Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Jan. 12

Leave a comment

 

The Regular Council Meeting on January 12, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart at 7:10PM and Councilmember-elect Kyle Knight.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Mike Ramsey, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Pritchett, Approved 3-0, to approve Mayor Approval of 2026 CMB License Applications.

 

City Clerk Arnold administered the oath of office to re-elected Mayor Larry Jurgensen and to newly elected Councilman Kyle Knight.

 

Open discussion took place on the available councilmember position. After discussion on possible new councilmembers, Amber Kelly volunteered to fill the vacant position.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0, to approve Amber Kelly for an additional term of office on the Council.

 

Council thanked Kelly for serving another term as councilwoman.

City Clerk Arnold administered the oath of office to Amber Kelly.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0, to approve Bradly Stewart as president of the Council.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mr. Mike Ramsey addressed the Council with questions regarding the memorial stones and the process for purchasing a stone. Council advised that, at this time, only one memorial stone requires repairs. Council further stated that there is no specific numbering or designation system for individual stones within the park. Individuals wishing to purchase a stone must provide a description of the stone’s location.

Council informed Mr. Ramsey that the $150 purchase fee includes the stone itself and lifetime maintenance of the stone. Mr. Ramsey was provided with the memorial stone design form and advised that the form was officially adopted at the previous month’s Council meeting. Council explained that prior to purchasing a stone, both the purchase fee and the proposed engraving design must receive Council approval before engraving may proceed.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the December 2025 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $210,072.85, Receipts $51,497.04, Transfers Out $20,016.00, Expenditures $40,808.43, Checking Account Closing Balance $200,745.46. Bank Statement Balance $218,472.49, including Checking Account Interest of $45.08, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $17,727.03, Reconciled Balance $200,745.46.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,724.94, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $23,332.48, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,677.57, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $308,480.45. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $623.56, and Utility CDs $2,458.47 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $3,082.03.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2025, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,616.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $4,000.00; from Water Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,000.00, for Total Transfers of $20,016.00.  Net Loss for the month of December $9,327.39, Year-to-Date Net Loss $63,118.28.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $118,624.48 (88.1%), Expenditures $134,188.42 (87.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $35,276.00 (94.8%), Expenditures $45,483.46 (98.6%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $114,866.39 (92.7%), Expenditures $129,756.54 (81.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $181,648.12 (121.3%), Expenditures $231,798.36 (108.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,101.28 (111.6%), Expenditures $7,251.44 (99.9%).  The January 2026 payables to date in the amount of $13,788.21. Treasurer Johnson reported that she has further corrections to make to the budget for the beginning of the 2025 year.

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of December 9, 2025 Regular Meeting
  • December Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & January Accounts Payables
  • Designate Union State Bank as official bank
  • Designate Fort Scott Tribune as official newspaper
  • Resolution 2026-0112-01 GAAP Waiver
  • Destruction of records for 2015 and prior

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Bobby Rich informed the Council that several water and gas meters are in need of replacement. The Council discussed the price differences between purchasing new versus used meters, the total number of water and gas meters currently in use, and the average number requiring replacement each year. The Council instructed Superintendent Rich that the City should plan to replace 15 water meters and 12 gas meters annually. The Council further advised Superintendent Rich to conduct an inventory of meters currently in stock and to provide updated pricing information at the next Council meeting.

 

Clerk Arnold asked the Council if the city was interested in our yearly rabies clinic on the last Saturday in March. Council advised to go ahead with the clinic.

 

Arnold also asked if the city wanted to provide a donation to the SOS party.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to approve a $100 donation to the SOS party.

