All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 31

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August 31, 2021                                   Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting) Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker, Bill Martin and Ben Cole.

 

Due to COVID, the meeting was closed to the public, but shown on YouTube.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey presented the following permits that have been completed: 1741 Soldier Road, 1686 Express & 379 40th, the Commissioners signed the permits.

 

Eric said there has been a problem with the Landfill phone, he said AT&T is working on this issue, he said they may move this phone number to a cellphone.  He said the hours for the Landfill are Monday-Friday 8-4 and Saturday from 8-12.  If anyone has questions before the phone is fixed, regarding the Landfill, they can call the Courthouse to talk to the Road & Bridge secretary.

 

Eric said the valve is still leaking on the asphalt truck, they are working on it again today.  Jim said in the past they had Van Keppel do repairs to the vehicle; Eric said Van Keppel would’ve taken three weeks to do the repairs.

 

Bean permits: Eric said they will be meeting with John George this week and are working on getting a composting permit.

 

Eric said he had a request for a school bus stop ahead sign at 1436 Wagon Road; Eric felt it warranted a sign there.  Jim made a motion for public works to post a bus stop ahead sign at 1436 Wagon Road, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Eric said he will check on an area near the asphalt plant that has a school bus stop ahead sign posted.

 

Eric said another windmill is going up at 20th & Eagle.

 

Mini excavator discussion – Eric asked if they wanted to go out for bids to purchase one or not; Lynne said he would like to let Eric do what he needs to run his operation or at least put it out for bid.  Jim said he went and looked at the machine; he said they have a difference of opinion and said he sold equipment for 13 years and said he would classify this machine as a mid-sized machine and not a mini.  Jim said they will eventually need to spend money on two motor graders and one backhoe and said they could get by without the mini excavator.  Clifton said they have a lot of road problems and culverts that need to be replaced.  Susan said they could look at the State procurement contracts.  After discussion, Lynne made a motion to go out for bids on a mini excavator, Clifton seconded, Jim said he opposed the motion and said they can’t afford the machine.

 

CIC software discussion: Clifton asked Eric if CIC was fully functionable for his department; Eric said it wasn’t and said it was very hard for them to use. He said there was a glitch in the system and Jennifer lost a lot of work that she had done on CIC.  Clifton said if we pay for something he expects it to work.  Shane Walker said the software had been sitting there, but it just wasn’t utilized.  Clifton said he expected it to be fixed in a timely manner.  Lynne asked for a guarantee on a timeline for it to be fixed.  Susan said the City doesn’t use CIC, she said when they had it, it was very limited on what it could do, but said the customer service was good.  Jennifer Hawkins, the Road & Bridge secretary, discussed some of her issues with CIC: she said she did numerous months of entries for the Landfill billing, but the data didn’t balance and, in the end, CIC deleted all her entries and she lost 4 ½ months of data.  She said she wanted to use the map-it program, but was told it would be years before it worked.  She said she asked about the work order program, but said they are still working on it 4 months later.  She said they have problems with employee reports, A/P vouchers and problems with reports showing rock tonnage.  She said their old program had signs data and bridges data, which was supposed to be imported, but said it still isn’t done.  She has problems with reports on equipment. She said she is trying to utilize CIC; Lynne asked for a timeline on the fixes, Jennifer said they told her they are working on them.  Susan discussed the CIC symposium; she said they take money and work on areas where people want the program improved.  Susan said she would help Jennifer get the data she needs.  Shane said he didn’t use the software and didn’t know anything about it other than he has it on the server; he said the public works software is old.  Clifton questioned Eric about using a different software that Linn County uses.  Eric said they needed a program documenting where every County sign is, bridges and a program for work orders; Shane suggested they use Teams for some of this, Eric said that Jimmy had set this up, but said it wasn’t an easy program to use.  Shane said people had to know how to use Excel, he wanted to get people from the college here to teach Excel.  Lynne said they needed to get CIC to work or find something that will work. Shane said we have a yearly maintenance agreement with CIC and said they have good support.  This will be discussed again next week.

 

After collecting more data, next week Eric will discuss the crack filling machine that the City has.

 

Jim said the belly-dump trailer is still sitting; Eric said they are looking for a truck.

 

Lynne said they had a report that 140th & Ivory needed gravel.

 

County Counselor: Justin Meeks said he had reviewed the yearly CIC maintenance agreement and asked for approval for Lynne to sign it; Susan said they could hold off paying the public works portion of the contract.  Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne to sign the maintenance agreement, Jim seconded and all approved.  Kendell questioned if they were paying the full amount or excluding the public works portion; Clifton made a motion to withdraw his last motion until Shane has a discussion with them, Jim seconded and all approved.  This will be discussed again next week.

