New Walworth County Commissioner appointed; Auditor expected to resign, and Deputy Auditor has resigned

The Walworth County Commission has appointed Justin Jungwirth Commissioner for District 5.  Jungwirth took the Oath of Office during Tuesday’s (Dec. 21st) commission meeting.  He takes the position vacated last month by Rick Cain.

Commission Chairman Jim Houck said he has mentioned to County Auditor Eva Cagnones that she should go ahead and advertise for the position of Auditor, even though she has not officially resigned yet.  Cagnones said her Deputy Auditor has resigned, so that opening will also be advertised along with the 4-H Youth Advisor position.

The first reading and public hearing on the new redistricting map will be January 18th.  The second reading and adoption will be February 7th.

Commissioner Kevin Holgard had an issue with meal and travel reimbursements for transport officers and wanted them removed from the claims until they can be looked at more closely.  Sheriff Josh Boll and Auditor Cagnones informed the commission that the rates have changed, and that out of state rates are higher.  The county’s policy handbook needs to be updated with the new rates, which were approved in April 2021.  Claims were then approved, including the meal reimbursements.

A motion was approved to authorize Highway Superintendent Gary Byre to sign permit documents to occupy right of way with Venture Communications.

In an effort to save money, Byre requested that advertising cease on the vacant position in the highway department as no applications have been received.  The position remains open.

For the Sheriff’s Department, motions passed to sign contracts with Edmunds County at $75.00 a day and Beadle County at $80.00 day.

The last meeting of the year for the Walworth County Commission will be Thursday, December 30th.