By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — The Dale County Commission addressed several administrative and operational matters during its regular meeting Tuesday morning, including approval of a new solid waste resolution, appointment of a personnel appeals board representative, review of an Adopt-A-Mile application, discussion of a communications infrastructure upgrade for several county facilities, and authorization to auction surplus Sheriff’s Office vehicles.
Among the key actions before the commissioners was a resolution establishing a formal process for handling delinquent solid waste accounts that have become uncollectible.
According to the resolution, Dale County provides solid waste collection services and maintains accounts for billing and collection of fees associated with those services. The measure creates a standardized procedure for reviewing, approving, and documenting bad debt write-offs for accounts deemed uncollectible after reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted.
Under the resolution, Commission Chairman Steve McKinnon is authorized to review and approve write-offs of delinquent solid waste accounts. The resolution also requires documentation identifying the account, the amount written off, the reason for the write-off, and approval by the chairman before any action is taken.
The measure designates County Administrator Cheryl Ganey as the sole individual authorized to enter approved write-offs into the county’s computer system. The resolution further specifies that writing off a debt for accounting purposes does not waive the county’s right to pursue collection if circumstances change and future recovery becomes possible.
Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution.
The commission also unanimously approved the appointment of a new member to serve as the employee representative on the Dale County Personnel Appeals Board.
Human Resources Director Linda Miller submitted the recommendation following the resignation of Wendy Ward, who previously held the position. According to Miller’s letter to commissioners, the approved candidate received the majority of employee nominations. His appointment fills the remainder of Ward’s term, which is set to expire Nov. 21, 2027.
The Personnel Appeals Board hears petitions from certain county employees involving disciplinary actions, including dismissals, suspensions, demotions, and reductions in pay.
County Engineer Matt Murphy also presented an Adopt-A-Mile application submitted by Sandy Granger on behalf of the organization “In Memory of Andrew Edward Krueger Jr.” The application seeks to adopt a one-mile stretch of County Road 11 beginning at the intersection of County Road 11 and County Road 36 and extending north past Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Commissioners unanimously approved the application.
Commissioners additionally reviewed and approved a proposed capital expenditure from Fund 116 for commercial cell signal amplifiers and antennas to improve communications at three county facilities.
Information provided to the commission indicated the equipment will be installed at the Dale County Jail, the Sheriff’s Office, and the AgPlex at a cost of approximately $15,000.
According to county documentation, the Sheriff’s Office and AgPlex currently experience limited cellular service, while the jail reportedly has little to no service. County officials noted the upgrade will improve the ability to make and receive calls, including emergency communications, and includes a two-year parts and labor warranty.
The Chronicle interviewed Chairman Steve McKinnon about the expenditure approval, and he emphasized the importance of these upgrades, adding that there is poor cell service in the areas listed.
“This is to basically beef up our system so we can all communicate better,” McKinnon said.
In other business, commissioners unanimously approved the auction of four surplus vehicles from the Dale County Sheriff’s Office fleet. The vehicles approved for auction include two 2013 Chevrolet Tahoes, one 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe, and one 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Individuals interested in purchasing the vehicles may find auction information and submit bids through GovDeals.com
The commission also discussed personnel matters and a proposed expenditure from Fund 116 before receiving staff reports and reviewing other ongoing county business.
All agenda items brought before the commission received unanimous approval from Chairman Steve McKinnon and Commissioners Chris Carroll, Donald Grantham, Adam Enfinger, and Frankie Wilson.
The next regular meeting of the Dale County Commission is scheduled for July 14, 2026.
