March 11, 2025, Camden County Commission meeting at 10:00 a.m.

I attended the March 11, 2025, Camden County Commission meeting at 10:00 a.m.

All commissioners were present.

The only agenda item was “Discussion with Joe Dillon – Gallagher Asphalt.”

Joe Dillon is a Technical Sales Manager for Gallagher Asphalt.

Dillon came to the meeting to answer any questions about Gallagher’s “Hot in Place” asphalt repair method and discuss a multi-year contract with Camden County. According to Dillon, signing a multi-year deal would allow the county to lock in an annual price rate. The roads selected by Road and Bridge for this year’s “Hot in Place” treatment were appropriate for the process.

Last year, Gallagher encountered some challenges with dead ends and the need to turn their machinery around. They were able to handle a maximum slope of 12 degrees and the only complaint they received from local residents was from one gentleman who didn’t appreciate them backing into his driveway.

Commissioner Skelton was reluctant to agree to a multiple year contract based on advice the Commission had received from the county’s fuel contractor.

Dillon explained that the contract would also lock in their labor rate. Gallagher uses union labor so their salary costs can be significantly higher. Skelton then suggested that if Gallagher would base a “Hot in Place” crew in Camden County, they might benefit from the non-labor union wage rates and a centrally-located logistical position in Missouri.

The Camden County Road and Bridge Administrator mentioned that they would be sending out a request for bids on “Hot in Place” asphalt in the next few days, so the county would know more about potential rate costs when they received those bids.

In Old Business, there was a brief recap of the Camden County Employee Handbook.

Sick time accrual and PTO were discussed. The ability of the county to search its employees and their workspaces was also reviewed.

Commissioner Skelton understood why an employee’s workspace might be subject to search, but balked at the idea of searching employees and their personal items without reasonable suspicion. Commissioner Gohagan agreed with him. It was also suggested that any search should have a witness and Human Resources should be involved in the process.

No decision was reached on sick time or PTO, but it was decided that the Employee Handbook Committee should be formed again. This committee would include the elected officials to ensure that all county departments would have input and be encouraged to abide by the handbook.

The final discussion of the meeting was regarding the County Accounting Policy. I’ll spare you, dear readers, from having to endure a summary of that.

And that was that.