The Butler County Commission recognized a pair of individuals during Monday's meeting who have devoted virtually their entire lives to service to the county.

The commission presented a plaque to road department employees Tim Stuart, who is retiring, and Dean Thompson, who has 50 years of service.

Engineer Dennis McCall said Stuart would especially be missed, but he was glad Thompson was remaining with the department.

&#8220When one of these men retire who've been with a us a long time, we lose a lot experience,” he said. &#8220They were here when the roads were first being built and when you do lose one of them, it hits home because you miss their knowledge.”

McCall said the state recently finished an annual inspection of county roads, with nine roadways graded 70 to 75, inadequate under state guidelines.

However, last year the county had 19 roadways. McCall said the road department would concentrate on improving the remaining roads.

In other business:

n The commission adopted Resolution 2006-327, increasing election managers and workers compensation to $100 per day.

n Rejected the one bid received for site and utility work on the new jail site on advice from the project's construction manager, Martin & Cobey Construction Company, Inc. The manager will negotiate a fair price for the work with a contractor.

n Heard the jail report from Jail Administrator Al McKee. McKee said there are currently 43 inmates incarcerated in the county jail. McKee also said the county's health department recently gave the jail a 93 on a surprise inspection, up from a grade of 87.

n Commissioner Chairman Jesse McWilliams acknowledged the three terms of Sheriff Diane Harris, who lost her bid for re-election in the Democratic primary against Kenny Harden.

&#8220Sheriff Harris has served this county for three terms and is due some recognition from this county,” said McWilliams. &#8220As a commission, we didn't always see eye-to-eye, but we worked together and we wish her well.”