At the latest Martin County Commissioners meeting, discussions covered various local issues, including a request to purchase county-owned property, concerns over road damage, and a debate on returning employees to in-office work. A resident expressed interest in buying a county lot to store vehicles and build a garage, but commissioners noted the sale would require an appraisal. Additionally, officials addressed complaints about significant damage to a recently repaired road, allegedly caused by a heavy vehicle, though no hard evidence was presented. The commissioners also briefly discussed the county’s work-from-home policy, with some advocating for a full return to in-person work. Other routine matters, including the approval of meeting minutes and financial claims, were also handled. Commissioners debated several financial and administrative matters, including a funding request for bailiff equipment, an employee role expansion, and potential changes to local taxation. A discussion arose over allocating $5,000 from the county’s opioid unrestricted fund for training and equipment for a new bailiff. Commissioners opted to delay the decision, requesting more details on the necessity of the expenses. Additionally, the commissioners approved designating Danielle Murphy, the county’s corrections director, as the new Drug-Free Community Coordinator, contingent upon the Community Corrections Advisory Board’s approval. The meeting also covered infrastructure concerns, including a resident’s request for a sidewalk installation in front of the county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) building due to muddy conditions. Commissioners agreed to table the decision until further funding options could be explored. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the potential implementation of a wheel tax, which could become a requirement for counties seeking Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) funds for road improvements. Officials stressed the need to begin discussions with the County Council soon, as legislative changes are underway. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of local road maintenance efforts and a motion to adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18th, at 5:30 p.m.