 

Arnold informed the council of the upcoming 2026 Municipal Court Clerks Conference and the CCMFOA Spring Conference both in March and inquired if the city would approve her to attend both conferences.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to approve City Clerk Haley Arnold to attend 2026 Municipal Court Clerks Orientation and Conference on March 26th and 27th.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to approve City Clerk Haley Arnold to attend the CCMFOA Spring Conference on March 11-13th.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Knight – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilwoman Pritchett – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Informed the Council of an upcoming water rate increase from Consolidated Rural Water District #2. The Council was advised that Carey Spoon, the SEK Regional Planning Commissioner, will attend the February Council meeting to discuss potential grant opportunities. Jurgensen stated that one of the primary focuses for a grant would be the cleaning, camera inspection, and lining of the City’s sewer system lines. Discussion followed regarding possible project costs and the types of grants that may be available.

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding– Marbery Concrete Inc is scheduled to resume work on Wednesday, weather permitting. The crew will be working on Union Street, 1st Street, and Clay Street as they continue with the remainder of the project. During discussion of the ditches at 1st and Clay Streets, Council agreed that contractor should proceed with any work necessary to complete the project.

NEW BUSINESS

Executive session not needed.

Moved by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:18PM.

Bourbon County

Feb. 4 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda

Leave a comment
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

There will be a planning commission meeting at 5:30PM, Feb. 4 at 210 S National. This meeting will be streamed on YouTube.

Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda for Wednesday February 4, 2026

1. Pledge
2. Roll
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of minutes from Dec. 10, 2025; Jan. 14 and Jan. 28
5. Discussion on RFP for Comprehensive Plan and firms to submit to
6. New Business
7. Public Comment
8. Next Meeting and Agenda
9. Adjournment

Bourbon County, Uncategorized

District 3 County Commissioner Joe Allen Sworn In

Leave a comment
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda 02.02.26 Revised

Date: February 2, 2026 | Time: 5:30 PM

Meeting Opening

Oath of Office: Joe Allen was sworn in to his new position as commissioner of District 3.

Executive Sessions & Department Updates

Executive Sessions

The Commission will enter three private sessions under K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss non-elected personnel matters.

  1. Session 1: Led by Greg Motley regarding specific personnel. 15 minutes. Returned with no action.

  2. Session 2: Led by Samuel Tran to protect the privacy of individual personnel. 20 minutes. Returned with action: Allow Tran to sign payroll change forms for the reviews discussed in the meeting. Approved.

  3. Session 3: Attorney Client Privilege. Called by David Beerbower. 10 minutes.  Returned to regular meeting with no action.

County Clerk Susan Walker addressed the commission regarding the need for the County Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds offices to change to a new independent mail server, managed by CrawKan.

“This change is needed due to decisions made regarding our technology system,” said Walker. “As well as several ongoing security concerns.”

Because each of the offices is separately elected and responsible to the citizens of Bourbon County, this is the most responsible path forward, Walker stated.

The new server is on order. New email addresses will be implemented in the next 7-10 days. It will be housed in the clerk’s office and the network system is already set up for an easy transition. It will be a separate network from the remainder of the county.

This change is necessary because all the offices have had several issues with CIC (Computer Information Concepts, the county’s accounting software provider) when doing entries throughout the day, causing duplicate and triplicate entries in their software. It will also ensure that their data is protected.

Walker said their biggest concern is that they were unable to issue accounts payable checks because of year-end issues that delayed payment almost a month, resulting in penalties to the county.

They contacted the county’s IT company, Stronghold, multiple times and were told that backups four times a day is their standard procedure. Walker also contacted the head of CIC, who told them that they weren’t getting the software updates they should have. She said they have asked numerous times for administrative access to their machines to do updates. When the access has been granted, it’s been temporary.

“This is the only way that we can get our updates timely and make sure that our data is secure,” she said.

Tran said he wished the conversation had come to the table so they could be sure all actions were necessary. He asked if she had gotten a second opinion on the need for a new server.

She said that neither she nor the County Treasurer nor the Register of Deeds trust Stronghold. They do trust CrawKan and RTS.

Tran said that without one entity having control of all the county’s IT, which oversees it “from the 30 thousand foot level,” there’s a lack of safeguards.

Walker said that she was not consulted about the use of Stronghold as the county’s IT department.

“I seriously think this is an ill advised move,” said Tran.

