County Commissioner Samuel Tran asked Chris Martin from Linn County to speak about the new radio system choices the county has and what’s associated with changing over to a new system. Martin has been with Linn County since 2009, starting as a sheriff’s deputy, he became IT director in 2015 and has managed the sheriff’s office radios since 2013 and the whole county’s radios since 2015.

He said that Linn is smaller than Bourbon County but has similar terrain to deal with when choosing a radio system. He pointed out that there is a big difference between frequencies and technologies and all digital modes have issues. Bourbon County is currently on a DMR system with two channels on one frequency.

Sheriff Bill Martin said that the current plan is to hire TUSA Consulting Services to do a study and make recommendations for a radio system to a collection of first responder leaders in Bourbon County. TUSA will then collect bids for equipment and services that meet their recommendations for Bourbon County.

One reason for the change over to a new system, in addition to fixing the issues with the current system is that the county must begin working towards encryption per new FBI regulations.

Stronghold Discussion

Stronghold Technologies representatives came to the meeting to discuss the scope of work from their recent assessment of the county’s technology.

Among other issues, they addressed the county’s firewall, the need for new VLANS, cleaning up the user accounts, and organizing the wire and fiber within the county.

The report says that the county’s firewall is a very good one but needs to be reconfigured for best use. The county’s internet system also needs segmentation and dedicated lanes for information transfer. Stronghold would like to install new VLANS, but not new servers at this time, as well as create a plan for replacing hardware as it becomes outdated.

Organizing the wire and fiber by tracing and labeling will reduce the time taken to troubleshoot when issues arise. The goal is to create documentation and a complete map of the Bourbon County network, laying the foundation for their infrastructure.

Another goal in their scope of work is to eliminate the congestion in communicating with the Sheriff’s department.

They also proposed checking the current phone system for correct configuration.

The Bourbon County Commission August 25 meeting began with a public hearing regarding the county’s decision not to remain revenue neutral in the 2026 budget.

The public comment section of the hearing began with Angie Kimmer, a Fort Scott resident since 1998, when her property taxes were about $1300. In 2025 they will pay about $5,200.

“It’s a huge increase…if my husband didn’t work outside of the community we wouldn’t be able to afford our home,” she told the commission. “The solution can’t be to just raise the mill levy.”

“You’re going to tax people out of your community,” she said, comparing property taxes in Fort Scott to those in Navada. “I don’t know why anyone would choose to live here.”

She acknowledged that change within the county is needed, but expressed concern about trying to get money that isn’t there through higher taxes

Mr. Kimmer also spoke, saying that the block they live on has improved, but they haven’t made major improvements to account for the jump in valuation.

“I want to make my house just as pleasant looking as anybody else, but raising property taxes isn’t going to help,” said Debbie Buckley, who moved to Fort Scott last year. She expressed the desire to improve her home, but questioned the affordability of such a decision in light of increasing taxes due to higher property valuations.

Jim Hollisy said that everyone’s property values went up last year, and the county gave raises. He said they need to consider lowering the benefits and the amount of money the county gives to entities throughout the county.

“It’s going to get worse,” he said of the shrinking population of Bourbon County, if they don’t change their tactics. He said taxes are also going up elsewhere, but not as much as in Bourbon County.

County Clerk Susan Walker asked to address the misconception about the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) statement. She said it sets the maximum levy for all entities, but, “That doesn’t mean that’s where your levies are going to end up.”

She said that the Fort Scott Recreation Commission received a beating on social media because they format their budget document differently than other entities, which made it appear that they would tax at their maximum allowable amount, but they are only increasing by about a half a mill over last year.

The RNR statement limits the highest rate that any taxing entity can go. These entities are not all Bourbon County proper. The county doesn’t control everybody’s budget.

Bourbon County Counselor Bob Johnson said the county tax on a particular piece of property is only 30% of the total property tax collected. The rest is the state, community college, and other entities.

Walker also said that sending the statements costs the county $12,000 in addition to the cost of publishing it in the paper. This time the cost is reimbursed by the state, but that may not always be the case. She suggested voters reach out to their legislators about doubling up on the work and cost as the state has required.

Joyce Flanner, a 50 year resident of Bourbon County, said that because of the increase in taxes and valuation on a home she paid off years ago, she has had to postpone her retirement to be able to pay her tax bill. That bill has gone from $1800 eight years ago to $3400 this year. She acknowledged that the county is not responsible for all of it.

After Flanner, no further citizens chose to speak and the hearing was closed. Then the commissioners gave their comments.

Commissioner Samuel Tran said he has spent weeks analyzing the increased cost of housing and identifies with those who spoke. He is a four-year resident of Bourbon County, and his taxes have gone up each year.

“This is not a Bourbon County issue. This is an issue with our nation,” he said. People are being priced out of their homes and the ability to retire.

He said that if the county doesn’t increase taxes, services will be cut. “We need to lobby our legislators,” he said.

“I need to figure out how to fix this or at least soften the blow,” he said. “Hopefully, what we do here tonight will help out the vast majority of the people in the county. I promise you it will not help out all of you,” but he needs to take care of the majority.

Commissioner Mika Milburn reiterated that not going revenue neutral does not mean the commission is raising the mill, it means they aren’t lowering the mill to adjust for the increase in valuation of properties. That increase in revenue is going to go toward an increase in employee benefits and insurance costs as well as other costs beyond the county’s control.

She doesn’t want to increase the mill but let the valuations compensate for the costs.

Commissioner David Beerbower had high hopes of lowering the mill when he ran for office, and of making Bourbon County a lower property tax county.

Since taking office, two commissioners have resigned and there’s been a great deal of turnover in the county’s departments.

They are now trying to make up for previous year’s high spending which has caused the county’s cash reserves to be depleted.

“We need a strategic plan, and we needed it yesterday,” he said. We can’t continue with the same old, same old.

You either raise taxes or cut services, he said. It may be in 2027 that we have to look at cutting services.

Milburn thanked the City of Fort Scott for working with the county on 911 services, because if not for that, “we would be raising the mill, for certain.” She also said that they would continue to work to reduce the budget and encouraged the audience to keep coming to hearings and meetings and telling the commission not to increase the mill.

“If things go the way I hope they go tonight, I am going to push the five of us to come up with a strategic plan,” said Tran of the future County Commission. He said they owe the people of this county that plan. Taxes will go up, but the citizens need to have faith that the money will be spent beneficially for the county.

He thanked those who worked on the budget, including the City of Fort Scott and elected officials, and the budget advisory committee.

Milburn read the motion to approve to exceed RNR. The resolution does not set the mill, but allows the county to raise the rate.

The commission then set the Budget Hearing for Sept. 15 with the publication date of September 3. They also set a special meeting for Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.

Brad Matkin, Ft. Scott City Manager, address the Bourbon County Commissioners regarding a number of items including the county’s taking on of providing E911 service, asphalt production for the City of Fort Scott and the cancellation of the IT agreement the city had with the county.

There has been no update from the budget committee regarding the E911 agreement yet.

