Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for July 13, 2026 Meeting

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Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – July 13, 2026, 5:30 PM

The meeting will be held at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS. Immediately following the meeting will be a budget work session.

07.13.26_Agenda.pdf (full PDF)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Meeting Minutes – June 29, 2026 (Pages 3–6)

The packet includes full draft minutes from the June 29, 2026 meeting for commission approval.

  • Attendance & Logistics: Meeting called to order by Chair Samuel Tran on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Fort Scott, KS. Present: Chair Samuel Tran (District 1), Commissioner David Beerbower (District 2), Commissioner Joe Allen (District 3), Commissioner Gregg Motley (District 4), Commissioner Mika Milburn (District 5), County Clerk Susan Walker. Citizen attendees included Rachel Walker, Clint Walker, Jennifer Simhiser, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, Marlon Merida, Jason Silvers, Lisa Dillon, James Crux, Kenny Allen, Ben Hart, Matt Lawn, Al Neice, Nick Graham, Teri Hulsey, Brian Ashworth, Trey Sharp, Bryan Murphy, Kevin Davidson, Pete Owenby, and Kevin Allen. (Page 3)
  • Agenda Modifications: The agenda was revised prior to adoption. The following items were tabled to expedite the meeting in advance of a public works budget work session: American Flag Purchase, Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement, Procedures for Adopting Resolutions, Fund Resolution, Resolution 25-26 Cancellation of Warrant Checks, and Heartland Business License Annual Billing. Commissioner Allen’s Statement/Discussion was voluntarily deferred. Added to the agenda: Planning Committee under Special Appearances, a Resolution for Funding the Comprehensive Plan (to follow Public Comments), Chamber Membership under New Business, and an Executive Session for nonelected personnel performance. Motion to adopt as revised by Chair Tran, seconded by Commissioner Milburn – carried unanimously. (Page 3)
  • Financial & Payables Approvals:
    • Approval of Minutes – 06/15/26, 05/11/26 (Revised), 04/13/26 (Revised): Motion by Commissioner Milburn, seconded by Commissioner Motley – carried unanimously. (Page 3)
    • Accounts Payable 06.18.26 – $83,374.82: Commissioner Milburn moved to remove $3,011.25 postage charge pending explanation; Chair Tran seconded, restating motion as approval of 06.18.26 payables. Commissioner Beerbower voted no; motion passed 4-1. (Page 4)
    • Accounts Payable 06.26.26 – $453,809.91: Commissioner Motley updated his motion to approve all 06.26.26 payables except the $3,011.25 postage charge. Commissioner Milburn seconded. Commissioner Beerbower voted no; motion passed 4-1. (Page 4)
    • Approval of May 2026 Financials: Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Allen – carried unanimously. (Page 4)
  • Special Appearances – Planning Committee / Confluence Contract: The Planning Committee presented the best and final offer from Confluence for the Comprehensive Plan, reduced from $152,000 to $116,500 through consolidation of planning phases and reduction of public hearings and attorney fees. Motion to amend agenda to add a Resolution for Funding the Comprehensive Plan following Public Comments by Commissioner Milburn, seconded by Chair Tran – carried unanimously. (Page 4)
  • Public Comments:
    • Railroad Museum / Moody Building: Al Neice reported the organization was officially gifted a caboose from Houston, with transportation arranged and track installation expected the following week. (Page 4)
    • Redemption House Roof Repair: Don Tucker and Jennifer Simhiser requested $24,000 from the county’s opioid fund for roof replacement, supported by three contractor bids. Commissioners expressed support but noted uncertainty about available fund balance. Motion by Commissioner Beerbower, seconded by Commissioner Motley to approve $24,000 from the opioid fund – failed 1-4 (Beerbower in favor). Item to be added to following week’s agenda pending confirmed fund balance. (Page 4)
  • Fund Resolution – Commissioner Milburn: Financial advisors Ben and Matt discussed funding options for the Confluence Comprehensive Plan including general fund carryover (~$50,000 after legal expenses), inmate fee fund, FEMA reimbursement funds ($600,000), and year-end budget savings from unfilled positions. Advisors cautioned against using the inmate fee fund. No action taken. (Page 5)
  • Old Business:
    • SEK Juvenile Detention Center Discussion: Board discussed renewing Girard contract vs. transitioning to per-use arrangement with Johnson County (~$130–$150/day vs. ~$100,000/year regardless of use). Motion by Chair Tran, seconded by Commissioner Beerbower to terminate Girard contract – failed 3-2 (Beerbower and Tran in favor; Milburn, Motley, and Allen opposing). (Page 5)
    • Public Works Items – K. Allen: Motion by Commissioner Milburn to allow chairman to sign grant paperwork for Jayhawk bridge repair – seconded by Beerbower, all approved. PEC recommended for $5,900 geological study; no formal action taken. (Page 5)
    • Chamber Membership: Motion by Commissioner Allen, seconded by Commissioner Motley to approve $570 annual Chamber membership renewal from general fund – carried unanimously. (Page 5)
    • Executive Session – Nonelected Personnel Performance: Two executive sessions held pursuant to KSA 75-4319(b)(1), resuming at 6:49 PM and 7:01 PM respectively, both with no action taken. (Pages 5–6)
  • Future Agenda Topics: Commissioner Policy Manual and Job Descriptions (Beerbower), Redemption House Roof Funding, Commissioner Allen’s Statement/Discussion, Solar Funds Update (Beerbower, pending attorney report), Budget (Milburn), Resolution 25-26 Cancellation of Warrant Checks. (Page 6)
  • Adjournment: Motion by Chair Tran, seconded by Commissioner Milburn to adjourn at 7:05 PM – carried unanimously. (Page 6)