 

Justin said they should have a final draft soon on the Lake Sewer District agreement.

 

Justin said they are ready to close on the BAJA Investment building.

 

Tax sale: Justin said this should happen at the end of September or the 1st of October.

 

Justin said next week they should have information out for the public on a subject they talked about last week.

 

The Commissioners will have a budget work session at 9:00 am Thursday, September 2, 2021.

 

Susan discussed the Spark MOU for Baja Investments; she said there is a clause in the MOU that states if the contract has been breached the property goes back to the County, she said the County did what they were supposed to do.  Justin said the property will transfer to the County and then immediately to the new owner.

 

Susan said she received a request from Mental Health for ARPA funds; she said the County could consider this in the next round of funding.  She said she has requested the Rural Water districts financial statements and will discuss the ARPA funds again next week.

 

Susan said the 2020 audit is in the draft stages and said she hoped to present it during next week’s meeting.

 

Bill Martin, Ben Cole and Beth Tatarko with The Austin Peters Group (by telephone) met with the Commissioners to discuss a salary study that Bill that asked them to do.  They compared other counties and cities and a few private employers and reported that the average pay was $20.32 compared to $15.56 for Bourbon County employees (non-elected), she said it would cost an estimated $322,122 (cost of wages only, doesn’t include benefits) to bring the hourly employees wages to the average.  She said Bourbon County doesn’t have a scale for pay wages and all employees will eventually make the same amount if they do the same job.  She said the elected officials (with the exception of the Attorney) are less than the average as well.  She said Bourbon County does have a more generous benefit package and leave time than others. Lynne said Bourbon County is behind and asked Bill what we could do to start moving forward.  Lynne suggested having Susan review the study and give them recommendations.  Clifton said they know they don’t pay enough.  Beth said at times other governments have spread out over a two-year time frame to get their employees to the average.  Jim asked Bill what his recommendations were: Bill said the Commissioners plan to reduce the mill levy by 2.5 mills, he suggested leaving the mill the same and setting that money aside for wages.  The Commissioners thanked them for the presentation.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for an executive session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to have a 10-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy regarding job function and job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:35, Jim seconded and all approved.  At 10:35, Clifton made a motion to return to the regular session with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Commission Comment: Clifton said they have talked about wages for months and know this is a problem.  Jim said they hear from business owners daily that taxes in Bourbon County are too high.  He said the County needs to grow and if that happens, maybe they could take some of those funds from growth to use for the employees.

 

At 10:38, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Oharah, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

September 7, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Sept. 1

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September 1, 2021                                        Wednesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for the CDBG-CV close out hearing with Commissioner Harris and Beth present, the County Clerk was also present.

 

SEKRPC representative Taylor Hogue and Economic Development Director Rob Harrington were also present.

 

Jim made a motion to open the public hearing for the CDBG-CV close out grant hearing, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim asked for questions or comments regarding the grant. Rob Harrington said he didn’t understand why the Bronson Locker wasn’t able to get a portion of this grant, he said the State had told Taylor that they weren’t awarded any of the grant money because they didn’t lose money; Rob said, however; they took out a loan (for equipment/expansion) to stay open.  Taylor said that the Kansas Department of Commerce said meat lockers were denied because they were more in demand.  Rob said there was a meat locker in Allen County that received Spark funding; Taylor said that Spark funds and CDBG-CV funds were different.

 

At 9:19, Clifton made a motion to close the public hearing for the CDBG-CV grant, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion that Chairman Oharah sign the CDBG-CV close out forms, Jim seconded and the motion passed.

 

At 9:21, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

September 7, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

New County Clerk: Ashley Shelton

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Ashley Shelton. Submitted photo.

Ashley Shelton was selected for the county clerk position at the Bourbon County Republican Party Convention on Sept. 9.

“I have worked in the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office since June of 2020,” Shelton said.

Shelton graduated high school at Yates Center and moved to Bourbon County in 2002 to attend Fort Scott Community College.

She and her husband Scott and have two boys ages 10 and 3.

“I have learned a lot from Kendell (Mason, the current clerk) during my time in her office and I feel that I could fulfill the duties of the county clerk position although I know I have big shoes to fill and a lot to learn,” Shelton said.

“Since I am deputy-clerk I will be acting clerk as of Sept. 14, until I receive my appointment from the state,” she said.

Shelton replaces Kendell Mason who resigned after nine years as county clerk. Mason’s last day is Sept. 13.

“The Republican Party notifies (the governor)  who they selected and the governor will send a letter appointing her to that position,” Mason said.