Matkin said that Ft. Scott wants to purchase asphalt from Bourbon County, as the city now has equipment to lay it themselves. “We would like to purchase asphalt in the county to keep the money in the county,” said Matkin. He said they would need about 2,000 tons in 2025 and more in 2026.

Commissioner Mika Milburn expressed concern about how the workload of the county’s public works department would be affected and wants to recheck the cost of production.

Matkin pointed out that it would be another revenue source for Bourbon County, and that the city would communicate with Public Works regarding how much and when the asphalt was needed.

“Bottom line: looking out for the tax payer in Bourbon County,” he said.

Commissioner Samuel Tran asked for the details of the job, pointing out the county needs to have enough raw materials and the manpower to create the asphalt. He also asked for another look at the interlocal agreement between the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Milburn suggested that the city crews might be able to help the county with the county’s asphalt laying. Beerbower suggested that city workers might help county workers in the asphalt plant.

Tran was concerned about liability and tax laws and wants to, “take it one step at a time.”

Matkin asked them to discuss and gather the information they need and he will come back in a couple of weeks.

Finally, the city cancelled its Memorandum of Understanding with Bourbon County for IT Support for the City of Fort Scott. It had been in place since 2023.

Bob Guilfoyle and Justin with Craw Kan Internet and Telephone

The county has been on a month-to-month agreement with Craw Kan for internet service for the last three years.

Guilfoyle brought two separate proposals. One with the county on one big network for $1,100 per month, which wouldn’t change anything with how the network is set up, but is at a lower cost than the current $1,400 per month the county is paying.

Craw Kan was in the process of talking with the Sheriff’s Department about separating it’s network from the rest of the county. “This network is huge,” said Guilfoyle. It’s one of the biggest networks Craw Kan has.

Craw Kan’s second proposal for $1,220 per month, would upgrade the county system to a gig for the courthouse and a gig for the sheriff’s department. The Sheriff’s department would then need to get it’s own firewall, since it wouldn’t be using the one at the courthouse.

Tran asked Guilfoyle to take the numbers back to his manager and see if he can get a lower price.

Separating the internet also means separating phones from the County.

Craw Kan representatives said they need better direction from the county to know what information regarding costs and services they offer.

The commission decided to table the decision until August 25, so they can run the information by the county counsel and collect more information.

Department Updates
County Clerk Susan Walker

An RNR hearing is set for August 25 and a budget hearing needs to be published too. Dates need to be picked based on when the paper is published.

The budget advisory committee plans to present a budget document to the commission for them to alter as they see fit. The committee head, Greg Motley, wants to protect the volunteerism of the committee members and not have all of them come to the budget work session the commission has planned for 5:30, Aug. 21.

The commission will choose a date for the budget hearing after that work session.

Election update: Tuesday, Oct. 14 is the deadline to register or update registration. On Oct. 20, early voting begins at courthouse. Nov. 4 is the general election.

Walker advised Bourbon County voters to check their new voter registration cards for voting locations. If the information is incorrect, return to sender through the postal system so the clerk’s office can receive it. Do not bring it into the courthouse.

Walker offered a session to go over financials with the commission.

RNR Hearing letters were mailed out and published in the newspaper. This year the county will be reimbursed by the state for that cost.

Walker also thanked WardKraft and the city of Fort Scott for their help, “in a pinch.”

County Appraiser Matt Quick

The state of Kansas has declared the appraiser’s office to be in compliance. This is based on statistical performance and accuracy of valuations. Smaller homes are one of the big categories that are undervalued in Bourbon County. This is all determined by the market, not county or state officials.

Tran read statistics about the taxes paid in the county and surrounding counties.

Old Business
Benefits Committee Bylaws – Commissioner David Beerbower moved to rebuild the committee per the bylaws, getting one employee from each of the categories of coverage options. He suggested getting lists of who is in each of those groups and asking for individuals from them to volunteer for the committee. The motion carried.

Hospital Equipment

The sale is underway on govdeals.com

Casey Brown Letter of Support

Motion to sign the letter of support for the rides at SEK-CAP with no monetary contribution was approved.

Planning Commission Creation Resolution

Michael Hoyt spoke to the commission about the updated resolution edited by the county counsel. He said the document only lists KSA 12-744, which must be incorporated with all the other state statutes that apply.

Hoyt says the county doesn’t have the right of home rule, cited in the second paragraph of the current resolution, per the KSA regulation, thus those words should be removed from the resolution.

The commission voted to table it until county counsel can look it over.

Payroll Discussion

Milburn said there’s been a lot of discussion about use of payroll service. She said the commission has received emails from the company being considered and that they will handle the payroll needs of the county, freeing up county personnel.

Susan Walker, County Clerk, said that the current software company has said they will loose all their historical data in the conversion, so all those records will have to be printed or stored some other way for access. Payroll records have to be kept forever, per the Kansas Historical Society. The payroll company representative said he didn’t think that was necessary and that they should defer to Dr. Cohen, the county’s HR provider.

Walker disagreed, expressed that she doesn’t feel like she or her deputy clerk are being heard when they express their concerns to the commission about the costs and difficulties of the transfer. She was also adamant that she cannot run her office if the commission cuts a person from it.

Walker said that in the past, the county’s benefits were administered by the state of Kansas and when the county “left the state of Kansas” all that work came to the clerk’s office.

“I feel like I have given a lot to this organization with my experience and I feel like it’s retaliatory,” said Walker. “If you cut my pay, I don’t know that we want to do these services in our offices as before.”

Milburn said that her office had always been doing these services. Walker disagreed and said that they are doing a whole lot more work now than in the past. That was why the commission voted to pay her extra for her payroll duties in January.

Milburn moved to go with Emerson and Company for Payroll. Motion carried.

108 W 2nd Street

Milburn had conversations with the driver’s licence office and they want to move to the courthouse. She discussed how this could save the county money and consolidate services for county residents. The commission decided she should go ahead with the work and keep reporting back to them.

Budget Discussion

Milburn questioned the amount being paid for budget, payroll, benefits and road records.

Beerbower asked about the election budget. Walker said they were going to be short by $1,500 of the costs for elections this year.

Beerbower said he was not for resolution 1425 in January and thought it went through too fast, but he also doesn’t want to handicap the departments the money went to. He suggested reviewing it in January, 2026 when the salary resolutions are voted on.

Walker asked if they don’t want her doing budget next year either.

Milburn made a motion to repeal resolution 1425, 1225, and strike the chief operations officer for $88,616, extra assigned duties budget payroll and benefits officer for $10,000, and road records officer for $5,000.

The extra assigned duties budget payroll and benefits officer was paid to the clerk for the extra duties, but there’s also an employee in her office who does that work under her supervision.

Tran asked what happens if we remove it. Beerbower said that because it’s incorporated into payroll, a new resolution with the new salary amount will need to be passed by the commission.

“If we’re taking some of that work away, then I don’t see why it’s unreasonable,” said Milburn.

The motion passed.

New Business

Insurance Meeting Request

Milburn asked for a meeting with the county’s insurance broker, Don Doherty on Aug. 22 to educate the commissioners.

Commission Comments

Tran: “Tonight was tough,” he said. He thinks that the three commissioners will need to come to a consensus at the budget work session regarding the mill level.