2. Meeting Minutes – July 6, 2026 (Pages 7–11)

The packet includes full draft minutes from the July 6, 2026 meeting for commission approval.

  • Attendance & Logistics: Meeting called to order Monday, July 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Fort Scott, KS. Present: Samuel Tran (District 1, Chairman), David Beerbower (District 2), Joe Allen (District 3), Gregg Motley (District 4), Mika Milburn (District 5), Bob Johnson (County Counselor), Deputy County Clerk Lesley Herrin. Citizen attendees: Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Marlon Merida, Kyle Parks, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, Michael Hoyt, Jennifer Simhiser, Kasee Howard, Pete Owenby, William Jackson, Jason Silvers, Nick Graham, Kevin Allen, Teri Hulsey. (Page 7)
  • Agenda Modifications: Commissioner Beerbower added RFP updates and auction updates to old business (items d and e). Commissioner Allen removed his statement from New Business item X.b. Commissioner Milburn moved budget discussion (items X.a.1 and X.a.2) to immediately after Public Comments. Motion by Chairman Tran, seconded by Commissioner Milburn – carried unanimously. (Page 7)
  • Financial & Payables Approvals:
    • Accounts Payable 07.02.26 – $144,022.62: Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Allen – carried unanimously. (Page 7)
    • Postage tabled from 06.29.26 – $3,011.25: Commissioner Milburn expressed concern about budget constraints but had not received confirmation from treasurer. Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Beerbower to approve postage payment – carried 3-2 (Milburn and Tran opposing). (Page 8)
    • Murphy Tractor Training Dispute: Commissioner Milburn noted Road and Bridge Director Kenny confirmed the item was placed on the agenda without his knowledge. Motion by Chairman Tran, seconded by Commissioner Milburn to remove the item – carried unanimously. (Page 8)
  • Special Appearances – Redemption House Roof Replacement (Tucker & Simhiser): Mr. Tucker reported the applicable fund holds $67,000, of which $15,242 is encumbered, leaving $51,000 unencumbered. Roof replacement cost confirmed at $24,700. Motion by Commissioner Milburn, seconded by Commissioner Motley to approve funding up to $25,000 for Redemption House roof – carried unanimously. Tucker directed to submit invoice upon completion. (Page 8)
  • Public Comments:
    • Kevin Allen: Addressed commission regarding Bourbon County Transfer Station budget changes, including removal of $35,000 building payment, departure of fourth employee, and loss of bean contract. Urged commission to account for savings before considering fee increases. (Page 8)
    • William B. Jackson (former maintenance director): Addressed health and safety concerns at the courthouse; stated he was terminated after raising concerns about deteriorating insulation and materials warranting asbestos testing. Called on commission to release inspection records and conduct transparent testing. (Page 8)
    • Michael J. Hoyt: Stated he was not recognized at June 15 meeting when wishing to speak on road situation in Hidden Valley Lakes. Provided 120-day notice pursuant to KSA 12-105b of intent to file a lawsuit against Chairman Tran in his official and individual capacity. (Page 8)
  • Budget Discussion – Milburn-Kee (New Business X.a, moved): Accountant Matt Lawn presented budget requests for EMS and Appraiser departments.
    • EMS: 2027 budget request $1,203,459 (increase of ~$11,856 / ~1% over 2026 adopted budget of $1,191,603). Projected 2026 year-end deficit ~$5,700; collections tracking near $900,000 target; 20% fuel cost increase included; new ambulance process anticipated (~$430,000 including power cot with ~2-year delivery lead time). (Page 8)