“She will serve until November 2022, when there will be an election,” she said.

The clerk’s office is located in the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse on National Avenue.

The Bourbon County Clerk duties, taken from the county website are:

  • Serves as Secretary to the Board of County Commissioners; attends Commission meetings; prepares and posts agendas and keeps meeting minutes; maintains proceedings of Commission meetings, including all contracts and agreements entered into by the County.
  • Prepares annual budgets for most townships and fire districts and all cemeteries, watersheds, and light districts in the County.
  • Receives and compiles all budgets submitted by County entities, cities, townships, the community college, school districts, and all special districts.
  • Compiles, calculates, and prepares tax levies.
  • Prepares real estate, personal property, and state assessed tax roll, including special assessments, and certifies to County Treasurer.
  • Accumulates and files a bonded indebtedness report for all taxing entities in the County.
  • Carries out all elections and certifies to the Secretary of State; maintains voter database; accepts filings for public office; keeps financial statements of expenses from the county, city, school district candidates.
  • Provides Accounts Payable and Payroll functions for all County departments; receives all claims filed against the County.
  • Provides checks and balances to property transfers, motor vehicle collections, and Treasurer’s daily ledger activities.
  • Serves as the County Freedom of Information Officer.
  • Maintains fixed asset inventory for the County.
  • Provides assistance to County residents in preparing Homestead Property Tax Refund  and Food Sales Tax Applications for the Kansas Department of Revenue.
  • Issues Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses to establishments outside the city limits and issues Firework Permits to stands throughout the County for 4th of July week.
  • Issues Kansas Wildlife and Park permits.
Art, Fort Scott

Museum of Creativity Starts Fall Activities

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From the museum’s Facebook page.
The Museum of Creativity has craft classes for children, some playgroups, and a ladies craft time starting this week.
The building is located at 201 S. National Avenue in the Beaux Arts Centre.
Owner Lorina Bowman, said the following are available:
Play Group – [Open Play] every Monday from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Maker Monday – [Beginner Crafts] ages 7-18 – every Monday after school – 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
From the museum’s Facebook page.
Lego Club – [Challenge Builds] ages 7-18 – every Tuesday after school 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Ladies Craft Night – [Crafts] every Tuesday Night from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday Fun – [Open Play] every Friday from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Game Night – [Board Games] every Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Entrance fee for all groups is $1 for each person.
“There will be an extra kit fee for craft groups and that will always be posted at least 24 hours in advance on the group event page,” Bowman said.
“We are accepting reservations for field trips, birthday parties or any other type of event you would like to have here,” she said. “It is only $100 to reserve the museum and classroom. Please contact us to see how we can make your event special. We will not host events or be open on Sundays.”
“If you would like to volunteer time or money to help out our non-profit we have lots of opportunities,” she said. “Come talk to us!”
More details can be found on the Museum of Creativity Facebook page, then click on the events tab to find each group for more details.
Text Bowman at  209-204-9743 or email:
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Debate Over USD 234 Revenue Neutrality

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Dave Trabert. Submitted photo.

Dave Trabert, Chief Executive Officer of the  Kansas Policy Institute, Overland Park, sent an email response to fortscott.biz‘s feature on the USD 234 Budget on Sept. 2.

“Under the new Truth in Taxation legislation, mill rates are reduced by law so that new valuations produce the same dollar amount of property tax…hence the name ‘revenue-neutral rate,'” Trabert said.  “If the school district wants to take in more property tax dollars next year, they have to notify taxpayers of their intent, hold a public hearing, and then vote on the entire tax increase they impose.”

USD 234 Board Clerk/Business Manager and Certified Public Account Gina Shelton’s answers to Trabert are in blue ink.

“Correct – which we did,” Shelton said in a response to the Trabert email that fortscott.biz sent her. “What is missing from that statement is that we are to adopt a revenue-neutral rate based upon an estimated assessed valuation.”

Gina Shelton. Submitted photo.

“In general terms, it is a simple formula: Assessed Valuation (a) X Mill Rate (b) = Property Tax Assessed (c).  If (a) and (b) stay the same, an entity would be revenue-neutral.  If (a) increases and (b) stays the same = higher property tax assessed.   If (a) increases and (b) decreases = lower property tax assessed/revenue neutral (depends on how much (b) is). “

“The school district only controls (b).”

” What the formula does not consider are things like 1) Collection Ratio 2) Neighborhood Revitalization (or other economic programs administered through other entities) and 3) the Assessed Valuation is an estimate.”

  “This year, we received two separate revenue-neutral rates due to an error on the part of one of the utility companies.  We also know that there is a larger taxpayer in our county that has applied for exemption, yet it was not backed off from the estimated assessed valuation.  The exemption is retroactive to the date within the application.  These are all factors that were considered when recommending being Revenue Neutral or not.”