Regarding paying the invoice for the server, Tran said he had serous reservations.

He went on to say that he has personally called Stronghold on numerous occasions on behalf of county officials who had issues. Those officials and some county employees don’t understand the concept of a help desk being there to help you, not fix it for you.

“That’s how the industry is,” said Tran.

Sheriff Bill Martin said they’ve had several issues and he has asked his employees to start documenting them. Most recently, he couldn’t update the software the county uses for accident reports.

He asked Stronghold for administrative rights to his equipment, but they were unable to help him and told him it was an internal problem.

“I would have to agree with Mrs. Walker” about the issues, he said.

Tran said he wished he had heard about these problems earlier so the commission could address it.

“Having one IT department keeps us safe,” said Tran.

Martin reiterated his position that he doesn’t want Stronghold to continue to have the county’s IT contract once the project it is working on for the county is completed.

Tran predicted budget creep would be inevitable in a county with multiple separate servers and no overarching IT department.

Accounts payable were approved, including the new server for the Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds offices.

Citizen Comments:

Clay Walker: This county commission didn’t even honor a guy that retired after more than 20 years of service. “We need more transparency,” he said. “I don’t see this county taking care of their employees. I’m sorry,” he said as he left the table.

Dereck Ranes came to talk about the noise issue and find out where the county is at in addressing it.

Commissioner David Beerbower responded by saying that he inquired about how to gather evidence and they are looking into who they are going to assign that to and what equipment they will use. He said he would work on it the next day.

“I’d like to file a complaint every day until something gets addressed,” said Ranes.

Department Reports

  • Payroll: Update provided by Milburn-Kee.

Milburn-Kee read a letter to the commission from their administrative assistant requesting permission to put the county’s health insurance payments on auto-withdrawl to minimize manual paperwork and the possibility of missing a payment, which nearly happened in January.

Commissioner Greg Motley looked at the paper work and said that someone on the county’s signature card with ACH authority would have to fill out the form for Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Susan Walker again addressed the commission, saying that on Jan. 1 everything was handed over to the new administrative assistant. She offered multiple times to walk her through everything and gave her the files and other information she needed to do her job, offering to go over it with her.

“When I handed that off, I just assumed they were being done,” said Walker. There are several things that are late. Walker said she passes those notices on to the administrative assistant as soon as she gets them.

“I do not feel like the ACH is the best approach for us because of how our system is set up,” said Walker. She wouldn’t know when it’s being withdrawn to have the Treasurer transfer the money into the account in time. The money doesn’t go into the account until it’s time to pay the bills.

“There are things hitting our bank account that we cannot say what they are for,” she said. “The communication [with the administrative assistant] is very much lacking.”

Milburn-Kee moved they allow the ACH. Tran seconded. Motley said they need a procedure in place to notify the clerk with the amount and exact date of withdrawl in order for the ACH to be workable.

Milburn-Kee rescinded her motion. She then made a motion for an executive session for non-elected personnel. Motion carried, Motley and Allen voting against. They returned with action.

Tran moved to pay Blue Cross Blue Shield through an ACH and ask the clerk to provide a list of potential bills that the administrative assistant would be responsible for. Motley reminded Tran of the need to give the clerk notice ahead of the bill. The motion was amended to have the clerk notified 5 days in advance of the ACH withdrawl with the exact amount being withdrawn.

Motion carried.

  • County Clerk, Susan Walker gave a comprehensive discussion on inventory management, commission minute procedures, resolutions, and the 2025 end-of-year financials.

The commission voted to make a number of adjustments to various department budgets to close out the 2025 financial year.

Walker said she had yet to receive inventory for what the commission is responsible for. She gave a partial report and asked for a commissioner to do inventory for the commission, including the  emergency management, IT, the commission proper and the executive assistant.

Walker also requested that custodial services to her offices be resumed. She wants keyfob access limited to her employees but not the custodial staff.

Tran asked how much security is required for her election equipment and they discussed it.