“We have to be professional…that’s the only way we’re going to get through this,” he concluded.

Milburn: The tax sale has been sent to the law firm as of 8/8/2025.

She also wanted to inform citizens that the property tax rate is based on the market and is out of the commission’s hands. The only thing the commission controls is the mill levy.

“I don’t want to burden the tax base. We don’t have a lot of ways we can not do that, but we have to try,” she said.

Beerbower: “This isn’t something that’s going to get solved year one,” he said of the budget issues. He said they need to make good decisions with the tax payers money.

“Mission first, men always,” you have to take care of your people, he concluded.

07.28.25 Agenda 2nd Revision

Brandon Mann, VP for Loss Prevention, and Monte Parrish, Safety Consultant for the Bourbon County region, both employees of KWORCC, the county’s workman’s comp insurance carrier, came to the table to talk with the commission about safety in the county, especially in the Public Works department.

Commissioner Samuel Tran answered Mann’s question about the issues with Public Works, saying, “There seem to be too many accidents that are happening out there….I would like to see us go out there and really build a safety program.” He expressed concern about the ability to get the employees to buy in on a new safety program and ultimately be accountable for the work they are doing. He gave an example of equipment that was broken last week and no one reported it.

“We need to get in there and make sure the people in Public Works have the best that we can offer them in terms of safety and equipment and a good environment to work in,” said Tran.

“We don’t do safety from behind a desk,” said Mann of KWORCC, which is a workman’s comp insurance pool for government entities in the state of Kansas.

They offer free in-person training, in defensive driving, forklift operation, and flagging and workzone safety. All these are free, in-person certification classes. They also offer safety inspections 3 times per year on county facilities, after which they generate a report per OSCHA regulations. While OSCHA cannot cite the county, the Kansas Department of Labor can cite the county, and they follow OSCHA regulations.

Commissioner Mika Milburn said they want to do preventative work to be sure the county is not in violation.

KWORCC helped with the creation of a safety committee within Public Works.

Mann said the information the commission gave him indicates a lack of policy and procedure in the Public Works department.

Tran said he is trying to take ownership of the problem, and he wants the county to be prepared for the new public works director.

“There’s nothing wrong with our current director. He’s not defective. You can go in and help our current director set up a program for the new one,” said Milburn to Mann.

Mann asked if he would get push-back from the current director and nine supervisors. Tran said he didn’t think so, but it would come back to the commission if he did.

Mann then suggested that the commission bring in the supervisors to the county commission and pass a resolution that they support the safety program KWORCC is creating.

Mann said he would lead that charge for the commission if they so chose. He asserted they would start from scratch with a safety committee. Parrish suggested designating a safety point person.

County Clerk Susan Walker mentioned that in previous years, KWORCC recommendations have come before the county commission, but they were overlooked by the commission at that time.

Implementing KWORCC’s recommended policies will also help with the county’s insurance premiums.

Mann and Parrish set up a meeting with Tran and the Public Works department to start assessing the situation.

Beerbower said they would set up a work session after that meeting.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Charles Gentry, member of the Emergency Room Sales Tax Monitoring Committee, who serves with Dr. Randy Nichols and Craig Campbell, was appointed by the previous commission at the time that the special purpose sales tax was taken up for the establishing and operating of an Emergency Department for Bourbon County.

Gentry said the committee’s jobs are to make sure the sales tax remitted to the county is used to support the emergency department, and to verify as best they can how Freeman has applied those sales tax funds to the establishment and operation of an emergency room.

He knows they are establishing it and are working on getting approval so the ER can open. “So we know that things are on track,” he said. They are spending more to start it up than they have received in sales tax thus far.

The contract the county has with Freeman calls for the tax to actually be remitted to Freeman within 30 days of the county receiving it each month. The county normally receives the tax dollars from the state around the 25th of the month. Freeman reports quarterly on the spending of the tax dollars, so the county can expect a report for the third quarter in mid-October.

“I’m here to ask some clarification and some authorization,” said Gentry. The latest reports show that Freeman is spending more money than they are receiving in tax dollars, “So that allowed us to give thumbs up for what will be the third quarter,” said Gentry.

The current liaison with Freeman is Commissioner David Beerbower.  Gentry asked that the county be sure to give his committee the report in a timely manner. The commission must authorize that the committee receives the report. “There seems to be now an issue that the commission by resolution offer the release of this information to us,” said Gentry.

Susan Walker, County Clerk, said that the administrator of Freeman is working to get a report that can be disseminated and doesn’t contain private information. “I just want to make sure that we’re not disclosing things that should not be disclosed,” said Walker.

Beerbower said he had a form provided by Gentry that should solve the problems. The issue will come when the hospital starts deriving income from non-tax sources. “We don’t care about that, we care about the spending of our sales tax money,” said Gentry.

The commission agreed to take the necessary steps to get the proper information to the committee.

Old Business
Tax Sale Update

“It’s going to be different than what residents are used to in the past,” said Jennifer Hawkins,  county Treasurer-elect. The commission has agreed to use Klinda Austerman to handle the tax sale process. Once a person’s name is on their list, he cannot get it off unless he pays all unpaid taxes plus court costs.

“I’m here to let people know, if you have taxes from 2020 or before, you need to pay those immediately; otherwise, you’re going to have to pay the total amount on your property, plus court costs,” said Hawkins.

There is no timeline in place yet, nor a list of delinquent properties. Once the information is given to the firm handling the tax sale, that firm will provide a list of tax sale-eligible properties.

“If you are concerned that you have back taxes, give us a call at 223-3800 ext. 803 and we can look that information up for you and let you know how much you need to pay to get off this immediate tax sale,” said Hawkins. She intends to continue with the process as Treasurer for 2021 taxes next year, so “heads up.”

Citizens who don’t redeem before their names are published will have to pay court costs in addition to taxes.

“Please pay them immediately. We don’t want to see anyone lose their homes,” said Hawkins.

She also said that 2024 taxes, are due by July 31, 2025. Delinquent taxpayers will be published in the newspaper and have the publication fees added to their tax bill.

“That was a courtesy update,” said Milburn.

Hospital Equipment

Beerbower is working with gov.deals, the auction company hired by Bourbon County earlier this year to auction off old hospital equipment currently stored on county property.

The Sheriff’s Department uses them to sell used vehicles. The sheriff was surprised because they haven’t had this trouble.

“All I’m saying is the moment they were hired, they should have been on it,” said Milburn, expressing frustration that the auction company hadn’t taken steps to sell the items yet..

Fence Viewing Liability Carrier Update

Walker spoke with KCamp, the county’s liability carrier, who recommended the commission follow the law regarding fence viewing.

Statute says the county commission shall be the fence viewers. “We’ll just have to do it,” said Milburn.

Those with requests for fence viewing should submit applications via the clerk’s office.

Withdrawal of Juvenile Detention Agreement

Bob Johnson, County Counselor, drafted a letter giving Girard Juvenile Detention Center notice that Bourbon County wants to cancel its contract. However, Milburn noted that the proposed agreement with Johnson County for juvenile detention services needs to be clarified.

