Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – August 17, 2026, 5:30 PM

Note: The Board of Canvassers will also meet at 4:30 PM in the Commission room to conduct final results for the August 4, 2026 Primary Election.

08.17.26_Agenda.pdf (full PDF)

• I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
• II. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
• III. Prayer (Page 1)
• IV. Introductions (Page 1)
• V. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
• VI. Approval of Minutes 08.10.26 (Page 1)
• VII. Approval of Accounts Payable 08.14.26 — $129,800.18 (Page 1)
• VIII. July Financials (Page 1)
• IX. Public Comments (Page 1)
• X. Budget Discussion — Matt Lawn (Page 1)
• XI. Department Updates (Page 1)
  • a. EMS Update — Hulsey
  • b. TUSA — Sheriff
  • c. KHP Truck Route — Sheriff
• XII. Old Business (Page 1)
  • a. Allocation of Space
  • b. Policy & Procedure Discussion — Beerbower
  • c. HR Contract Discussion
  • d. Speed Limit Discussion — Sheriff
• XIII. New Business (Page 2)
  • a. Vice Chairman Resignation
  • b. Election Results — Resolution
  • c. SEKRPC Update — Motley
  • d. Appraiser Candidates — Beerbower
• XIV. Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)
• XV. Commission Comments (Page 2)
• XVI. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Accounts Payable Bills & Invoices — Due 08/14/2026 (Pages 9–29)

The accounts payable packet (163 invoices) covers the payment batch due August 14, 2026, broken down by department and fund across all county operations.

Batch Due 8/14/2026 — Grand Total: $129,800.18 (Pages 9–29)