She also addressed the job description of the administrative assistant which includes taking minutes of the Commission, reminding them of the state statutes requiring the County Clerk to take the minutes.

Walker also brought up several issues with communication between the board’s administrative assistant and her office.

She also brought up a memorandum that was reported on Fort Scott.biz as having gone out to all the county employees. She said it didn’t go to her office or anyone else housed in the courthouse.

There was then some finger-pointing among the commissioners as to where the memorandum originated with no conclusion.

She then read some minutes from March 29, 2022 saying that elected officials are exempt from following the handbook if they so choose. She also went over records of previous commission meetings where front-loading sick leave was approved, prior to the handbook being updated.

Walker says that the amount of sick leave listed for employees now under the new system begun Jan. 9 is incorrect. She also says several employees have come to her because their sick leave and vacation hours are not right. She then asked that there be, “some cooperation” to have someone from payroll come in and go over it with her.

Finally, Walker presented a letter to the commission from Lora Holdridge, apologizing for her behavior in the last meeting.

Old Business

  • Policies & Planning: Follow-ups on the County Handbook and updates on Strategic Planning and the Commission Calendar.

Milburn-Kee said she talked to KCamp and got an example handbook with updated legally correct languages.

The commission is awaiting a return of the updates in the handbook from the HR department.

  • Strategic Planning: Greg Motley

This will be budget focused planning. He started with the statutes that govern the commission and working to define the commission’s goals and a commission calendar with all their deadlines in one place.

They set a date for a work session for Feb. 12 at 6 PM.

The commission scheduled a special meeting to interview applicants for the position of Emergency Manager right before the Feb. 12 work session.

  • Sewer project progress:

County Attorney Bob Johnson said he spoke with KDHE and the neighbor to the property in violation. KDHE will come out to reinspect and if it’s not fixed, they will file the appropriate action.

  • Administrative Contracts: Ongoing discussions regarding County Benefits. Tran

Tran began by stating that it has been said numerous times that we do not direct public officials and their employees. Tran said his issue is that the commission pays employee benefits for employees hired by those department heads. He asked that the department heads and elected officials notify the board when they hire someone so they can watch the budget.

Milburn-Kee suggested making employee benefits a part of each department’s own budget rather than the having benefits paid by the county.

Bourbon County

Updated Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda for Feb. 2, 2026

Leave a comment
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda 02.02.26 Revised

Date: February 2, 2026 | Time: 5:30 PM

Meeting Opening

  • Call to Order (Page 1)

  • Roll Call (Page 1)

  • Pledge of Allegiance & Prayer (Page 1)

  • Introductions (Page 1)

  • Oath of Office: Joe Allen, District 3 (Page 1)

Administrative Approvals

  • Agenda & Minutes: Approval of the current agenda and minutes from the January 15 and January 26 sessions. (Page 1)

  • Accounts Payable: Review of the January 30, 2026, payables totaling $114,143.02. (Page 1)

  • Tax Corrections: Approval of any pending tax adjustments. (Page 1)

Executive Sessions & Department Updates

Executive Sessions

The Commission will enter two private sessions under K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss non-elected personnel matters.

  1. Session 1: Led by Motley regarding specific personnel. (Page 1)

  2. Session 2: Led by Samuel Tran to protect the privacy of individual personnel. (Page 1)

Department Reports

  • Payroll: Update provided by Milburn-Kee. (Page 1)

  • County Clerk: A comprehensive discussion on inventory management, commission minute procedures, resolutions, and the 2025 end-of-year financials. (Page 1)

Old Business

  • Policies & Planning: Follow-ups on the County Handbook and updates on Strategic Planning and the Commission Calendar. (Page 1)

  • Infrastructure & Operations: Updates on EOC access (Beerbower) and Sewer project progress (Milburn-Kee). (Page 1)

  • Administrative Contracts: Ongoing discussions regarding County Benefits and the DMV contract. (Page 1)