Sheriff Bill Martin said a financial hardship letter should be submitted to the Girard Juvenile Detention Center.

County Clerk Susan Walker said there is a statute that allows a county to break its contracts due to financial hardship. She said she would get a copy for the commission to look at.

Tran sees the contract with Girard County as an insurance policy. He suggested saving in a CD and making money on the interest instead.

The commissioners said they would work with the lawyer to challenge the contract with Girard.

Resolution for Planning Commission

Commissioners discussed the number of members to serve on the committee and whether or not the county needs to hire a planning commission head.

Beerbower asked to table it and take it back to the county counselor for changes.

Court House Repairs

Tran reviewed the report he created after inspecting the courthouse with David Neville. They looked at the structural, infrastructure, cosmetic, and HVAC system.

Tran applauded Neville for his work throughout the courthouse.

The first two things that Tran prioritized for the courthouse are modernizing the elevator and redoing the tuck pointing of the exterior facade.

“We have enough money to do this,” said Tran.

For the elevator update, he suggested obtaining bids and giving weight to the response times each company offered, not just the prices, as the courthouse only has one elevator.

Other items on his list were roof repairs, installing new interior windows, replacing flooring on the third floor, creating a cyclical maintenance plan for painting and flooring throughout the building, and stripping, polishing, and sealing the marble floors.

He expressed some concern about asbestos throughout the building, cautioning that they need to test and be prepared to abate if they come across any.

In the next 10 years, the courthouse will cost close to $1million, according to Tran.

“The citizens should not allow us to kick that can down the road. You should bring it up to us as often as you feel the need to,” he said.

Milburn thanked him for his report.

New Business

Reorganization of Agenda

The new agenda format will move public comments in front of old business.

108 W 2nd Street Building – Milburn said this county-owned building is under-utilized, and they don’t make much rent on it. She wants to move the current occupants to the courthouse and let the building go.

Beerbower said it was worth looking into, and would make it convenient for citizens to have services now in the 108 W. 2nd building consolidated.

“It just costs money to have empty space,” said Milburn. “It wouldn’t cost us a penny to put them over here, but it’s costing us money to keep them over there, though.”

Tran suggested investigating what the lot could be used for. “They don’t make dirt anymore,” he said.

Casey Brown – Letter of Support

Brown provides transportation in Bourbon County. Tran said there are at least four entities that give rides in the county. The commission wants a list of the agencies that provide rides in the region. The letter was tabled until August 11.

Commission Comments

Milburn: Please, before you get carried away with the “what ifs” or “why-for” changes or lack of changes are happening in the county, call her at 620-215-5880. “I’d be happy to let you know from my observation, what Bourbon County stands to gain by the changes I introduce,” but keep an open mind and be polite.

Tran: it’s been a very busy week, but very rewarding. “There are some really, really good people in this county. I enjoy working with them.” Some people aren’t seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but he does. “The budget is my biggest concern right now.” Thank you to all for their support and communication.

Agenda 2nd Revision 07.21.25

Bourbon County Commissioners considered using Emerson for the county’s payroll and benefits. Tim Emerson Jr. whose firm is in Kansas City, MO presented his company’s services and recommendations to the commissioners. This was done in response to the County Clerk’s office when they presented their 2026 budget request to hire another employee to deal with their work load.

Commissioner Mika Milburn said she wants to set up a sustainable process and create continuity so that the information needed for the payroll process doesn’t reside in one individual.

Emerson is from Ft. Scott originally and has worked with Dr. Steve Cohen, head of Bourbon County HR. Emerson recommends that each department submit time and attendance with final oversight by one person at the county level.

County Clerk Susan Walker had many logistical questions for Emerson about how the company he recommends to handle the county’s payroll would interface with the county’s current system. She also questioned the bringing in of Emerson in particular.

“Why are they not bid out like other things?…there could be other opportunities,” she asked. “Are we going to put these things out to bid, or are we just going to get one vendor out to look at it?”

“This would be an added cost, in my opinion, to the county. If my budget request cannot be funded, then that’s all you need to say…I was not consulted about any of this,” said Walker.

Commissioner David Beerbower wrapped up the comments in the meeting and said the process is just starting. No official decision was made.

Old Business

Hospital Equipment

Beerbower spoke with man from the gov.deals auction service. They are planning to be down during the week to get an auction date set and get the equipment out of the building.

Milburn asked to see the contract with gov.deals. The commission will address it in its July 28 meeting.

Fence Viewing

County Counselor Bob Johnson advised the commission to create a procedure for handling fence viewing requests.

“The biggest decision is whether you guys want to do it or whether you want to appoint someone,” he said. He also cautioned the commission about the liability they would be opening themselves up to if they got involved in fence viewing.

Beerbower asked how the state statute applies. Johnson said they should decide if they want to do the fence viewing themselves or appoint designees. He offered to get information from other Kansas county counselors, and Walker offered to get input from KCAMP, the county’s liability insurance provider.

The commission tabled the issue until the Aug. 17 meeting.

Termination of Juvenile Detention Agreement

The commission missed the July 1 window to end the current contract for Juvenile Detention services with the Girard Juvenile Detention Center. The county is unable to change services until 2027.

Beerbower moved to terminate juvenile detention services with the Girard Juvenile Detention Center for the 2027 budget year. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Works Safety Audit

The proposed public works safety audit is, “Just to clear things up and make sure we were up to speed, up to compliance,” said Milburn. The contractor will spend 2 days at Public Works at a cost of $1,500-2,000 and will deliver an analysis and plan to address the department’s safety.

Commissioner Samuel Tran commended the current safety program at Public Works. He said the audit is to make sure they are as safe as they should be by having another set of eyes on the program.

Walker suggested that they look into getting an audit from KWORKS, the county’s workman’s comp insurance provider.

The public works director agreed to do that and the issue was tabled until the July 28.

Commission Liaison Group

Tran wrote and read a letter to fellow commissioners stating that currently all commissioners are generalists needing to know everything about each department in the county. He proposed assigning specific functions within the county to each commissioner in order to focus each commissioner’s time, energy, and effort into improving these functions. He also acknowledged that with the expansion to five commissioners, they will have to reallocate those functions.

Tran made a motion to formulate the commissioner liaison group with himself caring for Public Works, Milburn caring for the courthouse and the county offices it houses, and Beerbower caring for the departments of the Sheriff, EMS, and Emergency Management.

His motion passed unanimously.

Zoning Discussion & Work Sessions

“We need to determine what we’ll do next,” with zoning, said Beerbower.

Milburn said it’s determined by statute.

County Counselor Johnson said the statute says the county needs a 5-9-member planning commission or zoning board, which would take the county commission’s recommendation and hold a public hearing, then they would report back to the county commissioners.

The next step is to draw up a resolution to establish a planning commission, which does not necessarily mean the county is zoned. The ultimate decision still rests with the commission.

Johnson will meet with the commission on Aug. 4 to discuss the resolution.

Hiring and Firing of Bourbon County Employees Memorandum

Beerbower brought a memorandum to the commission because of a lack in the current handbook. Termination is in the discipline steps of the handbook. The handbook also lacks job performance guidance.