• Non-Departmental (Dept 00) — $91,167.45: 108 invoices spanning nine funds. (Pages 9–14)
  • Fund 016 – Appraisers — $233.40: 2 invoices. Card Services – AT&T Ford Data Plan (12-month unlimited) $225.00; Galen C. Bigelow Jr. – monthly contract copies $8.40.
  • Fund 062 – Election — $1,493.99: 5 invoices. Fort Scott Tribune – election candidates/election notice/2nd quarterly/budgets ad $1,258.00; Card Services (Page) – tabletop voting booth/Voice RSS $61.57; Card Services (Walker) – office supplies $52.14; Susan Walker – padlock reimbursement $15.97; Galen C. Bigelow Jr. – monthly contract copies $106.31.
  • Fund 097 – Special Law Enforcement — $990.00: 1 invoice. Town Square Publications LLC – advertising, Chamber of Commerce $990.00.
  • Fund 108 – Landfill — $7,795.30: 5 invoices. Allen County Public Works – MSW 7/23–7/31/26 $7,611.01; Lockwood Motor Supply – bulbs/grommets/pigtails #154 $58.11; O’Reilly Auto Parts – bulbs #154 $23.98; Tri-State Truck Center – cooling hose #154 $83.75; ComplianceOne – monthly charge $6.15/person for 33 people $18.45.
  • Fund 120 – County Sheriff/Correctional — $33,916.26: 41 invoices. Major items include: WEX Bank – fuel Sheriff $10,147.47; Benchmark Government Solutions – inmate meals (SEKRCC) $16,428.75; Enterprise FM Trust – fleet lease/maintenance (Bond Sales Tax–County Jail, Fund 370) spread across multiple invoices; Satterlee Plumbing – plumbing repairs $720.00 and HVAC service $381.96; Freeman Fort Scott Hospital – inmate medical multiple invoices totaling $951.68; Bourbon County EMS – inmate medical $706.18; Advanced Radiology Consultants of KC PA – inmate medical $63.53; training/lodging (Reichard) $1,369.83; WEX Bank – SEKRCC fuel $611.67; Five Corners Mini-Mart – fuel $544.97.
  • Fund 200 – Noxious Weed — $318.37: 4 invoices. Card Services (Reed) – heavy-duty spray gun $221.95; O’Reilly Auto Parts – oil filter/oil #56 $45.27; exam fee $45.00; ComplianceOne – monthly charge $6.15.
  • Fund 220 – Road and Bridge — $8,058.20: 37 invoices. Notable items: Pomp’s Tire Service – tires #2 $1,062.00, tires #110 $795.50, O-ring labor #52 $1,373.00, O-rings #79 labor $1,075.00, O-ring #9 labor $430.00; Enterprise FM Trust – PW vehicle lease #12 & #13 $786.81; Bobby Ann Miller – August 2026 trash services $85.50 (Road & Bridge) + $80.00 (Elm Creek); K & K Auto Parts – batteries #133 $329.90, high-temp grease $136.25; Tri-State Truck Center – slack adjuster #152 $314.46; Oklahoma Turnpike Authority – turnpike fees #130 $132.09.
  • Fund 222 – Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund — $4,086.11: 10 invoices. Kunshek Chat and Coal Co. – sand and haul 50.61 tons @ $39.50 = $1,999.10; Enterprise FM Trust – PW vehicle lease $786.80; Big Sugar Lumber and Home Ctr. – concrete mix/ratchet strap $307.11; Pomp’s Tire Service – tire tube #84 $517.20; Amazon Capital Services – oscillating tool kit $99.00; Card Services (Allen) – meal $94.17; K & K Auto Parts – high-temp grease $136.25, oil/hydraulic filters $49.07; O’Reilly – cleaning wipes #12 & #13 $8.24; ComplianceOne $89.17.
  • Fund 370 – Bond Sales Tax – County Jail — $34,275.82: 3 invoices. Enterprise FM Trust – fleet lease/maintenance customer #662996 $32,341.42; customer #668011 $1,659.02; customer #653283 $275.38.
• County Department Operations — $38,632.73: (Pages 15–26)
  • Dept 01 – County Commission — $3,655.87: MSB Law LC – review/analysis of contracts, opinion letter $3,485.21; Galen C. Bigelow Jr. – monthly contract copies $170.66. (Page 15)
  • Dept 02 – County Clerk — $748.65: Fort Scott Tribune – election ad $259.00; Tri-Valley Developmental Services – material shred $192.60; Fort Scott Tribune – budget advertisement $138.75; Card Services (Page) – postage $58.00; Galen C. Bigelow Jr. – copies $100.30. (Page 16)
  • Dept 03 – County Treasurer — $320.06: Fort Scott Tribune – election ad $259.00; Galen C. Bigelow Jr. – copies $61.06. (Page 17)
  • Dept 04 – County Attorney — $782.54: Thomson Reuters-West – Westlaw subscription $589.48; Card Services (Attorney) – Vistaprint/Culligan $171.30; Galen C. Bigelow Jr. – copies $21.76. (Page 18)
  • Dept 05 – County Register of Deeds — $452.74: Underground Vaults & Storage – underground storage $376.86; Galen C. Bigelow Jr. – copies $75.88. (Page 19)
  • Dept 10 – District Court — $7,399.89: 20 invoices. Notable: Villamaria Law – conflict attorney BB2026CR85 $1,561.80; Villamaria, John A – conflict attorney 2026JV6 $1,274.75; Claire Clark – mileage reimbursement 744 mi @ $0.725/mi = $539.40; Hartley Law Group – multiple conflict attorney cases totaling $975.30; Manbeck Law – multiple conflict attorney cases totaling $1,444.00; TranslationPerfect.com – interpreter BB2026CR61 $279.57; KADCCA – 2026 Fall Conference $200.00; Stericycle – August 2026 shred bin rental & document shredding $130.66. (Pages 20–21)
  • Dept 11 – Emergency Preparedness — $872.34: Card Services (Howard) – lodging $542.44; meals/fuel $205.65; Pomp’s Tire Service – tire $124.25. (Page 22)
  • Dept 18 – Juvenile Detention — $11,313.85: SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center – monthly detention fee $11,194.00; medical for inmate $28.00 and $91.85. (Page 23)
  • Dept 24 – Ambulance Service — $929.78: Nova Biomedical – glucose test strips $624.78; Card Services (Hulsey) – cleaning & station supplies $188.67, ChatGPT & Adobe subscription $43.84, postage/shades refund (–$157.46); Mayco Ace Hardware – supplies $69.97; Bobby Ann Miller – trash services $103.00; Kirkland Welding Supplies – oxygen $18.00; Evergy – 2817 S Horton storage electricity $38.98. (Page 24)
  • Dept 43 – Courthouse General — $7,857.01: Otis Elevator Company – install board & keyswitch $5,489.10; Fort Scott Tribune – election ad $703.00; Absolute Protection Inc. – fire alarm system repair $720.00; Cintas Corporation Loc. 459 – cleaning & courthouse supplies $416.38; Bobby Ann Miller – trash services $201.50; Bluemark Energy LLC – fuel transport $327.03. (Page 25)
  • Dept 44 – Human Resources — $4,300.00: HR Solutions on Call LLC – custom monthly HR support package $4,300.00. (Page 26)
• Department/Fund Totals Summary — Grand Total: $129,800.18 (Pages 27–28)