New Business

Public Safety & Finance

  • Equitable Sharing Agreement: Sheriff Martin will present the certification for federal sharing programs. (Page 2)

  • Liaison Program: A critical review of the current liaison program led by Beerbower. The Commission will discuss whether to revise the program’s structure or terminate it entirely. (Page 2)

  • Economic Discussions: Matt Quick will present on Bitcoin Valuation. (Page 2)

Financial Auditing & Memberships

  • Financial Oversight: Samuel Tran will lead discussions on hiring a Fractional CFO and initiating a Forensic Audit. (Page 2)

  • SEKRPC Dues: Approval of $4,554 for Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission membership dues, historically funded by the General Government account. (Page 2)

Closing

  • Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)

  • Commission Comments (Page 2)

  • Adjournment (Page 2)

Bourbon County

Register of Deeds Comments on Commission Meeting Outburst

1 Comment

According to Lora Holdridge, her outburst calling a commissioner “chicken shit” on Monday, January 26th, occurred after some interactions that occurred before the commission meeting started being broadcast, as well as ongoing frustration working with the commissioners.

 

The agenda for the January 26th meeting shows that Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, was on the schedule to talk with the commissioners about space concerns under the “departmental updates” section. However, according to Holdridge, before the meeting began, Commissioner Mika Milburn told her that the commissioners would not be discussing her agenda item.

Lora Holdridge – Bourbon County Register of Deeds. Photo from BBCO website.

When the meeting began, Commissioner Milburn requested that Holdridge’s agenda item be removed. Commissioner Beerbower (acting as chair since Tran was absent) asked Holdridge if she wanted to discuss something that she hadn’t brought up before. Holdridge said yes and then there was the following exchange:

Holdridge: “Mika told me that as soon as dispatch got out…”

Milburn: “I did not do that…”

Beerbower: “Ok that, this is still more of the same. We are going to be reviewing all the space, so yes, we’re not going to discuss that.”

Holdridge says she then filled out a card to make a public comment. The meeting proceeded and when it was time for public comments, Beerbower read the card and said, “Is that the only one?” At this point, Holdridge went up to the table. Beerbower continued, “We do not allow public comments regarding any specific commissioner. If you are going to address the commission, you may address the commission about the board, but you can’t talk about one particular commissioner.”

Holdridge asked what statute said that. Beerbower said that he went to a class that said public comments were addressed to the commission, not to a specific commissioner. Holdridge pressed for a statue. Beerbower finally said, “Go ahead. I can’t challenge it” and gave her the floor for three minutes.

Before Holdridge could proceed, Milburn asked for a break, Beerbower called for a three-minute recess, and Milburn left the room. When she returned, she got a telephone call and stepped out again. Beerbower continued by first saying that they had this discussion with Holdridge several times and reiterated that they would be working with all the department heads to give them the space they need. He said he has had several people claim that they wanted the dispatch space.

There was some back and forth about whether any of the Register of Deeds stuff could be stored in the basement. At this point, Milburn returned, and Beerbower said the commissioners would look at everything, but not discuss it in this meeting.

Milburn then told Beerbower, “Our council has said to remove this public comment.”

Holdridge responded with, “You’re not going to remove me. I’ll just sit here and talk.”

Milburn and Beerbower voted to terminate the meeting as can be seen in this video which led to Holdridge calling them “chicken shit.”

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19RpAw2zJL/

According to Holdridge, a number of events led up to her frustrated outburst at the meeting. “I have had a problem with Mika [Milburn]. She’s the liaison of the courthouse. She locked me out of every room possible that I had my equipment in.” This equipment includes plotters that are used to make maps and blueprints for the county and also, for a fee, for the public.

Holdridge also said that one of her large plotters remains missing and she is locked out of the rooms where she would need to go search for it. 