    • County Attorney: Budget request reflects 8.17% increase (~$38,404 over current year). Assistant county attorney salary range requested at $105,000; legal assistant wages requested at $25/hour (senior), $22/hour (junior), $20/hour (full-time). Offsetting reductions include removal of case management system, travel expenses, and relocation of SANE exam line ($5,000) to general fund. (Page 9)
    • Appraiser: Flat budget request; no additional allocation needed. (Page 9)
    • Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR): 2026 RNR is 54.661 mills vs. current mill levy of 56.669 mills. Mr. Lawn recommended commission notify county clerk of intent to exceed RNR at 56.669 mills to preserve flexibility; full analysis with fund balance impact scenarios to follow. Budget work sessions to continue over next two meetings targeting ~80% completion before addressing benefits. Mid-year financial report targeted for early August. (Page 9)
  • Old Business:
    • Discussion of Minutes Format: Commission voted to adopt short minutes format going forward. Motion by Chairman Tran, seconded by Commissioner Motley – carried unanimously. (Page 9)
    • Resolution 25-26 Cancellation of Warrant Checks: Resolution to cancel 20 outstanding warrant checks totaling $8,216.36 dating to 2022–2023 (funds never disbursed; standard bookkeeping measure). Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Beerbower – passed (Beerbower, Motley, Tran, and Allen yes; Milburn did not vote). (Page 9)
    • Confluence Contract Approval – Use of Solar Funds: No funding update from Commissioner Beerbower; commission agreed not to execute contract until funding is confirmed. Tabled to July 20, 2026 meeting. (Page 9)
    • Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement: Commissioner Milburn researching alternative auditing firm; item carried over to next meeting. (Page 9)
    • RFP Updates: Bids received for forensic audit RFP; Chairman Tran to present bid details and statements of work at July 20 meeting. MSB Law hired for title search. Commissioners Allen and Beerbower expressed desire to continue (health care services concern); Commissioner Milburn expressed preference to discontinue. (Pages 9–10)
    • Auction Updates: Commissioner Allen coordinating meeting with relevant party; no date confirmed. (Page 10)
  • New Business – CIC Renewal ($55,465 from IT Budget): Several CIC software modules related to payroll and time clock no longer in use after transition to new system; estimated $5,000 savings possible by removing redundant modules. Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Beerbower to table pending review and removal of unused modules – carried unanimously. (Page 10)
  • Commission Comments: Commissioner Allen noted ~10 minutes late to next meeting; Wednesday work session cancelled as accountant was unavailable. Chairman Tran noted KDHE conducted courthouse inspection and issued clean bill of health; acknowledged building’s age and presence of potentially asbestos-containing materials but noted KDHE guidance that undisturbed asbestos does not pose a hazard. Chairman Tran proposed public town hall July 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM (tentatively Fort Scott Community College) to discuss taxes and budget; requested commissioner responses by Friday, July 10. (Page 10)
  • Adjournment: Motion by Chairman Tran, seconded by Commissioner Milburn to adjourn at 7:28 PM – carried unanimously. (Page 10)