2. July Financials — Bank Reconciliation & Fund Status Report (Pages 30–37)

The July financials include the Bourbon County Bank Reconciliation for the seven months ending July 31, 2026, and a Fund Status Report covering the period 7/1/2026–7/31/2026 for all fund types.

• Bank Reconciliation — as of 07/31/2026: (Page 30)
  • Treasurer Account Landmark *3049: $7,909,393.14 (less outstanding checks $58,248.71; less outstanding wires $336,075.53; add deposits in transit $90,646.51; adjustments –$23,496.91) = Cash Balance $7,582,218.50
  • Clerk Account Landmark *3064: $1,164,852.30 (less outstanding checks $432,417.23; less outstanding wires $475,852.44; add deposits in transit $922,985.86; adjustments –$486,678.64) = Cash Balance $692,889.85
  • Total Bourbon County Certificate of Deposits: $1,550,000.00
  • Treasurer Cash on Hand: $1,700.00
  • Total Bourbon County Cash Balance All Accounts as of 07/31/26: $9,826,808.35 (matches Fund Status Report total — Variance: $0)
• Fund Status Report — Period 7/1/2026 to 7/31/2026 (all funds): (Pages 31–37)
  • General Fund (01) ending balance: $975,449.81 (001-General Fund $938,573.75; 060-Diversion Application Fee $52,369.63; 100-Insufficient Fund Checks –$15,493.57)
  • Special Purpose Funds (02) selected highlights: 016-Appraisers $94,844.84; 064-Employee Benefit $1,232,549.96; 120-County Sheriff/Correctional $596,147.32; 220-Road and Bridge $378,055.29; 222-Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund $897,689.96; 370-Bond Sales Tax–County Jail $1,756,772.00; 375-Ambulance Service $137,415.58; 399-Emergency Services Sales Tax $0.00 (receipts $52,247.07, disbursements –$108,386.51); Special Purpose Fund total ending balance: $6,430,910.99
  • Business Funds (03): 108-Landfill $280,954.85; 358-Sewer Repayment-Lake Ft Scott $20,173.82; total $301,128.67
  • Trust Funds (05) total: $158,743.52
  • Agency Funds – Cities (06): $0.00 total
  • Agency Funds – Townships (07): $0.00 total (Marmaton Cemetery activity: receipts $3,038.15, disbursements –$3,038.15)
  • Agency Funds – Schools (08): $0.00 total
  • Agency Funds – Cemeteries (09): $0.00 total
  • Agency Funds – Distributable (17) total ending balance: $1,919,244.44 (Tax Account $675,577.24; Vehicle Tax $666,403.83; Isolated & Comp Tax $237,358.71; R.E. Redemptions $157,748.83; RV Tax $13,969.87; others)
  • Report Total Ending Balance: $9,826,808.35