Holdridge expressed concerns that Milburn is doing things outside the scope of the duties of a commissioner. She said, “[Milburn] is entering payroll information, removing payroll time and entries. They’ve got me not even starting till 2017 and I’ve been here, almost 22 years.” She said the commissioners took payroll out of the clerks office and hired someone else to do it, but “she doesn’t know what she’s doing, so this commissioner [Milburn] is coming in to help do it. She has no business doing that outside the scope of her commission duties.” Holdridge said the personnel files were taken out of the clerks office and put in an office that Commission Milburn has a key to. “She has a key to the office where all of our personnel folders are at. That’s outside of her scope of her duties as a commissioner. […] They outsourced payroll. It is a new system and this person didn’t know how to do it. […] Everything’s being screwed up on it. And, you know, we’re outsourcing our IT, we’re outsourcing HR, we’re outsourcing payroll. They said something about outsourcing budgets. They had a budget committee […] and they [the commissioners] didn’t listen to them at all.

“[Mika] kicked me out of the room that I had been working in fine with our new software company for six weeks until I hired one of the old IT persons back,” said Holdridge. She went on to explain that Shane Walker had laid off when the commissioners restructured the IT department and she hired him to do work in her department.

Holdridge went on to explain that there is a computer that used to be used for mapping that has been locked away in room 12 and all the departments are needing to rebuy about $4,000 worth of equipment and licenses now. She said that Commissioner Milburn told her that there “might be things on that computer that shouldn’t be on that computer.” Holdridge is frustrated because tech money from the Register of Deeds budget was used to buy that equipment and licenses. She had been using the computer in room 12 for 6 weeks until she rehired Shane Walker but after that, every time she would talk to HR, “they would tell me that, you know, you didn’t put yourself in a very good position because you rehired him and he has a lawsuit against the county.” Holdridge says he does not have a current lawsuit against the county, but every time she calls the outsource HR contractor about something, they would bring up the fact that she hired Mr. Walker.

Holdridge explained that she feels Commission Milburn has “called me a liar. She’s called me a thief. She called the ex-emergency manager and the ex-janitor liars and thieves. […] They locked the door of room 12, and she accused us of stealing things out of that room.”

Regarding her outburst last Monday, Holdridge said, “Most of the public doesn’t know what’s going on. Yes, I got mad and I refused to get up because they had been treating us and saying, ‘we’re going to take this away from you’ and outsourcing everything […] there was nothing wrong with the way it was. […] Everyone on the first floor gets along great. […] We help each other out. If I have extra paper and they need extra paper, you know, we share it. She [Commissioner Milburn] called it ‘back door dealings’ that we shouldn’t be doing that. We’re just trying to save the tax payer money.”

FortScott.biz reached out to Commissioner Milburn to see if she would like to be interviewed for this story. Legal counsel suggested she decline, but she did provide the following documents for context.

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for Feb. 2, 2026 Meeting

Leave a comment
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda 02.02.26

Monday, February 2, 2026 | 5:30 PM

Meeting Agenda

  • 1. Call Meeting to Order

  • 2. Roll Call

  • 3. Pledge of Allegiance

  • 4. Prayer

  • 5. Introductions

  • 6. Oath of Office – District 3 Joe Allen

  • 7. Executive Session – K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Requested by Motley

  • 8. Approval of Minutes – January 15, 2026

  • 9. Approval of Minutes – January 26, 2026

  • 10. Approval of Accounts Payable – January 30, 2026 ($114,143.02)

  • 11. Approval of Tax Corrections

  • 12. Liaison Program Review – Commissioner Beerbower leads a board discussion on revising or ending the liaison program.

  • 13. Citizen Comments

  • 14. Department Updates

    • a. Payroll Update – Milburn-Kee

    • b. County Clerk – Discussion on inventory, commission minutes, procedures, and 2025 end-of-year financials and resolutions.

  • 15. Old Business

    • a. Handbook Follow-ups

    • b. Strategic Planning – Motley

    • c. Commission Calendar – Motley

    • d. EOC Access – Beerbower

    • e. Sewer Update – Milburn-Kee

  • 16. New Business

    • a. Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification – Sheriff Martin

    • b. Bitcoin Valuation – Matt Quick

    • c. SEKRPC Membership Dues – Discussion of $4,554 payment usually charged to General Government.