“There is also a timing factor.  We are very early on in a bond payback.  Our bond is why the school district’s mill rate is as high as it is.  We are committed to being good stewards of our taxpayers’ commitment.”

 “When we reworked the bond in 2020, we were able to save our taxpayers $5,792,515.15 and will be able to pay it back five years earlier.  However, we still have a way to go before that bond is paid off – September 1, 2035.”

  “I don’t believe it is fiscally responsible to adjust the bond mill.  The bond mill has to be considered because for the school district to qualify to be revenue neutral – we would have had to adjust our mill rates in all of the other funds (since the 20 mills in our General Fund is set by statute).”

” We know we have capital outlay needs for our district to maintain our facilities.  Deferred maintenance costs more money.  We did not feel it prudent to reduce the mill in the Capital Outlay fund.”

  “In our LOB fund, we use a big part of this to pay for utilities.  We were advised to budget 6% increases in electricity and 18% increases in gas.  What would we cut to make up for those increases?  What opportunities would we cut for our kids?”

 

“Gina Shelton’s claim that the LOB resolution has no impact on property tax is simply not true,” he said.  The only way that could happen is if they adopted the revenue-neutral rate of 13.431.  They choose to increase property tax… by 1.7% if they adopted the proposed mill levy. If the district adopted each of their proposed mill rates, they increased the burden on taxpayers by close to 2%.”

“In fact, it is claims like hers that drove taxpayers to demand the Truth in Taxation legislature,” Trabert said.

“I’ve never spoken to Mr. Trabert, to state that ‘claims like hers’ without having a single conversation with the person shows how very political this is.”

” I believe in transparency in government.  I also firmly believe in being fiscally responsible.  Our board has always been transparent about the challenges and positives of our school district to our community.  Our board considered the pros and cons and made the decision based on the recommendation we made.”

Trabert included a chart:

http://www.kansasopengov.org/kog/databank#report_id=90&County=Bourbon

“We collected the information from each county clerk via Open Records requests,” he said.

“Any entity that does not follow the Truth in Taxation law is prohibited from spending above the revenue-neutral rate,” Trabert said.

“We are fully aware of this requirement,” Shelton said.  Prior to the due dates set by the state, we discussed publicly what Revenue Neutral means for our taxpayers as our board meetings.”

“At the board’s July 12th board meeting there was a motion made to allow us to submit paperwork to the county to allow us the option to not be revenue neutral.”

“We declared to the county by the July 20th due date.”

“We held a detailed special budget/RNR presentation on July 30th, where we had one member of the public attend.  This was an hour-long meeting meant to educate our community.”

 “We then published in the  Fort Scott Tribune newspaper on August 11th.  After publishing, I only had one taxpayer come into ask questions and look at our budget.”

“I have always encouraged our taxpayers to please sit down with me to look at our budget to help explain what we do with those funds.”

 “We then held a hearing on August 25th at 5:30.  We received no comments or questions from the public at this hearing although the intention of that is to allow for that feedback.”

 “We held our budget hearing on August 25th at 6:00.  We also received no comments or questions during this hearing as well.  Both were well attended.”

 “Our community supports our kids.  I’m sure Mr. Trabert has concerns regarding property tax – as we all do – however, he does not live, work, or send his kids to school here.”

  “As someone who attended public schools in Fort Scott, lives here and has a student attending USD 234, my continued commitment has always been to be fiscally responsible of the dollars our taxpayers trust us with.”

“I believe our students are worth more than a political debate on property taxes.  Mr. Trabert has not taken any time to call and discuss our particular district with us, but decides to contact the press?  This leads me to believe that his concern is more with taxes in general versus our particular district or the challenges we face.  Let’s work toward a workable, positive solution – our kids deserve that.”

“Kansas Policy Institute is a nonprofit research and education organization that protects constitutional rights and economic freedom,” Trabert said.  “I am the CEO and work in our Overland Park office. Here is some background on our history and mission.  https://kansaspolicy.org/about/”

“We were instrumental in getting the Truth in Taxation law passed.,” he said. “Senator Caryn Tyson, who represents most of Bourbon County, can also provide information on the legislation.”

 “I have great respect for Senator Tyson.  We have had several conversations where we discussed the challenges that face school districts.  Challenges in addition to the fiscal side of schools.  She knows how important our students are and how much our great state depends on their success.  Public education provides opportunities that no other state program provides -both in the “right now” and for our future.  The success and education of our students warrants our investment in them.”

