Recent warming and cooling has begun to take its toll on county roads, the Decatur County Commissioners learned Monday morning.

Highway Superintendent Mark Mohr explained that work will be ongoing in an effort to patch necessary areas. Commissioner John Richards informed Mohr that as work is done on Bridge 165 on County Road 1250 South, there is an area in need of ditching. Mohr was familiar with the area and shared Richards’ concern. The landowner, Richards noted, is willing to work with the department to get the job done.

The commissioners also listened to an informational presentation from representatives of Liberty National insurance, a company that provides level term life insurance. Their policies, representatives explained, have a premium that does not increase and a benefit that does not decrease until the age of 100. If the county allows employees to form a group, premiums are deducted on a pre-tax basis that can equate to a savings on taxes for both the county and its employees. Commissioner Rick Nobbe, who serves as chairperson of the insurance committee, noted he will bring up the issue in an upcoming meeting to determine interest levels prior to making any determination.

Decatur County Memorial Hospital CEO Bill Alloy and board of trustees members Toni Collins and Mark Klosterkemper also addressed the commissioners about long-term planning for the local facility. The board, they explained, has been in the process of examining long term plans for the past 18 months. They are working to determine methods of renovating sections of the building and potentially adding on new areas while keeping all of the functions of the hospital up and running.

Planning for the future of the hospital looks into the next 25 years. While phases of potential work have not yet been determined, various phases will likely take place in coming years. The board, they explained, is also researching funding in an effort to not need any additional funding from the county.

Klosterkemper noted that patient surveys have shown that the quality of care is high, however questions about the facility show that careful planning will be necessary to ensure the structure does not hinder the good work of its staff.

“We can compare services with anybody,” he said.

The next meeting of the Decatur County Commissioners will be held at 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 15 in the meeting room of the Decatur County Courthouse.