  • 17. Agenda Topics for Future Meetings

  • 18. Commission Comments

  • 19. Adjournment

Information Packet Detailed Summary

Official Appointment of District 3 Commissioner (Pages 3–5)

The packet contains official correspondence from the Kansas Secretary of State congratulating Joseph Allen on his appointment as Bourbon County Commissioner for District 3. This section includes the formal Certificate of Appointment signed by Governor Laura Kelly and the required Oath of Office form.

Minutes: Special Meeting on Employee Handbook (Pages 6–13)

The Commission held a marathon special session on January 15, 2026, to conduct a methodical, page-by-page review of the 65-page employee handbook. Key decisions and discussions included:

  • Elected Officials and Policy (Page 6): New language was added to clarify that while the handbook applies to all employees, independent elected officials maintain statutory discretion over certain operational matters in their offices.

  • Leave and Accrual Changes (Pages 7–8): Extensive new policies were adopted regarding how leave is handled when employees transfer between exempt and non-exempt status, or between full-time and part-time status. Notably, a 10-year employment requirement was established to be eligible for a 25% sick leave payout.

  • Probationary Period (Page 9): After a split vote, the Commission eventually reached a unanimous decision to adopt a 90-day probationary period for new employees.

  • Weapons Policy (Page 9): The Commission voted to remove the weapons policy and all firearm notes from the handbook.

  • Operational Adjustments (Page 10–11): New rules were set for cell phone use (prohibited while operating heavy equipment), sleeping exceptions for EMS during rest periods, and overtime structures for law enforcement (overtime starting at 86 hours in a biweekly period).

  • Longevity Pay (Page 11): The board voted to phase out monthly longevity pay by converting it into hourly salary rates.

Minutes: January 26 Regular Meeting (Pages 14–15)

The regular meeting on January 26 included a public hearing for the vacation of a road (Resolution 08-26), which was approved. However, the meeting became contentious during the Citizen Comments portion regarding rules for addressing individual commissioners. Following a heated exchange between the Register of Deeds and the Commission, the meeting was adjourned early due to escalating tension.

Financial Summary: Accounts Payable (Pages 140–151)

The packet includes a detailed breakdown of open invoices by department as of January 30, 2026.

  • General Fund (Page 141): Includes utilities for various county buildings and legal services.

  • Appraisers and Benefits (Page 142): Includes membership dues and KPERS audit adjustments.

  • Clerk and Landfill (Pages 143–144): Significant expenses include $5,556 for server equipment and over $6,000 for waste services at the landfill.

  • Sheriff and Correctional (Pages 144–146): Routine maintenance, vehicle tires, and inmate care costs are detailed.

  • Road and Bridge (Pages 146–151): This section contains a high volume of small-to-mid-sized invoices for equipment parts, hydraulic hoses, fuel caps, and electrical service for the shop.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bridge on Bourbon County road to be replaced

Leave a comment

Post Date:01/29/2026 9:00 AM From the KDOT Facebook page

Starting the week of Feb. 2, a portion of 60th Street in western Bourbon County will be closed for a bridge replacement project, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The project to replace the bridge 5.9 miles south of Uniontown and 1 mile west of K-3 will start Monday, Feb. 2, conditions permitting. This section of the gravel road will be closed throughout the project, which is expected to be completed by fall, conditions permitting.

The new bridge over the tributary of Hinton Creek will be 80 feet long and 24 feet wide. B&B Bridge Company LLC, of St. Paul, is the contractor for the $701,404.10 project.

Governor Laura Kelly and KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed announced $42.3 million in funding for this and 34 other bridge projects through the KDOT Off-System Bridge and the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement programs. The programs target improvements to city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement and repair.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.

Bourbon County

Bo.Co. Coalition Meets Feb. 4

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

February 4, 2026 1:00 PM

Scottview Conference Room

315 S. Scott Ave

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program:  Teresa Davenport, Care to Share

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be March 4, 2026.