Bourbon County, Business

Jayhawk Wind Farm Update: On Track For Completion This Year

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Submitted photo by Apex Clean Energy. A crane stands next to a Jayhawk Wind turbine.

The Jayhawk Wind energy project workers are currently constructing the wind turbines in Bourbon and Crawford counties, with a completion date expected in late 2021.

Submitted photo. A crane next to a wind turbine in Bourbon County.

The following questions were answered by Patrick Chilton, Apex Public Engagement Manager, Apex Clean Energy, Inc., Charlottesville, VA

Where are the currently completed wind turbines located?

We have erected six turbines so far. Four are in the southwest corner of the project, in Crawford County, and two in the northwest corner, in Bourbon County.

The first wind turbine in Bourbon County, located at 20th and Eagle Road in the southwest corner of the county.

What is the timeline of the project currently?

As previously expected, we are on track to complete the construction of Jayhawk Wind by December of 2021.

How many turbines will there be? What are their dimensions?

There will be 70 turbines built once construction is completed. That represents no change from the project design as permitted. These turbines are 584 feet from the base to the tip of the blade at its highest point.

A Jayhawk Wind Turbine in Bourbon County from the distance.

How many employees are there?

There are more than 250 employees working on the various elements of construction for Jayhawk Wind.

What are the contractors’ names and where are they from?

IEA is the Balance of Plant (BOP) contractor for Jayhawk Wind, and they have many sub-contractors working with them. We don’t disclose those contractors for their proprietary reasons.

Sunset over the wind turbine at 20th and Eagle Road in Bourbon County.

Hwy. 3 from Hwy. 39 to Hwy. 47 is in pretty bad shape because of all the tear-up laying new lines, when can the public see this remedied?

While the work being done on Highways 3 and 39 is in our project area, it is not because of our construction work. The maintenance work is being done by KDOT and is happening now because of recent funding from the state.

 

 

The following is from Priscilla Peterson, Kansas Department of Transportation Public Affairs Manager, Southeast District:

KDOT replaced the crossroad pipes under K-3, and have patched the areas afterward.

Crossroad pipes are drainage structures that carry water from one side of the road to the other side.

“We replace the deteriorating pipes as needed,” she said. “If a pipe collapses, the roadway can no longer carry traffic or drain properly.”

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 – No Increase in Mill Rate for 2021-22

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The USD 234 Board of Education recently adopted resolutions aimed to not increase a tax burden on local residents.
Gina Shelton, USD234 Business Manager, said during a recent presentation to the board that two resolutions were needed to move forward with funding for the school district.
Resolution 21-07 was to adopt LOB Percentage.
“This resolution has no impact on the property tax,” Shelton said.  “This resolution is required as we are adopting the state average in our Local Option Budget.  This allows us to budget up to 31% of our general fund in our LOB fund, maximizing the state aid we receive.”
The second was Resolution 21-08 which regards exceeding a revenue-neutral rate.
“The 2021-22 budget was built by keeping the mill rate flat for USD 234,” Shelton said.  “The school district is not revenue neutral for property tax purposes because the assessed valuation increased and therefore the total amount of property tax collected is more than the prior year.”
“What is important for our community to understand is that the 20 mills assessed for the USD 2324 General Fund is set by statute and those funds are sent directly to the State of Kansas,” she said.  “Then that 20 mills is put with other sources of Kansas revenue and then distributed back out to school districts in the form of enrollment-based funding.”
“The 20 mills that are assessed for our general fund are set by statute,” she said. “As the assessed valuation increased, the only way for the school district to remain revenue neutral would have been to decrease the mill rates in the other funds. We have four funds that we levy taxes in – General, LOB, Capital Outlay, and the Bond.”
“Because the assessed valuations increased district-wide, even though our mill rate isn’t changing, the amount of taxes being assessed are more,” Shelton said. “The assessed valuations are set by the county, not the school district.”
  “For 2021-22, for each $1 raised locally in the general fund, the district receives $8.67 in state aid,” Shelton said.  “Because that 20 mills is set by statute, we would have had to reduce the mills in other funds to be revenue-neutral. This would have impacted our ability to fund our student’s educational needs, capital outlay needs, and our bond payment schedule.”
“The budget is built and driven by the board’s mission and areas of focus – which all center around kids,” she said.
Shelton said the  district’s 2021-22 budget is made up of:
State Revenue – 76%
Federal Revenue – 12%
Property Tax – 12%
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 24

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August 24, 2021                                             Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a 2022 budget session, all three Commissioners and the County Clerk were present.

 

Susan Bancroft was also present.

 

Due to COVID precautions, the meeting was closed to the public, but broadcast on YouTube.