3. Official Meeting Minutes Approval — August 10, 2026 (Pages 3–8)

• Citizens Attendance & Logistics: Meeting called to order Monday, August 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Fort Scott, KS. Chairman Samuel Tran (District 1), Commissioner David Beerbower (District 2), Commissioner Joe Allen (District 3), Commissioner Gregg Motley (District 4), Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee (District 5), County Clerk Susan Walker, and Deputy Clerk Michael Hoyt were present. Citizens in attendance included Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Teri Hulsey, Jason Silver, Mike Wunderly, Tim Emerson, Marlon Merida, Michael Hoyt, Mike Hueston, Nick Graham, Amber Page, Joan Page, Jason Gorman, Trey Sharp, Bill Martin, Pam Cowan, Phil Pavey, Pete Owenby, Matt Lawn, Justin Harvit KDWP, James Crux, Clayton Miller, Diane Ballou. (Page 3)
• Agenda Modifications: The agenda was amended: Old Landfill item moved to Special Appearances (VII.b); Executive Session (KSA 75-4319(b)(1)) added between items VII and VIII; item XII (Executive Session – Non-elected Personnel) removed; new business items added for HR Contract (XIV.d) and Purchasing Policy (XIV.e). Motion by Chairman Tran, seconded by Commissioner Beerbower — carried unanimously. (Page 3)
• Approval of Minutes 08.03.26: Motion by Commissioner Beerbower, seconded by Commissioner Motley — carried unanimously. (Page 3)
• Financial & Payables Approvals: Accounts Payable $323,572.46 — motion by Chairman Tran, seconded by Commissioner Allen — carried unanimously. (Page 4)
• Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1): Motion by Commissioner Tran to convene for 15 minutes to discuss personal matters of individual non-elected personnel; participants included the five commissioners, Executive Assistant Laura Krom, and Dr. Cohen by phone (garnishments/child support). Seconded by Commissioner Milburn-Kee — carried unanimously. Motion to return to regular session without action by Chairman Tran, seconded by Commissioner Motley — carried unanimously. (Page 4)
• Special Appearances: (Page 4)
  • Walk-In Hunting – Philip Pavey: Philip Pavey, cemetery President, raised concerns about the approved walk-in hunting program on county-owned property adjacent to Oak Grove Cemetery, presenting a letter from neighbors Richard and Alyssa Cromemeyer citing trespassing, safety, lack of fencing, and adjacency issues. Justin Harvit of KDWP explained the one-year agreement is primarily archery-based and scatter shots in the southern timbered section; he had walked and posted the boundary. The Commission acknowledged the concerns and took no action to rescind prior approval.
  • Old Landfill – Milburn: Commissioner Milburn-Kee raised outstanding obligations regarding the closed landfill — groundwater testing (last completed 2020) and deed restrictions/restrictive covenants required by KDHE. Motion by Commissioner Beerbower, seconded by Commissioner Milburn-Kee to authorize Commissioner Milburn-Kee to draft a proposal directing Public Works to coordinate groundwater testing with KDHE and update deed covenants — carried unanimously.
• Public Comments: No public comment cards were submitted. (Page 4)
• Department Updates: (Pages 4–5)
  • County Clerk – Susan Walker: Delivered a detailed primary election report — all poll workers completed two hours of training; new incident report procedures implemented; four incident reports filed (incorrect ballot issuance or poll pad discrepancies); outdated equipment cited; accuracy 99.999%. Walker then raised recurring payroll reconciliation issues over the past eight months (KPERS variances, unresolved benefit billing) and recommended Baker Tilly handle general ledger payroll entries. Walker announced her resignation effective August 31, 2026, citing deteriorating work environment and accepting another position; she addressed Commissioner Tran directly regarding disrespectful conduct. Deputy Clerk Michael Hoyt to assume responsibilities for the remainder of the meeting and pending the Republican Party’s election of a new clerk at a convention TBD.
  • EMS Director Update – Hulsey: Comparative rate analysis of Bourbon County EMS billing against Allen, Anderson, Crawford, and Neosho counties — Anderson and Neosho operate as hospital-based services, accounting for their higher rates. Chairman Tran requested additional data before the next meeting: Medicare vs. private insurance billing breakdown, monthly collection amounts, percentage collected by billing company Omni, and man-hours associated with transfers.
  • KCJIS Compliance – Sheriff: Sheriff William Martin reported 12 department computers must be updated to Windows 10/11 for CJIS compliance (deadline early 2027). Two bids: Stronghold at $14,465.52; Advantage Computer of Iola at $14,544. Motion to authorize Sheriff to use jail inmate revenue funds to purchase computers — made by Commissioner Milburn-Kee, seconded by Commissioner Allen — carried unanimously.
