The Decatur County Board of Commissioners exemplified their role in caring for the daily needs of the county, Monday, as they discussed holiday hours for the courthouse.

Despite some requests from courthouse staff to close the courthouse on Christmas Eve, the board decided to keep the doors open that day in favor of creating a four-day weekend for courthouse staff. The building will therefore be open through Dec. 24 and then close for Dec. 25 and 26, reopening on Monday. On New Years Eve, the building will close at noon, reopening on Friday, Jan. 2.

The board also examined an issue that has been long-standing. Walt Moore came to the commissioners about a roadway that abuts County Road 640 North near County Road 450 East. The road was at least partially closed during the 1950’s. Moore found meeting minutes that state it was closed from a certain point north, but there is no record of officially closing the remaining portion, he said. Still, the road has not been maintained by the county for quite some time. County attorney Peg Polanski will be looking into the role of the County Surveyor, since Andrew Scholle, who enters office in January, is a licensed surveyor. If the description of his elected position includes such work, the commissioners will request that he undertake it when he assumes his position. If not, the commissioners will have to make a determination of what to do. Moore hopes to get a response soon, he said, to ease his access to fields.

Polanski also updated the board on progress toward the project in Sardinia. She sent out letters to the town’s residents, placing a March 1 deadline on septic designs and license applications.

“I think this’ll be a big step in the right direction,” John Richards, president of the commissioners, said.

In other courthouse matters, Lisa Davies, Minute Maids, came to the commissioners to inquire about toilet paper and soap for the restrooms. The toilet paper currently in use will be going up in cost, so Davies wondered if the commissioners would prefer to change to a more inexpensive type. Although the potential savings through the year would be $600, the commissioners were concerned that the less substantial bathroom tissue would require more sheets per user than the existing paper. Therefore, no change will be made. In addition, the commissioners will be investigating the cost of a new restroom soap that comes with free hands-free dispensers. Depending on the cost of the soap and batteries, a change could be impending.

He said he will be making phone calls to Sardinia residents this week to check in.

The next meeting of the commissioners, when the board will make 2009 appointments, will be on Dec. 15 at 8 a.m.