 

Susan presented the Commissioners with a revised 2022 budget; she said the cost for all the department’s budgets + a 3% increase for non-elected personnel and benefits – costs the County $5+ million.  She said this figure also includes filling two vacant positions.  She was able to get the 2022 budget down to 62.5 mills, the RNR rate is 62.13; she said this was accomplished by using $250,000 of the Windmill money and by using ARPA funds (the County received $1.4 million in ARPA funds in 2021 and will receive the same in 2022, this money must be allocated by 2025).  She discussed the public safety budget and said she was budgeting to put them on a schedule to replace two vehicles each year.  She budgeted for all increases requested.  Susan said she would present final numbers to the Commissioners on August 25th.  She budgeted approximately $350,000 for contingency expenses.  The RNR hearing will be September 7th and the budget hearing will be September 14th. Some departments requested increases to their budget; Jim questioned what they had budgeted the increases for; Susan reviewed the budgeted increases with the Commissioners.  She discussed the turnover in the correctional center; she said this was due to pay and said they needed to look at restructuring this.  Lynne discussed the holidays taken off, he said most of these holidays are the same as most businesses take off; Susan said the paid holidays off help offset the lower wages.  The Commissioners thanked Susan for her work on the budget.

 

At 9:41, Clifton made a motion to close the budget work session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 25, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 25

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August 25, 2021                                             Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from last Tuesday’s meeting and the budget work session meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to approve the following culvert permits: one at 1851 Solder and one at 2122 Jayhawk, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Eric presented the following completed culvert applications: one for 130th and Arrowhead and one for 2286 Poplar.

 

Regarding the asphalt machine: Eric said they are waiting to get the distributor back as well as a rubber boot.

 

Jim asked Eric to look at Jayhawk Road to the tracks on 230th.

 

Eric said that 235th is going to have to have chip and seal work done.  Lynne said his priority is 125th and 120th.

 

Jim said he had asked Van Keppel what caused the road damage on 230th; they said this was a result of the work of the Blow Knox paver.

 

Eric said they will be crushing at the Beth Quarry next week and will be working 4-10 hour days and 1-8 hour day.

 

Eric said last week they installed 11 culverts; one of which was at 265th & Victory and said that bridge there is now open.  He said they used the mini excavator as well as the backhoe to do this.  Eric questioned if they wanted to go out for bid for the mini-excavator, Lynne said the mini could speed up the culvert installations.  Jim said he didn’t support the mini excavator and said the one they had been using isn’t what he would call a mini, he said it is a big excavator.  Jim said he would support a used mini.  Clifton questioned what it would hurt to go out for bid, Jim said it is a lot of work to go out for bid if they aren’t sure if they are going to buy a machine.  After a lot of discussion, they tabled this conversation until next week.  Lynne said he would like to come watch the mini work.

 

Eric said they dug on Eagle Road in Garland; he said there is some sub base failure there.

 

They replaced the tube at 267th & Eagle.

 

The Commissioners previously approved Eric bidding on a truck on Purple Wave, but Eric reported that the mileage was actually 684,000.  Jim made a motion to skip this equipment because of the mileage, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Windmill update: Eric said the 1st windmill went up yesterday in Bourbon County – located at 20th & Birch.

 

Bourbon County Health Insurance Contract; this  is a 3 year contract, Jim said by signing this and with Susan’s help this would give them some time and he hoped next spring they could study a self funded plan.  The Commissioners didn’t like that this was a 3 year commitment.  Jim made a motion to sign the SEHP contract effective 1/1/2022 to remain in the State pool and move forward with signing the contract, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to amend the agenda for a 10-minute executive session, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to have a 10-minute executive session to discuss KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:40, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan and possibly Justin Meeks by phone).  At 9:40, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with no action, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to appoint Clifton Beth to the SEKAAA board, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

David Everett (by telephone) with the butterfly weed club of SEK said they plan to restore the habitat for the Monarch butterflies. He said possibly next spring they would be planting milkweed around the County for the habitat.  Susan said the City of Fort Scott has a parks committee and said they would like to do something like this at the 2nd street park.  David said that anyone interested in helping with this project can call him at (620)644-8217.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow elected officials comment, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lora asked when the departments would know whether their budget requests were accepted, and asked when we would get the 2020 audit.  Susan said she is waiting on a call regarding the audit, Susan said she budgeted what she had requested.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow a 20-minute executive session for security, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:22, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Brian Allen, Susan Bancroft and Shane Walker).  At 10:22, Clifton made a motion to resume their normal session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for another 10 minute executive session regarding personnel matters, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job function and job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:33, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Ashley Shelton).  At 10:33 Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Susan to speak ahead of the County Counselor while they were waiting on him to call, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Susan said the RNR hearing will be September 7th at 9:00 am, with a proposed tax rate of 62.500 mills.