  • KHP Truck Route – Sheriff: KHP trooper unable to attend; item deferred to next regular meeting.
• Budget Discussion – Matt Lawn: Budget approximately 96–97% complete. Proposed schedule: regular meeting August 17 (full budget presentation); work session August 19 (or 20); regular meeting August 24 (final agreement); fallback August 31. Mandatory public hearing publication deadline September 4; hearing scheduled September 14. Discussion of proposed additional EMS paramedic position — additional benefit cost ~$9,600 remainder of FY2026 and ~$33,500 annually; decision deferred pending full breakdown from Director Hulsey. (Page 5)
• Old Business: (Pages 5–6)
  • S&P Conference Call – Motley: Commissioner Motley reported on S&P Global Ratings call — last formal review 2019 (reserves ~63% of expenses); current review triggered by low DARF reserves and less-than-clean audit; Ben Hart addressed S&P’s concerns as procedural rather than financial; S&P prefers hard-dollar reserve targets and long-term capital replacement plan; rating decision expected in ~1.5 weeks; Motley expressed concern about possible downgrade. Chairman Tran noted the county lacks life cycle plans, preventive maintenance plans, and purchasing plans for equipment across departments.
  • Letter of Resignation (Appraiser): Commission acknowledged resignation of County Appraiser. Commissioner Milburn-Kee authorized to contact Linn County and Allen County for interim/shared appraiser arrangements.
  • Policy/Procedures Set Work Session – Beerbower: Commissioner Beerbower distributed a draft resolution for adopting/updating county policies and procedures. Discussion tabled until September following budget completion.
  • Landfill Backhoe – Tran: Chairman Tran questioned the previously approved ~$179,000 Caterpillar backhoe purchase for Transfer Station; questioned whether a certified pre-owned unit could satisfy needs at lower cost. Transfer Station Supervisor Diana Ballou confirmed she needs reliable but functional equipment. Commissioner Milburn-Kee moved to authorize chairman to sign contract for new backhoe; the motion died for lack of a second. Motion to recall prior approval of new Caterpillar backhoe purchase by Chairman Tran, seconded by Milburn-Kee — carried 4–1 (Commissioner Beerbower opposed). Commission directed Public Works Director Kenny to independently seek and present alternative backhoe options; Tran indicated a certified pre-owned Caterpillar in the $120,000 range would be an appropriate target.
• New Business: (Pages 6–7)
  • Court Space – Beerbower: Upcoming elevator replacement project (expected 30+ days beginning October) will render courthouse inaccessible for disabled individuals and create security challenges for prisoner transport. Two potential relocation sites toured. Motion by Commissioner Beerbower, seconded by Commissioner Motley to schedule a work session with court personnel and relevant stakeholders — carried unanimously. Work session scheduled Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
  • Building Maintenance Supervision: Commissioner Beerbower motioned to establish a full-time Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor reporting directly to the Board of County Commissioners, at entry-level pay, with 90-day introductory period, and subsequent pay adjustment to supervisory rate. Seconded by Motley. After extensive discussion, Beerbower withdrew the motion; may be resubmitted in revised form.
  • Commission & Board Assignment – Allen: Commissioner Allen raised question of commissioners attending assigned boards and reporting back to full commission. Commissioners and citizens confirmed respective assignments and attendance. No formal action taken.
  • HR Contract: Chairman Tran summarized contract amendment with Dr. Cohen for HR consulting — 12 months (August 11, 2026 – August 10, 2027) at $4,343/month ($51,600 annually), covering HR leadership, policy manual updates, performance appraisal administration, and whistleblower hotline. Motion to authorize chairman to sign by Chairman Tran, seconded by Milburn-Kee — motion failed (all voting no); item deferred to next regular meeting.
  • Purchasing Policy: Commissioner Allen distributed information regarding a resolution requirement for lease purchases exceeding $100,000 spanning more than one fiscal year, confirmed by financial advisor. Informational only; to be brought back at a future meeting.
• Future Agenda Topics: Items deferred to August 17, 2026 meeting include: KHP Truck Route (Sheriff), HR contract, EMS overtime analysis, old landfill water testing and deed covenant proposal, and the full budget presentation by Matt Lawn. Budget work session tentatively scheduled August 19. (Page 7)
• Commission Comments & Adjournment: Commissioner Allen thanked attendees for staying. Commissioner Milburn-Kee apologized to Chairman Tran for speaking out of turn. Motion to adjourn by Chairman Tran, seconded by Allen at 9:35 PM — carried unanimously. (Page 7)