The HR department is in the process of updating the handbook, but in the interim, hires and fires will be reported to the HR department and approved by the board of County Commissioners.

Tran expressed the desire to know the status of the various departments within the county. Milburn said she wants the departments to utilize the HR department for all hiring and firing, but that they should not necessarily require the approval of the commission.

Beerbower said he would bring a re-written memorandum to the July 28 meeting.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Clay Campbell on Public Works

“I’m here right now to tell you guys that we have a problem at Public Works,” he said. “We’re in trouble,” because more people are leaving. “There is a morale problem out there (at public works).”

Campbell works 3 days a week as a mower for the public works department and offered to speak to the commission on behalf of his fellow department members. He expressed concern about the people trying to make a living by working for Public Works. There’s a pay issue and insurance issues, and rumors of more problems to come. “I don’t know how these young men working out there are supporting a family,” he said.

Even though free use of the landfill is a taxable benefit, removing it was “a slap in the face” to the public works employees.

“No matter how this goes down, we care,” said Tran. “Somebody spent a lot of money that we didn’t have, so now we have to pick up the pieces,” and the citizens and employees of the county will bear that burden.

Clint Walker: Budget and First Responders

Walker came with newspapers from surrounding counties to give to the commissioners to give them information. He referred to a sheriff that raised $1.4 million by housing prisoners.

Randy McNulty: Solar Farm

McNulty lives between Bronson and Uniontown north of 54 Hwy. He is wondering about the status of the solar farm going in across the road from his house. He knows the county had to sign off on the approval for it. The taxpayers didn’t know it was coming and it’s reducing his property values. He also expressed concern about the health ramifications of solar panels for his farm animals and bees. Gail George owns the land across the street from him.

“It’s hard to get any information about what’s going on,” he said. “I don’t know if anybody cares.”

Milburn said she was working on getting solar projects in the county mapped out.

Tran told him to keep coming to the commission meetings and keep after them to get the information and help he needs.

New Business
SEK Regional Planning Commission

Greg Motley spoke to the commissioner about the “Make my Move” program for helping those moving from a urban setting to a rural setting. The state of Kansas has entered an agreement witht he program providers, paying 80% of the costs.  SEKRPC will manage it for SEK. It would cost the county $12,500, which would get them onto the international website for people looking to move to a rural area, allowing them to design their web page and listing.

“I think our county has the best amenities of all the other SEK counties,” and can distinguish itself by showing them said Motley.  SEKRPC is the county’s economic development resource. He suggested approaching the city to pay part of the $12,500, since they have the main employers in Bourbon County.

No action was taken.

Dispatch/911

Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, Ben Hart, and Sheriff Bill Martin spoke with the commission about changing who is in charge of the E911 services in Bourbon County.

Fort Scott has been providing Bourbon County with E911 services for the last 3 years. The city receives 57% of the 911 calls serviced and the county the remaining 43%. The county pays $50,000 to the city for the service. The city also receives $90,000 in tax dollars to help fund the service. The city pays all wages, benefits, training, and upgrades to the department. Total operating budget for the E911 department is $550,000.

Matkin feels it’s time for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department to take over this service. Discussions with Sheriff Bill Martin and his financial advisor, Ben Hart, show them to be confident that it can be done financially, starting in 2026.

Bourbon County would receive a complete turn-key E911 communications department with a dedicated 8-member team, as well as all the equipment. Also $350,000 per year from Fort Scott for its share of the department in 2026 and 2027, with a planned adjustment in 2028 if the county’s financials would bear that. The county would keep the $50,000 they’ve been paying the City of Fort Scott, as well as the E911 tax of about $90,000.

“The county would need to budget $80,000-$100,000 for the department. This department is absolutely vital to our county as a whole, and it makes complete sense for the sheriff’s department to manage this department and eventually grow it into it’s own entity,” said Matkin.

“It spreads the expense more fairly if it’s a county tax,” said County Clerk Susan Walker.

“It’s coming out of taxes one way or the other,” said Beerbower.

Walker said that working out the logistics of this change will take its own work session.

“This is coming out of left field,” said Samuel Tran. “Either we grab a hold of it or shove it off until next year.” He was in favor of working on it in next year’s budget.

Tran asked what the biggest driving factor of asking for the change over is. Matkin said it will help the city’s budget and it makes sense to put it under the sheriff’s department.

Hart said that some of the sheriff’s revenue has increased and could be used to cover 911 services.

Matkin said he hasn’t come to the county for this until now because of the empty pond that the county has been, historically.

“I don’t think we have a choice,” said Milburn. “By statute, it’s ours and they’re giving it back.”

“Let’s see what we can do to make this work,” said Beerbower.

The commission decided to schedule a work session with the city and the county’s budget advisory committee.

Boards assigned to Commissioners

Each commissioner serves on a number of boards to represent the county. They decided that Beerbower will serve on the Juvenile Detention, Mental Health, and Health Department boards; Tran asked for the Rural Planning Commission, Area on Aging, and Bourbon County Senior Citizens. Milburn took Soil Conservation and the Fair Board.

Precincts Resolution 28-25

The commission approved the legal descriptions that will set up the precincts for moving from 3 to 5 commissioners.

Insurance Committee Guidelines Request

Milburn said that it is time to get letters of interest to create the advisory committee.

Two letters have been submitted so far. They are to keep the budget in mind, talk with other employees, and review recommendations.

Beerbower suggested sending out memos to the department heads. Kaety Bowers, parliamentarian, suggested asking department heads for their recommendations.

“I’d like the employees to have an input, so I hope they send in some letters,” said Milburn.

Open enrollment for insurance for county employees is in October, so there’s a limited time frame. The deadline for letters of interest is set for Aug. 4.

An audience member said it’s needed and encouraged employees to take part.

“If we’re going to formulate these committees, we’re not going to ignore these committees,” said Tran.

Marion Township Request

Tran heard from Steve Guyger, who requested a culvert across from the cemetery in Marion Township, asking for assistance with manpower to install it.

Tran said that the issue is not the cost but the precedent set for other entities. The plastic culverts the county has offered to install were used with the windmills when they were putting in temporary entrances and were given to the county after those entrances were removed.

“When you look at it in the broad scheme of things, it’s neighbors helping neighbors,” said Beerbower.

“The townships and cemeteries have very little funding coming in to them,” said Walker.

Tran specified that they will take requests like this on a case-by-case basis. He then moved that they approve Guyger’s request. The commission agreed.

Department Updates

Public Works

Public Works Director Eric Bailey said they have had Internet problems at Public Works and at the landfill, which takes down the credit card system. He expressed concern with the county’s new tech company being located in Joplin, not Fort Scott. Milburn said the kinks should be worked out soon.

Bailey also asked about the radio towers and the repeater. The county’s IT department has handled that in the past, but the repeater was down this weekend. Radios are essential for working in areas of the county that do not have cell cervice.

The Landfill Cost Closure Worksheet shows that $209, 017 must be set aside to close and reclaim the landfill. This must be turned in to the state to be in compliance. The commission voted to approve the worksheet and ensure that the needed funds are in reserve.