 

Jim made a motion to permanently move the County Commission meetings to Tuesdays, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to move the Commission comment ahead of the County Counselor, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim said the Rural Water District #2 (who has meters in Bourbon, Allen and Neosho County) is losing water each month and want to go to different meters.  For the Bourbon County office, this project will cost $18,251.05; Jim said they asked if the ARPA funds could be used for this project; Susan said the ARPA funds could be used for this project.  Susan will request the financial statements from the Water District.  This will be discussed again next week

 

Clifton made a motion to have the next Commission meeting on August 31 instead of September 1st, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job description, job performance and HR issues, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:59, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan and Justin (by phone).  At 10:59 Clifton made a motion to resume with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 6 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship with possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:06, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin (by phone).  Clifton made a motion to return to the normal session with action, Jim seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Oharah, Susan and County Counselor Justin Meeks to investigate a possible employee malfeasance matter and if they see fit to move forward with an outside firm to do that investigation, and to investigate an HR issue, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:07, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 31, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Suddenlink: Upgrade To Provide Faster Internet Service Announced

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Suddenlink, a local internet provider, got an update last week, looking to provide faster service.

 

“Suddenlink’s new 400 Mbps broadband service (announced on August 24) is more than eight times faster than the previous highest speed tier available,” Ashley Morales, Specialist Communication at Altice USA said.

 

“The new 400 Mbps speed tier paired with Suddenlink’s Smart WiFi 6, delivers a supercharged WiFi experience with faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before, including powering today’s uber-connected smart homes, streaming content, engaging in video conferences, downloading files, and playing games on connected devices,” she said.

 

“Additionally, broadband-only customers can complete their entertainment experience with Suddenlink Stream, the new streaming experience provides a best-in-class and user-friendly solution for broadband-only customers to have access to a wide variety of video content, including thousands of apps and streaming services on Google Play and over 50 free live streaming channels,” Morales said.

 

“Suddenlink Stream is typically $5, however, right now we’re offering the service free to 400 Mbps customers,” she said.

 

“This upgrade does not impact landline phone calls, however, it does support video calls or calls made over WiFi,” Morales said.

 

The following is a press release from Suddenlink provider Altice.

“Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS), the provider of Suddenlink broadband, television, and phone service,  announced (last week) that as a result of major investments in its advanced broadband infrastructure, the company has launched faster speeds for Suddenlink residential customers in Fort Scott, Kansas. The company’s new 400 Mbps speed tier complements Suddenlink’s broadband offerings, which now include 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps service among other options, providing customers with choice and flexibility in selecting which broadband speed is right for them.

 

“Over the last few months, we have made major investments in our Suddenlink network and advanced broadband infrastructure to ensure we’re providing our local communities with fast and reliable high-speed broadband,” said Hakim Boubazine, Altice USA’s Chief Operating Officer and President of Telecommunications. “In today’s connected world, more households and businesses are relying on their broadband connection to keep them connected to work, school, customers, friends, and family, and our Suddenlink broadband service makes it all possible.”

 

The new speed tier is more than eight times faster than the highest speed previously offered by Suddenlink to customers in Fort Scott, Kansas and is paired with Suddenlink’s Smart WiFi 6 which delivers a supercharged WiFi experience with faster speeds and greater coverage than ever before. Smart WiFi 6 is primed to support customers’ increasing broadband usage, including powering today’s uber-connected smart homes, streaming content, engaging in video conferences, downloading files, and playing games on connected devices.

 

Altice USA offers a wide range of broadband speeds to meet all needs and budgets, including Altice Advantage Internet, a low-cost 30 Mbps service available to eligible customers for $14.99 per month, and going up to multi-gigabit services for enterprise customers. In addition, the company’s mobile service, Optimum Mobile, currently offers customers data, talk and text on a nationwide network with 5G coverage starting at just $14 per line per month. Visit Suddenlink.com to learn more.

 

About Altice USA

Altice USA is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to more than 5 million residential and business customers across 21 states through its Optimum and Suddenlink brands. The company operates a4, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also offers hyper-local, national, international and business news through its News 12, Cheddar News and i24NEWS networks

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Morales

Specialist, Communications

Altice USA
Bourbon County, Food

Volunteers Are the Mainstay of The Beacon

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Wib Mowen and Joe Lee stand in front of the new sign at The Beacon. Submitted photo.

The Beacon, a local helping agency, depends on volunteers.

The Beacon organization was established in 1985 to serve Bourbon County residents in need.

