Committee approves upgrades for human services

• Pierce County

Pierce County

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The Pierce County Finance and Personnel Committee okayed upgrades to the human services department Monday.

First, three laptops totalling $4,469 were approved for the juvenile justice staff. The cost for the laptops was covered through a grant, so no county dollars were needed.

Second, office remodelling for up to $70,000 was also approved. It was explained there are some desks and chairs in some offices up to 50-years-old and in varying states of repair. Seventeen offices are in need of upgrade.

Finally, an extension of a temporary increase in hours for Amanda Wood, social services aide, was granted, from 28 to 35. No tax levy is used for the hours, as funding comes from a grant.

In other action, the committee approved:

--Commemorating the 100th anniversary of cooperative extension. Department Head Greg Andrews said the plan is for having some display tables in the courthouse rotunda on Tuesday, April 17, the day the county board next meets, showing examples of their current work. The request goes to the full county board for approval.

--The sheriff’s department spending around $2,500 for a surveillance camera. Chief Deputy Neil Gulbranson said the funds came from the Federal Department of Justice, related to individuals involved in illegal activity having their assets seized and awarded to the sheriff’s department.

--Granting the Pierce County ATV Association a trail on CTH B in Spring Valley.

--Selling 7.5 acres of land in the Town of Trenton, formerly used for mining of sand and gravel for highway purposes. Highway Commissioner Chad Johnson said the highway committee, at its previous meeting, deemed that property unnecessary for county needs.

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