The five year solid waste plan needs renewal in 2028. Committee members need to be updated now, as all five that were on the committee in 2023 are not available to serve any more. Tran will work on filling that as the new liaison to the commission for Public Works.

Bailey updated the commission on the employee losses in Public Works, which will have no asphalt crew in two weeks.

“We will asphalt everything that we can asphalt with the crew that we have until we run out of crew members, but we’re not going to be able to get everything done that we said we’d get done,” said Bailey.

Tran expressed approval of allowing the current asphalt crew to work overtime for as long as possible to get as much asphalt laid as possible.

Commission Comments

 Milburn addressed the problems of rising costs and the need to cut budgets. She said the county can’t continue to spend as they have and cuts are coming. The county’s main priority is public safety. “What, where, and how do we reorganize in a way that best serves our taxpayers?”

Tran said he’s learned a lot in the last week, and he is so proud of the caliber of people in Bourbon County. He’s racking his brain to find a way to fix all this without raising taxes. He asked for patience as they change things and find what works. He expressed the desire to continue to hear from the citizens of Bourbon County.

At the end of his department update report to the Bourbon County Commission, Public Works Director Eric Bailey read his letter of resignation. Effective August 28, he will no longer be with Bourbon County. His assistant, Dustin Hall has also left the county’s employ.

“I just want to say publicly, ‘thank you, Dustin,” said Bailey. He also thanked Hall’s family for their sacrifice.

Bailey said he is committed to helping transfer the responsibility of his job to his replacement.

“With those two resignations, I am fearful for our public works department,” said Commissioner Mika Milburn.

Commissioner Samuel Tran said he is very sorry to see Eric and his wingman leaving. “I understand why they chose to leave. I’m not happy about it, but I understand,” he said.

Old Business

NRP Update

The commission voted to change the NRP from 10 years to five years for residential in the county. This does not affect the City of Fort Scott.

Budget Advisory Committee

Milburn moved to amend the bylaws for the BAC to say that a recommendation to increase the mil needs to be unanimous on the part of the committee.

Tran agreed and told BAC chairman, Greg Motley, “Based on the fact that your recommendation carries so much weight and it’s high-profile and we need your recommendation…I’m going to say ‘yes,’ it needs to be unanimous.”

The bylaw change passed unanimously.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Michael Hoyt: Gave a copy of Rosenberg’s Rules, which is recommended by the Kansas Association of Counties to each of the commissioners, as well as copies of the US Constitution.

He also asked for clarification about the timeline of the changeover from 3 to 5 districts. He was also concerned about the township changes in District 3 going forward.

Greg Motley: On the Freeman Fort Scott Board of Directors, said that it was brought to his attention that the second quarter sales tax has not been paid to Freeman by the county. They are operating at a huge cost because they’ve already hired all the staff.

New Business

Commissioner roles and responsibilities

Commissioner Samuel Tran suggested the commissioners take on the role of liaisons to facilitate the commission’s helping of county department chairs. He offered to be the liaison for public works, suggesting Milburn for the departments housed in the courthouse, and Beerbower for emergency responders and sheriff’s department.

The goal would be for the commissioners to work to seek to understand what the department’s do and what the challenges are and be their voice in the commission. Commissioners would continue to help in all areas, but specify areas of focus.

“I’m agreeable to it,” said Beerbower. “I see the merits…”

“You wouldn’t be wasting your time if you drafted a proposal,” said Milburn.

Scott Township Appointment Recommendations

Jerry Johnson as Treasurer and Jeffrey Dailey as trustee for Scott Township were approved by the commission.

Enterprise Vehicle Leasing

Sheriff Bill Martin brought Kenneth Olson with Enterprise to talk to the commission about changing the way vehicle acquisition and maintenance is handled in the county.

Olson said that his company has the largest used vehicle inventory in the country and the largest dealer network in the country, which helps them in their work of getting vehicles for small to medium-sized government fleets.

At this time, the average age of Bourbon County sheriff’s cars is 2018. The current fleet cycle is 16 years, purchasing 2.7 vehicles per year. Olson’s company recommends a 5-year cycle, which he said would save the county in maintenance and fuel costs as well as reduce downtime. He recommended that the Sheriff’s Department lease 11 new vehicles.

“We know this is a big philosophy change,” from the 2.7 vehicles per year the county has been following, he said.

Sheriff Martin said that his department needs to create plans for vehicle replacement going forward.

“This is probably one of the best things that we’ve come up with,” said Martin. “I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”

Milburn expressed concern about having the money in the budget.

“The macro looks right…When it’s all said and done, it looks very, very good,” said Tran. H

Addressing the two other commissioners, Tran said, “Past commissioners have done what they’ve done. I refuse to do that. I refuse to have my decisions have these ramifications that are going to haunt us in the future.”

Greg Motley of the Budget Advisory Committee, said that leasing through Enterprise makes perfect sense as it has a built-in replacement plan. He offered to have the budget committee look at it and give their opinion.

“The commission has to avoid making decisions on how much money it’s going to cost them this month. You have to look at this program on a 4-6 year horizon and say ‘what’s it do over that period of time?'” said Motley. “We’ve got to start thinking long term for what’s best for the county and not what’s best for the county today or tomorrow.”

No decision was made.

Contractual services for payroll and benefits

Milburn said that a presenter will come on July 21st. The purpose is to provide continuity to the county, and to answer the Clerk’s office’s request to add another position to handle their workload in the next budget year, by taking this part of their job off their plate.

Beerbower said that if it will be beneficial to the county moving forward, he is in favor.

Commission Comments

Tran: He said that the county’s standards haven’t been clear and now “we have to form; you have the storm; then we’ll norm, and then perform…that’s how you build a team.” He said the county is in a storm now. He wants to find a way to give everyone who serves the county what they need to do their jobs well.

Milburn: “I’m not pleased with the current decisions that we are having to make on such short notice; however, I will not continue down this path to deficit,” she said of the budget-making process. Spending will be evaluated by the budget committee and the commission to find a way forward that is least abrasive to the citizens of Bourbon County.

County Commissioners heard from Greg Motley, representing the newly-formed Budget Advisory Committee about whether or not the county should choose to go revenue neutral in the new budget.

The commissioners had to decide this question and notify County Clerk Susan Walker as well as set budget hearings by September 20 and submit their final budget to the clerk by October 1.

Motley said the committee plans to have all the data that they need to make final budget decisions significantly before the hearing date deadline.

He said that thus far, the Budget Advisory Committee has been working on big picture stuff. They were awaiting the commission’s revenue neutral decision to dive into the details.

Almost everyone on the BAC has an accounting degree or other significant accounting experience. He said they have reviewed 6 years-worth of data on the county’s finances.

“I think we need to commend the people in this building, everybody contributes to that because our audits are absolutely clean, and especially the county clerk. She has delivered clean audit after clean audit after clean audit,” he said. “The integrity of the numbers is good and the committee has appreciated that.”

While the committee prefers the county be revenue neutral, or at least keeping the mill levy as low as possible, the reason they cannot recommend going revenue neutral is that the county is playing catch up.