3. Accounts Payable – 07.10.26 Grand Total: $543,225.90 (Pages 12–39)

The packet contains a 28-page Open Invoices by Department Summary for Bourbon County with a due date of 7/10/2026 and 284 total invoices across all departments. Grand total: $543,225.90.

  • Non-Departmental Fund Summary (Dept 00) – $399,486.47: (Pages 12–23)
    • General Fund (001): ($1,255.10) – payroll clearing offsets for various employee benefits including Assurity Life ($151.76), Bay Bridge cancer ins ($81.38), BBCO HSA ($150.00), KPERS ($1,784.19), IRS payroll taxes ($5,076.07), state taxes ($1,631.00).
    • Appraisers (016): $7,773.43 – includes Card Services vehicle/fuel/meal ($98.49), Marshall & Swift/Boeckh Marshall Valuation Service ($721.90), Culligan cooler rental ($14.95), appraiser wages ($7,465.76).
    • County Treasurer Motor Fund (052): $3,978.79 – includes Card Services Hilton Garden Inn lodging for training ($135.89), Card Services meals & lodging ($134.17), Amazon check stamps ($9.99), wages ($3,745.54).
    • Diversion Application Fee Fund (060): $285.01 – Card Services Amazon subscription/office/breakroom/office luncheon ($285.01).
    • Election (062): $4,255.53 – Fort Scott Tribune June 2026 required publication/notices ($2,220.00), Card Services cardboard tabletop voting booths ($90.37), Card Services election office supplies ($135.32), Susan Walker L&A testing lunch reimbursement ($20.80), election wages ($1,807.31).
    • Employee Benefit (064): $146,077.37 – Blue Cross/Blue Shield July 2026 medical & dental premiums ($111,153.74), KPERS EE & ER ($19,036.10 + $654.03), ER IRS Social Security ($14,567.20), Equitable vision insurance ($116.64), KC Life ER life insurance ($248.53), BBCO HSA ($137.28), ER unemployment ($163.85).
    • Special Law Enforcement (097): $100.00 – Kansas Renewal Institute Ride 4 Kids Poker Run donation ($100.00).
    • Landfill (108): $13,216.28 – Allen County Public Works MSW 6/25–6/30/26 ($6,189.38), Robinson Welding and Fabrication welding #21 ($1,000.00), SW Mgmt Fund-KDHE 2nd quarter landfill tonnage 2026 ($1,217.72), Foley Equipment Co. elements #15 ($202.59), landfill wages ($4,454.82), Lockwood Motor Supply fuel filters #15 ($105.49), Rural Water District water ($34.45), Terry Lawrence pump at landfill ($100.00), Quill Corporation copy paper ($41.99), ComplianceOne monthly charge ($18.45).
    • County Sheriff/Correctional (120): $95,741.89 – Benchmark Government Solutions inmate meals ($14,534.00), Wex Bank fuel acct#0460-00-335351-3 ($10,850.83), Wex Bank fuel acct#0460-00-335346-3 ($453.85), Satterlee Plumbing, Heating & Air-Cond labor ($1,980.00) and parts ($1,022.04), sheriff wages ($34,896.98), SEKRCC wages ($28,474.81), KPERS ($3,748.69), Card Services (Pritchett) duty holster/cuff pouch ($395.99), KA-Comm patrol vehicle equipment ($973.70), Craw-Kan monthly internet & phone ($606.72), Card Services (Moore) fuel/cigarettes/lighter/meal/lawn mower blades/leaf blower ($669.95), Card Services (Hawpe) lodging/meals for transport ($496.49), IRS payroll taxes ($8,856.61), state taxes ($3,243.00), 4 State Sanitation monthly trash SEKRCC ($180.50), First Responder Outfitters uniform pants ($213.12), BTX KS inmate medical services ($312.00), Fort Scott Broadcasting July 4th safety ads ($65.00).
    • Noxious Weed (200): $1,624.79 – noxious weed wages ($1,524.80), Card Services (Reed) hose repair kit/tote adapter ($48.84), Card Services (Reed) certified applicator exam fee ($45.00), ComplianceOne ($6.15).
    • Road and Bridge (220): $74,960.69 – Road & Bridge wages ($41,869.50), Elm Creek wages ($1,075.20), Judy’s Fuel & Oil various deliveries totaling ~$19,117.72 (county barn gas/diesel, Uniontown tank, Mapleton tank, fuel truck), John Deere Financial graders payment #s 9 & 36 lease principal ($7,083.86) and interest ($2,042.54), O’Reilly Auto Parts hydraulic/fuel/oil filters graders ($745.76) and multiple other parts, Bo’s 1 Stop 12″ storm pipes ($1,762.00), Foley Equipment filters #14 ($163.90), #81 ($551.59), elements #53 ($185.54), IRS payroll taxes ($5,148.94), state taxes ($1,833.00), KPERS ($2,320.81), Rural Water District water ($43.90 + $87.80), Bobby Ann Miller July 2026 sanitation services – Elm Creek ($80.00) and Road & Bridge ($85.50), Sales Tax-KDOR 2nd quarter 2026 ($253.08 × 2), Heartland Propane tank lease ($60.00), Terry Lawrence pump at county barn ($100.00), Amazon headlight assembly #105 ($135.00).
    • Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund (222): $53,297.68 – Wright Asphalt Products AC-20 24.2 tons @ $609.00 ($14,737.80) and AC-20 23.86 tons @ $609.00 ($14,530.74), Coastal Energy Corporation SS-1H 3,545 gal @ $2.50 ($8,862.50), Kunshek Chat and Coal sand and haul 181.87 tons @ $39.50 ($7,183.88), Judy’s Fuel & Oil dyed diesel 1,811 gal @ $3.34 asphalt plant ($6,048.74), BMO Harris Bank asphalt roller payment #308 lease principal ($561.11), Premier Truck Group A/C evaporator #145 ($219.46), Kirkland Welding acetylene/oxygen ($174.50), ComplianceOne ($89.18), Prairieland Partners wiring harness/sensor ($200.93), Card Services (Allen) parts ($352.42), Card Services (Snyder) diesel fuel ($141.01), Rural Water District water ($62.80), O’Reilly starting fluid ($20.97), Lockwood Motor Supply fitting/coupling/hose ($83.78).
    • Ambulance Service (375): ($1,182.06) – payroll clearing offsets; ambulance service wages are captured under Dept 24.
    • Addiction Settlement Fund (387): $612.17 – Path of Ease Association mileage reimbursement ($389.33) and vehicle maintenance reimbursement ($222.84).
  • County Department Operations: (Pages 24–39)
    • Dept 01 – County Commission: $4,909.96 – commission wages ($4,909.96). (Page 24)
    • Dept 02 – County Clerk: $3,915.69 – clerk wages ($3,915.69). (Page 25)
    • Dept 03 – County Treasurer: $4,736.39 – treasurer wages ($4,710.46), Amazon check stamps ($9.98), Culligan cooler rental ($15.95). (Page 26)
    • Dept 04 – County Attorney: $12,068.90 – attorney wages ($11,360.70), Fort Scott Tribune legal publications – KMS & UM ($138.75 × 2), Card Services documents/publication/Culligan/registration ($430.70). (Page 27)
    • Dept 05 – County Register of Deeds: $4,774.60 – register of deeds wages ($4,744.74), Ettinger’s Office Supplies ($29.86). (Page 28)
    • Dept 07 – Courthouse Maintenance: $2,089.99 – building mtce wages ($2,048.00), Quill Corporation copy paper ($41.99). (Page 29)
    • Dept 10 – District Court: $3,058.54 – district court wages ($2,440.15), Great America Financial Svcs agreement 230-3247749-000 ($158.21), Culligan water delivery & cooler rental ($83.00), Cordant Health Solutions drug testing services ($152.40), Card Services office supplies/office lunch meeting ($133.89), Claire Clark mileage reimbursement ($89.90), Card Services Apple.com iCloud storage ($0.99). (Page 30)
    • Dept 11 – Emergency Preparedness: $1,019.71 – EM. Prep. wages ($769.23), Card Services (Howard) fuel/meal/charger ($131.66), Card Services (Howard) membership/subscriptions ($118.82). (Page 31)
    • Dept 17 – Dispatch: $60,500.00 – City of Fort Scott 2nd quarter dispatching services ($60,500.00). (Page 32)
    • Dept 24 – Ambulance Service: $40,828.84 – ambulance services wages ($36,071.58), DH Pace Company overhead door repair ($1,775.35), Stryker Sales medical supplies ($364.04), Morris & Dickson medication ($172.10 + $92.36), patient overpayment refunds (Malone $325.00, Shoemaker $150.56, Franklin $128.41), Card Services (Hulsey) educational supplies/Adobe ($766.64), Card Services (Hulsey) water/cleaning supplies/uniforms/office supplies ($553.24), Bobby Ann Miller July 2026 sanitation ($103.00), Kirkland Welding oxygen ($57.00), Verizon Wireless EMS iPad service ($40.04), Evergy 2817 S Horton storage electricity ($43.89), Card Services (Hulsey) medical supplies ($17.90), Card Services (Hulsey) fuel ($45.60), O’Reilly motor resistor ($63.22), Card Services (Hulsey) vehicle maintenance ($13.94), Card Services (Hulsey) building maintenance/cleaning supplies ($44.97). (Page 33)
    • Dept 43 – Courthouse General: $201.50 – Bobby Ann Miller July 2026 sanitation services ($201.50). (Page 34)
    • Dept 44 – Human Resources: $1,943.00 – Emerson & Co LLC June 2026 payroll services ($1,943.00). (Page 35)
    • Dept 99 – County Miscellaneous: $3,692.31 – county counselor wages ($3,692.31). (Page 36)

4. Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement Letter (Pages 40–45)

The packet includes the engagement letter from Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, PA, Certified Public Accountants, dated May 4, 2026, for audit services for Bourbon County, Kansas for the year ended December 31, 2026.

  • Audit Scope and Objectives: The firm will audit the financial statement of Bourbon County as of and for the year ended December 31, 2026 on a regulatory basis of accounting (per K.S.A. 75-1120a(c) waiver). Supplementary information to be audited includes: (1) Summary of Expenditures – Actual and Budget – Regulatory Basis (Budget Funds only); (2) Schedule of Receipts and Expenditures – Actual and Budget – Regulatory Basis; (3) Summary of Receipts and Disbursements – Agency Funds – Regulatory Basis. (Page 40)
  • Auditor’s Responsibilities: Audit to be conducted in accordance with GAAS. Firm will evaluate appropriateness of accounting policies, reasonableness of significant estimates, and overall presentation. Significant risks identified: (1) management override of controls; (2) improper revenue recognition. (Pages 41–42)
  • Management Responsibilities: County is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls; preparing financial statements; identifying fraud risk; and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. County must provide access to all relevant records and personnel. (Pages 42–43)
  • Engagement Fees and Terms: Audit services fee not to exceed $29,500.00 including travel and out-of-pocket costs. If federal expenditures exceed $1,000,000.00, a Single Audit may be required; estimated additional fee $2,900.00. Engagement partner: Neil L. Phillips, CPA. Disputes subject to mediation; venue: State of Kansas. (Pages 44–45)
  • Reporting: Written audit report to be issued upon completion, addressed to the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County. (Page 45)

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