4. TUSA – Radio Protect Agenda Request Form (Page 38)

A Bourbon County Agenda Request form submitted by the Sheriff’s Office (contact: Sheriff Martin, dated August 12, 2026) for the August 17, 2026 meeting.

• Agenda Topic: TUSA – Radio Protect
• Action Requested: Move forward with Phase 1; working with City on Phase 2
• Budget Impact: Not at this time
• Agreements/Contracts reviewed by County Counsel & Attached: No

The Bourbon County Republican Party has stopped its search for a new county clerk, days after announcing it would begin one.

In a statement issued Aug. 14, party chair Kaety Bowers said the party “officially retracts its statement of intent to begin the replacement process” for the office of County Clerk, and that it did so after the Secretary of State’s election director instructed it to cease.

County Clerk Susan Walker announced her resignation at the Aug. 10 county commission meeting, effective Aug. 31, ending 24 years with different entities in Bourbon County. The written statement she read to commissioners says she will be “stepping down from my position as County Clerk, effective 08/31/26.”

As of late Saturday morning, Aug. 15, no resignation letter had been filed with the governor. Walker said in an interview then that she had not yet sent one and that she intends to. Kansas law treats an announced resignation and a filed one as separate matters, and that distinction runs through everything that followed.

The party’s statement, in full

Bowers issued the following statement on Aug. 14. It is reproduced here in its entirety.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 14, 2026

Bourbon County Republican Chair Responds to Clerk’s Announcement

FORT SCOTT, Kan. —

On Monday, Clerk Walker publicly announced her resignation effective August 31, 2026, during the county commission meeting. Her written statement was later published online. She informed the Secretary of State’s office today that the resignation was instead an “announcement” and that she has not notified the Governor. It remains unclear when, or if, a formal resignation letter will be submitted.

Earlier this week, the Secretary of State’s election director cleared the Bourbon County Republican Party to begin the statutory replacement process for the office of County Clerk under K.S.A. 19-303 and 25-3902. After the subsequent discussion with County Clerk Susan Walker today, the same director instructed the Party to cease the process. The Party does not hold the election director at fault.

In light of these developments, the Bourbon County Republican Party officially retracts its statement of intent to begin the replacement process.

The people of Bourbon County deserve clarity, not shifting statements depending on the audience. If the resignation is genuine, the letter should be filed where the law requires. If it is not, the public announcements should stop as this uncertainty serves no one. The unfortunate timing of any vacancy places a new clerk directly into preparation for the November general election, making every day of transition time valuable.

The Party remains prepared to follow the law the moment formal notice is properly filed and will comply with the latest directive from the Secretary of State’s office until then.

Kaety Bowers

Chair, Bourbon County Republican Party

What Walker says happened

Walker described the call in an interview with FortScott.biz on Saturday. She said she phoned the Secretary of State’s office about the county canvass — the Aug. 4 primary left a three-vote margin in the District 1 commission race — and that her resignation letter came up incidentally. The state election director is the official county election officers work with on election administration, which is what Walker said she called about.