“We’ve run down the cash reserves of the county,” he said. The current financial condition of the county would make bond approval very challenging, and if approved, the interest rates would be very high.

“We need to start building our cash reserves back to where they were several years ago,” said Motley, and it will take multiple years to do that.

“We’ve also robbed peter to pay Paul,” he said, “In that previous commissions had set a plan to do replacement reserves,” by transferring funds, but in order to balance the budget, they did not made those transfers to those reserves for equipment replacement.

The landfill has a sinking fund requirement by statute. The landfill needs to be covering that, not the public works department. The courthouse needs $1 million in deferred maintenance. Cost increases that are out of the commission’s control, including insurance costs, keep sky-rocketing across the nation. These are examples of why the county can’t go revenue neutral. Motley did say the BAC will be fighting to keep the mil levy where it is.

“We have interviewed virtually every department head and every elected official in the building,” and talked to individual employees besides that, he said. “The committee has been very impressed with the quality of the employees in this building. We have good people, and we have people that serve the public.”

The draft 2026 budget that the committee received calls for a 6 mil increase. The committee is not willing to go that high. After comparing all the data, the maximum that they can recommend is 62.5 mils compared to the current 59.9. Motley recommended they adopt that as the maximum rate and then work to lower it between now and Sept. 20 or Oct. 1 with the goal of not raising the mil at all and perhaps lowering it if we can, “But we’re facing a lot of headwinds.”

“We are going to be doing everything we can to make sure that rate is lower, but there’s a lot of things out of our control here, too,” he said. The problem didn’t start here, but with historical decisions by previous commissions.

“We have to find ways to save money,” said Commissioner Mika Milburn.

Commissioner David Beerbower said that the budget will require a lot of work.

“A budget is simply a spending priority and when you decide to spend less, something’s got to go,” Motley said. So the commissioners should be attending the budget advisory committee’s meetings and setting their priorities.

Commissioner Samuel Tran suggested telling department heads give the commission their top 3 priorities.

Beerbower moved that the commission extend the mil rate to 62.5 and set the hearing date for August 11 at 5:35pm.

The motion passed unanimously.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda

Public Hearing Plaster Road Vacation

The commissioners approved resolution 2325 vacating Plaster Road. No one came to the meeting to speak in the public hearing.

Old Business

Dissolution of Zoning Advisory Board

The bylaws of the board state that the committee will be dissolved after their presentation to the board of commissioners. Commissioner David Beerbower moved to approve resolution 2425 to dissolve the board. The motion passed.

Employee Benefit Committee

The commission approved resolution 2525, establishing a committee to assist in making decisions regarding the insurance provided to county employees. The committee will be made up of several county employees and some elected officials, and will meet with the county’s insurance broker quarterly. This resolution repeals resolution 1925.

Resolution 2625, appointing a parliamentarian appointed to fulfill resolutions 0925, 1025, and 1125 for the orderly and effective conduct of county commissioner meetings was also approved.

Animal Control

Beerbower looked into property owned by the county that could be used for animal control purposed. The commission discussed using a portion of the county’s property on Native Road, the former dump, near Oakgrove Cemetery. This was in response to a county citizen in a previous meeting saying she would be willing to apply for grants and work to get animal control up and running in Bourbon County. That person was not at the July 7 meeting.

Some audience members expressed concern about the landfill use time restriction. The project is awaiting legal counsel regarding the feasibility of using the proposed land, and a group to come forward to take on the project.

“There is definitely a need in this county, county-wide,” said Beerbower, since the county has no animal control and the city has no room to partner with the county to house homeless animals.

Milburn suggested a county effort to spay and neuter, possibly partnering with someone else on the job, but an audience member pointed out that one problem with that is proof of ownership for those animals brought in to receive such services.

Beerbower suggested using the county’s grant research people to look for more money to meet the need for animal control in the county.

Stronghold

Commissioner Mika Milburn, said that the county has an internal contract with Stronghold to service computer needs. They cover Fort Scott as well, and will be on site Mondays and Fridays to work out any kinks. There will be a meeting at 4:30 Thursday with Stronghold, the City of Fort Scott, and Bourbon County.

Cameras

Beerbower proposed a security camera use policy that he wants to incorporate into the employee handbook.

The county currently doesn’t have a camera policy and, “I think we need one…we face liability if we don’t have some type of policy in place,” said Beerbower.

The item was tabled to the 21st for time to gather information.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Pete Owenby asked the commissioners about the hospital. Greg Motley came to the table to address the commission and answer questions. Motley serves on the Freeman Fort Scott Board of Directors.

He said that the construction is “virtually done.” They were held up by modifications needed on the proprietary fire suppression system, but that has been completed. The next step is approval from state and federal inspectors.

“Freeman has done everything they can,” said Motley. He is impressed with what he’s seen of Freeman personnel.

Legacy still owns the building behind the ambulance building. It has fallen off the radar since the previous county attorney left his position, but was supposed to be deeded back to the county.

The new attorney, Bill Johnson, will look into it.

New Business

Policy & Procedures

Beerbower proposed a memorandum for a temporary policy regarding hiring and terminating employment. There is no policy on hiring in the handbook at present. The termination policy is in the handbook as a disciplinary action. There is also no job performance evaluation policy in the handbook at this time. Beerbower’s proposed memorandum would be an interim set of guidelines until the policy handbook is complete.

“I’m astounded that this wasn’t in place previously,” said Commissioner Samuel Tran.

Milburn suggested consulting the HR firm that the county uses. Beerbower agreed and moved to table the item until July 21.

Commission Comments

Milburn received some hate mail this week and addressed the senders in a written statement.

Tran agreed with Milburn, saying that the executive sessions may seem frustrating, but there are rules they must follow.

“The three of us are doing the best that we can,” he said. “There’s a lot of people within this county that are doing a really, really good job.”

He thanked the clerk, treasurer, and others involved for their work on the budget.

“We’ll keep pushing,” and doing more for the county he said.

Beerbower said he supports freedom of speech, and said that, “As Americans we should have common respect for each other.”

Regarding litigation with solar, it’s common knowledge and public information that they are reaching a settlement. Once that’s complete and signed, the public will have access to the information. “There has been no deal made,” as of this time, he said.

The Bourbon County Zoning Recommendation Committee presented its report and recommendations to the county commission.

Old Business

Zoning Recommendation

“It is this committee’s recommendation to proceed with limited zoning for Bourbon County, Kansas,” read Brian Ashworth, presenting to the commission for the zoning recommendation committee.

The committee, made of members from throughout Bourbon County, met for 6 weeks and held three town halls as well as other communication with county residents as they researched and formed their recommendations.

The report reads, “The implementation of zoning will help preserve productive farm and ranch lands from unfettered development of large-scale industrial and commercial projects.”

The report also says that zoning policy needs to be forward-thinking and comprehensive.

The committee proposed three types of zones: Agricultural (A1), Large Commercial (C1), and Large Industrial (I1). It also acknowledged that there could be a need for transitional zoning around the cities.

The committee reports recommends that the county begin by zoning all of the county A1. Outside of agriculture, residential, personal use, or small local business, Conditional Use Permits (CUP) or rezoning would be required. Landowners will need to submit to the zoning commission for a CUP or zoning change to use the land for anything above a certain threshold.

