise them.
