Commissioner David Beerbower began the meeting by reading a statement outlining the meeting’s conduct, including the expectation that audience members silence their phones and refrain from conversations, wait to be called on before speaking, and allow the chair to manage the meeting.
Republican Open Seat Announcement
The Republican Party of Bourbon County will hold a convention to fill the vacant District 1 seat on Thursday, June 12 at 6 p.m. at Bailey Hall. Applications are due by Tuesday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and can be emailed to [email protected].
Old Business
Zoning Advisory Committee – Beerbower made a motion to postpone the zoning committee’s presentation of their recommendations until June 30, 2025 to allow for a third commissioner to be appointed and present.
The committee will continue to meet to work on its report. Dates of those meetings will be published.
Dr. Cohen HR Solutions – Commissioner Mika Milburn asked Beerbower’s opinion on using the company to conduct HR services for the county now that he’s had time to consider the information from the last meeting. He said he is for it, and he likes their proposal and the cost.
Milburn moved to hired HR Solutions on Call, which would require a contract be paid from the benefits fund.
The motion was approved.
Budget Committee Proposal – Milburn proposed the creating of a budget advisory board to help the commission through budget season. She proposed that the board be made of financial professionals, who will be qualified to advise on budget items.
The motion passed. Letters of interested will be taken until June 16, 2025.
Parliamentarian Proposal – Milburn suggested the commission consider bringing in a parliamentarian to help run their meetings.
“We are shorthanded,” she said. Milburn and Beerbower both had people they wanted to ask to consider the position.
The issue has been tabled until June 16.
Sales Tax Discussion Update – Milburn followed up on the hiring of a firm to conduct the county’s tax sales. She said the treasurer is working through the steps necessary to facilitate that and it’s in process.
Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn wants to remove it as a benefit. Beerbower said that after receiving feedback from various members of the community and an email regarding fringe benefits from the County Clerk, Susan Walker, he believes times have changed and the perk needs to be stopped as well.
The commission voted to end free dump fees for county employees starting immediately.
Commissioners went into a 20 minutes executive session for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorny-cliet relationship.
Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
Mr. Parks suggested that out-of-county trash haulers who use the transfer station for trash disposal pay more than in-county users.
New Business
SEK-CAP General Public Transportation – Casey Brown brought the funding request to the commission to get it in before the budget meetings start. Historically, SEK-CAP has been funded by the county, the City of Fort Scott, and area churches and businesses.
It costs approximately $8,000 per day for a full year of transportation services. Currently services are offered three days a week, but they are considering going to five days a week, which would cost $40,000.
Commissioner Milburn asked for more precise data about how much of the county outside of Fort Scott is served by SEK-CAP.
When asked about changing their hours of operation, Brown said they were open to discussion and want to fit the community’s needs.
Fireworks Licenses Days
Fireworks licenses were issues to Hale Fireworks and Jake’s FIreworks. Sale dates have been extended by state statute from July 5 to July 7.
Commission Comments
Milburn said that she loves “the idea of a steady, reliable process” to govern the county and that there so many citizens getting involved.
She said she would be happy to visit with anyone interested in the job. “This job takes a lot of stamina and I am going to do what I have to do to serve Bourbon County and keep up.”