WAYNE – After approving a couple clerical corrections in the Wayne County Board of Equalization meeting, the tax rates were set for the 2021-22 fiscal year prior to the regularly scheduled Wayne County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning.
From the Wayne County Courthouse courtroom, board members with Equalization commented several governmental entities saw decreases in their tax rate differences from 2020 to 2021.
Moving into the Board of Commissioner meeting, a medical loss ratio premium rebate for the year of 2020 was issued in the amount of $12,216.47. Steve Muir with Elkhorn Agency Insurance stated he didn’t have many of these rebate checks to pass out through United Healthcare Health Insurance as the federal rules state if the small group didn’t spend 80% and large groups of around 85% of their premiums, UHC would distribute back.
Muir stated claims were good this past year but he’ll know more totals for next year’s health insurance in about a month.
Nic Kemnitz, Wayne County Emergency Manager provided the final draft of the Middle Northeast Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Some changes were made prior to the September 30 deadline as commissioners then approved the final plan.
Commissioners also approved a resolution to direct county treasurer Tammy Paustian to add delinquent taxes for the years 2015 and 2016 to county tax sale certificates. County Attorney, Amy Miller did remind the board if there were older delinquent taxes, each property needed a resolution.
All six Lodging Tax Grant Applications were approved. They included a trio of Wayne Area Economic Development events of ‘A Fall Affair’ on October 16; ‘Christmas in Wayne’ on November 18 and an ‘Outdoor Holiday Decorating Contest’ in December; Winside Museum Spaghetti Dinner on October 24; Christmas in Carroll on November 19 and Winside Community Park Christmas Lighting Ceremony on December 3.
Also, following a switch in meal rates from actual cost to per diem on January 1 of 2021 by the state, Wayne County followed and made the change Tuesday morning. The per diem meal rates will now follow the state guidelines of $59 for a full day along with certain funds for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Highway Superintendent, Mark Casey then closed the meeting with updates. A utility line application was approved for 569th RD after Wayne County receives the $100 fee as Casey is starting reviews with Blattner Energy.
The next regularly scheduled Wayne County Board of Commissioners meeting will be on Tuesday, October 19.