The report also recommends limited, comprehensive zoning to protect personal property rights, saying that checks and balances need to be put in place to avoid unnecessary expansion of zoning regulations.

All current land uses should be grandfathered in with no phase-out clause, per the report.

People do not want codes and are concerned that they will need a permit to build barns or other structures on their property. No building codes should be implemented beyond those required for large-scale commercial and industrial projects, said the committee.

Citizens are concerned about the environmental impact of solar panels and batteries near their properties. The committee recommends that the county incorporate environmental and property value studies into the requirements for large-scale industrial and commercial developments. They also recommend including reasonable set-back and visual barrier requirements and a thorough review and standards set. Safety concerns, property encroachment, loss of property value all should be considered.

The committee also recommends that the county consider establishing a limit on the amount of land that may be allocated for large-scale industrial developments in the county.

They also recommended using a reputable planning firm to limit the cost of zoning to the county.

Addressing the concern about the loss of tax revenue that may occur if zoning drives business away, the committee said that zoning should be business-friendly, and studies may need to be done on how to encourage economic growth.

Zoning should not create a barrier for temporary events.

Resources the committee used and recommended to the commission include the American Planning Association website and the Kansas Practical Guide to Zoning and Land Use Changes website.

Commissioner Samuel Tran thanked the committee members for their diligence in forming the recommendations.

Commissioner David Beerbower also thanked them and said, “we will not take the recommendations lightly.” The commission will move forward with work sessions and public hearings as they decide what will happen in Bourbon County regarding zoning.

New Business
Truck Bypass Route

Matthew Wells, city commissioner for Fort Scott, spoke to the county commission on behalf of the city of Fort Scott about some proposed projects. He said that they have been working on a TEAP (Traffic Engineering Assistance Program) Study of truck routes in and around Fort Scott. As a result, KDOT is recommending a truck bypass on 240th Street out to JayHawk, putting in a roundabout  using KDOT funds. KDOT also want to build a train overpass funded by federal, state, and railroad funds

KDOT is looking into how much it would cost to make those changes to handle truck traffic, especially during flooding that closes the highway and train traffic causing truck backups.

Currently, there is no bypass truck route in Fort Scott.

Precinct Legal Descriptions-Susan Walker

County Clerk Susan Walk, who is also the elections officer explained to the commission that the redistricting caused the need for eight new precincts within the townships, affecting how the people vote. Legal descriptions need to be completed in July and approved by the state of Kansas. They also must be published for three weeks in a row before the next election.

The commission approved her request for time with GIS to try to create the maps.

Commission Comments

Commissioner Mika Milburn, speaking about perception, said it varies from person to person regarding how to get the county where it needs to be.

“I believe all the moves the commission is currently making is in good conscience to move Bourbon County in a healthy, sustainable direction,” she said. “You can trust me to be authentic and lean on morals.”

“This job has blessed me with a greater resilience,” she concluded. “Thank you Bourbon County.”

“The people in this county are amazing,” said Tran. He said he is working with a great team at the county and the people of Bourbon County should be proud of their neighbors.

He also said that people watching the meetings see the decisions that the commissioners make, but they don’t see the choices, or lack thereof.

The Bourbon County Commissioners received the 2024 audit report for the county from Emily Frank of Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips.

Bourbon County has chosen to follow the Kansas Regulatory Basis of Accounting instead of General Accounting Principles and received an “unmodified opinion,” which means the audit was clean. The county had no cash or budget violations in the 2024 audit.

The county started 2024 with $4,149,000 of unencumbered cash. Total receipts for the county in 2024 were $17,949,000, and expenditures were $18,414,000, resulting in an ending unencumbered cash balance of $3,686,000.

Frank gave the commissioners information to help with budget creation for 2026.

She recommended that the general fund have at least 90 days’ cash on hand to be safe. “But a little bit extra would be better,” she said.

“The last two years you guys have had some pretty big decreases in your general fund,” she said, $120,000 in 2024 and $167,000 in 2023. She said that the commission will need to find ways to increase income and decrease spending to prepare for emergencies, as they go through the process of creating the 2026 county budget.

The Public Safety fund also needs watching, she said. It was at an unencumbered cash balance of $268 at the end of 2024. “This fund probably is going to need some help over the next couple of years to kinda get to a little bit more comfortable position,” said Frank. The Public Safety fund was supplemented with transfers from the general fund in 2024.

Road and Bridge also had a low cash balance of $12,000.

In 2024, several funds were amended, including Road and Bridge, Bridge and Culvert, Appraiser, Election, Employee Benefit, Landfill, and the Emergency Service Sales Tax Fund.

County bonds and lease debts total $3,824,000, and the county paid $235,000 in interest in 2024.

Executive Session for personnel matters of individual, non-elected personnel resulted in a vote to approve a deviation from policy to allow the public works director to work HR, as explained within the written documentation for this one occurrence.

Old Business
Juvenile Detention

Commissioner David Beerbower moved to cancel the county’s membership with the Gerard Juvenile Detention Center and adopt juvenile detention with Johnson County on a case-by-case basis.

Commissioner Mika Milburn asked if the county attorney had weighed in on the contract.

The item was tabled until next week, when the county attorney’s opinion can be given.

District 4&5 Term Limits

County Clerk Susan Walker told the commission that they need to pass a resolution regarding the changeover from 3 to 5 commissioner districts. One of the new district commissioners will serve a one-year term, and the other a three-year term. This is so that in an election cycle, either 2 or 3 of the commission seats will be up for re-election, but no more.

Milburn, who currently represents District 3 will be representing District 5 after being re-elected. This means that District 3’s seat will be vacated and require an appointment at the beginning of 2026.

Commissioner Samuel Tran said that switching out people too quickly causes a loss of historical knowledge. The commission has been in turmoil lately. Tran wants to keep at least one person in for a longer term to build continuity.

Tran made motion that district 5 commissioner will serve a three year term and district 4 will serve a one year term.

Both the candidate for new districts 4 and 5 are running unopposed.

The commission approved Tran’s motion as resolution 2125, Milburn abstaining.

SEK Mental Health Resolution and Letter of Support

Resolution 2225 will repeal the old resolution funding SEK Mental Health and have the commission sign a letter of support for SEK Mental Health. The resolution passed.

Courthouse Repairs

Tran looked over repair recommendations and saw a lot of maintenance that had fallen through the cracks with a price tag of more than $1 million.

He thinks the number may be high and wants a much more detailed proposal so the commission can verify the numbers and make better decisions.

“It’s ultimately by job to be a steward of your money,” Tran told the audience.

“Even if the county could or would fund this amount, doing so without a line-item bid is not recommended,” he said. He also said the county should have an on-site project manager for the work that needs to be done. Tran also wants to get input from the people who use the building.

“We need to break this down. We need small bites,” he said.

Tran expressed the need to formalize how the county procures goods, services, and equipment.

Milburn moved to give Tran the authority to go through the building with a hand-picked team of volunteers to see what’s needed to care for the county buildings to report back to the commission on Aug. 4. The motion was approved.