Commissioners renew contract with consulting firm, address transfer of Scott House

Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer voted Wednesday to maintain Cross Management Consulting Services of Portsmouth as the county's labor negotiating representative.

By a 3-0 vote, commissioners approved the firm (www.crossmanagement.com), headed by President Bob Cross, which has represented the county for several years.

Commissioners also discussed with Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins a proposal from Baldwin Farm to consider a three-year lease on the 64 acres of cropland at the Leesburg Industrial Park.

Last year, Baldwin Farms submitted the only bid to use the land.

"We were contacted by the current farmer and asked if we would consider a three-year lease," Wilkin said. "The property needs lime and fertilizer (to be included in future bids)."

Wilkin said the off-season application would require a decision.

"I would entertain a motion to ask Anneka to draw up a three-year contract – unless you have any issues," Wilkin said to the other commissioners.

"I have no problem with that," Horst said.

Collins said later in the meeting she would check on the three-year contract. "I can't imagine any problem, but I will check," she said.

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Scott House transfer

Horst then said he has been advised that the Hillsboro City Schools will need a resolution on the transfer of the Scott House property on West Main Street.

"The school needs a resolution from us – we will be a pass-through to get it to the Historical Society."

"I talked to Mr. Earley (HCS Superintendent Rick Earley) about it," Wilkin said.

"The Historical Society is ready to accept it," Horst said. "The school is asking for a resolution from us."

"The agreement is, you will purchase it for $1 and transfer it to the CIC, who will transfer it to the Historical Society," Collins said. "We will draw up a resolution."

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Executive session

• Commissioners also met in executive session regarding a personnel issue with Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward. No action was anticipated, Wilkin said.

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Bid openings

• Commissioners received two bids on a Pleasant Street paving project in Hillsboro.

Cox Paving submitted a bid of $48,187.34 and Gradeco Paving submitted a bid of $39,459.

"The bids will be reviewed and you will be notified," Wilkin said.