“I called the Secretary of State because I was working on my canvassing and I had some questions, and I said, by the way, I said, do I send my letter to you? And also the governor,” Walker said. “He goes, ‘What? You haven’t sent your letter in yet?'”

She said the director asked whether she had made an announcement, and she said she had.

“He goes, ‘Well, you need to call the party chair.’ I said, ‘She won’t take my phone calls.’ And he goes, ‘Well, fine, I’ll do it.'”

In Walker’s telling, the missing letter is the reason the process stopped, and the director acted on his own. She said the letter is coming: “Am I sending my letter in? Absolutely, I am. I just haven’t had time.” Election work had priority, she said. Reached shortly before noon on Saturday, she said she was only then leaving the office after working the weekend on the canvass: “I’ve been working tirelessly to make sure the canvass goes off. I’m just now leaving the office.”

What the party was told

The party’s understanding of that same call differs on one point.

Bowers explained to FortScott.biz that, while Walker’s announcement would ordinarily have counted as notice that a vacancy was going to occur — the event that starts a county party’s clock to find a replacement — the director told her Walker had called him to say her announcement should not be treated as that notice.

On that account, the lack of a letter to the governor was not what stopped the process.

The written statement stops short of saying that. It places the halt after the director’s discussion with Walker without saying the discussion caused it.

Two statutes, two different questions

Read together, the two accounts may be describing the same conversation from either side of a single legal question: whether Walker has officially resigned, or whether the party may begin looking for a successor before she has. Kansas law treats those as separate questions, and different statutes answer each. The party’s statement cites the two that govern filling the vacancy; a third governs how a county officer resigns in the first place.

K.S.A. 19-2606 governs how an elected county officer resigns. It requires a written notice filed in the office of whoever is authorized to fill the vacancy — for a county clerk, the governor — plus a copy to the county election officer, and it must state the effective date. Walker’s published statement does give an effective date. What has not happened is the filing.

K.S.A. 25-3902 governs when the party may act. It gives the county chair 21 days from “receipt of notice that the vacancy has occurred or will occur” to convene a convention of precinct committeemen and committeewomen, who elect someone for the governor to appoint. The tense is future. The statute sets no form for that notice, and nothing in it makes a completed 19-2606 filing a precondition.

So both things can be true at once: that Walker’s resignation is not yet complete, and that the party’s clock had already started. Neither statute ties one to the other, and an official weighing whether a resignation is final could reasonably land somewhere different from one weighing when a party’s 21 days begin.

What is not in dispute

Walker announced a resignation on Aug. 10, effective Aug. 31, and a written statement was published the following day. No letter had reached the governor as of late Saturday morning, Aug. 15. The Secretary of State’s election director first cleared the party to begin and later told it to stop. That reversal followed his conversation with Walker. The party’s statement says it does not hold the election director at fault.

What happens next

The party says it “remains prepared to follow the law the moment formal notice is properly filed.” Filing a letter would not by itself create a vacancy. Walker gave notice ahead of time and set her last day as Aug. 31, so she remains the clerk until that date either way — including Monday afternoon, when she helps conduct the county canvass that certifies the Aug. 4 primary.

Walker told commissioners on Aug. 10 that Deputy Clerk Michael Hoyt would fill the office until a clerk is appointed.

Related coverage: Walker’s resignation announcement · her full resignation statement · her remarks on the chairman, payroll and county finances.

Note: After publication Kaety Bower provided the following statement.

Clerk Walker has preferred to communicate with the party by email for some time. Her claim that I failed to answer her calls—and that this forced the election director to contact me—is false. I missed one call from her at 6:18 p.m. on Friday, August 14, while traveling with my daughters. That call came days after our initial Facebook post about the replacement process, hours after the election director had already directed me to cease it, and after we had already announced that the process was stopped. This constant rewriting of events needs to stop. I wish her well in her new position and pray for peace and happiness for her and her family.