Volunteer donations of services and talents are what it takes to make the Beacon a more attractive and inviting place for clients and the community, according to Carol MacArthur, chairwoman of the Beacon board.

“Joe Lee is a local artist who has worked inside and outside the Beacon volunteering his talent,” MacArthur said.  “He does the signs and has painted a beautiful lighthouse mural inside the building.”

Lee recently created a new sign for the front of the building to replace one in need of repair.

Other  Beacon volunteers include Wib Mowen who volunteers carpentry skills and helps with many other tasks, including helping Lee with his sign.

Hi wife, Patty Mowen is the assistant director of the Beacon.

This summer,  Bro’s Cleaning Services, Fort Scott, power washed the whole building for free, MacArthur said. “The siding absolutely looks new.”

“Philips Lawn Care has mowed the last three years–again for free–to keep up the yard,” MacArthur said.

“Then we have Dave Gillen’s wife, Debbie,” she said. “Dave is the director. Debbie is the main coordinator for the signups for Adopt a Child.”

The Beacon is funded by donations from churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals.

Also, each year the Beacon applies for various grants to help with food and monetary assistance.

They serve approximately 960 individuals a month and if a person is on food stamps, they are automatically eligible for services.

In addition to food packages, The Beacon provides non-food items like blankets, toiletries, laundry powder, and diapers.

To receive assistance, individuals must be willing to share information about their current income levels and proof of Bourbon County residency. Families in crisis are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Contact info:

525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott; phone 620.223.6869.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Old Settler’s Picnic Is On for Sept. 3-6

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The Boy Scout Pack and Troup 114 and Girl Scout Troup 71650 lead the children’s parade in the Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic festivities in this 2019 photo.
Uniontown’s Old Settlers Weekend is on for Sept. 3-6 after a hiatus of one year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
There will be three rodeos, a kids fishing derby, a community church service, and a family game night preceding the day of the annual picnic on Labor Day.
Olson Ranch Wally and Jennifer Olson,
Travis and Kellie Duncan pose following a win at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo. Submitted photo.
On Labor Day, vendors will line the town’s square, including food vendors to feed the crowd that usually shows up for the parade at 10 a.m.
The event has been going on in the small town of about 300 people for 115 years.
“The theme for this year is Hats Off For Hometown Pride,” said Shayla Knight, president of the Old Settler’s Picnic Committee, which meets year-round to plan the event
“We have rolled the theme over from last year,” Knight said.
“We are excited to be having Old Settlers Picnic this year.”
“All of our traditional events will be taking place, she said. “Saturday morning is the kid’s fishing derby.”
“Sunday at 10 a.m. is church in the park with Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church hosting our community. As always donuts and coffee will be available. Sunday evening at 6 p.m. we will be hosting a family game night in the park. Two years ago we started this and for the first time, it went very well. There is something for everyone on family game night! Cornhole, bubble gum contest, watermelon contest.”

There will be concessions available through the UHS Cheerleaders and other organizations and vendors.

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Monday are our traditional events featuring the baby contest, kid parade, parade, drawings, and kids games,” she said.
Alicia Jackson and Alan Shinn were honored as Grand Marshalls in the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“Also this year will be the 2nd annual Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show,” Knight said. “Two years ago there was a great turnout and this year we are hoping for even more. Cars are welcome to participate in the parade if they choose to or just in the car show. Sara Roufs has been solely committed to the car show since day one and has exceeded all expectations. We as a committee appreciate the wonderful addition to the Old Settlers Picnic.”
Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.
“In addition, we will have bounce houses available for the kids,” she said. “We are still currently looking for volunteers to help man them. All volunteers must be 18 or older. We have a sign-up link on our Facebook page if anyone is willing to volunteer for an hour.”
“Overall we are happy to be able to hold this event this year and look forward to the fun weekend,” Knight said.
Contacts for the events are the fishing derby-Shayla Knight at 224-8493 or Kyle Knight at 224-8436; the rodeos-Wayne Hall 363-4206; vendor and craft registration and the baby contest-Hope Workman at 224-8196; the parade line-up- Becky Shinn at 223-9532, family night games and the children’s parade lineup-Rhonda Dewitt at 215-1939; kids games-Candice Clayton at 224-8945.
Flyers are available at Union Station, Uniontown City Hall, Uniontown Post Office, and HB Salon.
Those helping with the event are Shayla and Kyle Knight, Hope Workman, Tammy Davidson, Rhonda DeWitt, Wayne Hall, First Missionary Baptist Church, Marty DeWitt, the City of Uniontown, Bobby Rich, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and Uniontown Ruritan Club.