 

Bourbon County

Register of Deeds Obstructs County Commission Meeting

1 Comment
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

January 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Bourbon County Commission Meeting

Three commissioners attended the meeting: David Beerbower, Mika Milburn, and Greg Motley.

During the opening of the meeting, Commissioner Mika Milburn made several modifications to the agenda, including removing the discussion of courthouse space.

After the public hearing for the vacation of a road, in which the owner of the property on the road asked that it be vacated as the county had done nothing with it in the 15 years she had lived there, Resolution 08-26 was approved.

After approval of the minutes from the Jan. 12 meeting and the consent agenda and tax corrections, the citizen comments portion of the meeting began.

Citizen Comments

Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, addressed the commission. Before she began her comments, vice-chairman Beerbower reminded her that her comments had to be to the commission as a whole and not to a specific commissioner.

Holdridge asked what statute that was under and Beerbower said it was part of what he learned in commissioner training.

Holdridge said that without a statute she would challenge it. Beerbower gave her three minutes.

Milburn interupted Holdridge and asked for a break.

Beerbower announced a three minute recess.

After three minutes, Milburn returned and then left again on a phone call.

Beerbower then told Holdridge that they had had this discussion several times, and in the last meeting, the board announced the plan to look into what spaces are available in the courthouse and take input from each department to divide it up appropriately.

He said he has heard several different claims for dispatch’s old space, but the commission has not made any decisions yet.

Beerbower said they were not going to discuss it tonight.

Milburn returned and said that the county’s counselor, Bob Johnson, advised to remove the public comment.

Holdridge said she would not leave and would stay and talk.

Beerbower asked her to leave and she again refused. He said they were having a county commissioner meeting, not a register of deeds meeting.

Milburn then moved to adjourn the meeting , Beerbower seconded, and it was ended. Motley did not vote.

The commission did not complete the remainder of their agenda including:

1. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) – Motley
2. Department Updates
a. Payroll update – Milburn-Kee
b. Inventory – County Clerk
c. Commission Minutes – County Clerk
d. County Clerk Procedures
e. 2025 End of Year Financials – County Clerk

3. New Business
a. Strategic Planning – Motley
b. Commission Calendar – Motley
c. EOC Access
4. Create Agenda for Next Meeting
5. Commission Comments

Bourbon County, Government

Greg Motley: New Bourbon County Commissioner

Leave a comment
Gregg Motley. Submitted.

 

Gregg Motley was sworn in as commissioner on January 12 during the regularly scheduled Bourbon County Commission meeting.

To learn more https://fortscott.biz/news/new-commissioners-sworn-in

The Bourbon County Commissioners are the chief elected officials of the county, according to the county’s website https://www.bourboncountyks.org/contact-us/. They set policy and procedures for the running of the courthouse and set the budgets for all taxing entities of the county.

Motley represents Bourbon County Commission District #4, which includes most of Southwest Fort Scott, which runs down 69 Highway to Grand Street, then west to about 150th Street, then north to the Marmaton River and back to Fort Scott, he said.

His education

“I have a B.A. in Accounting and Economics from Greenville University and a graduate degree in Bank Management from the University of Virginia.  I am a Lee’s Summit High School graduate.
“My faith informed my decision to run.
” I am a strong believer in our civic responsibility to serve our community and this opportunity seemed to fit my experiences and skill sets.”
His priorities
“Aligned with my business experiences, my priorities are financial stability and responsibility, operational management and economic development. I am also interested in better coordination and cooperation with other government entities in Bourbon County.”
Regularly scheduled meetings are on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the commission meeting room in the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse at 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
There are five commission districts in Bourbon County.
Here is a map of the districts:
The five districts in Bourbon County. Submitted graphic.
To contact your commissioner:
District 1 Commissioner Samuel Tran’s office phone: 620.215.5954
District 2, David Beerbower: 620.215.5821.
District 3, Joe Allen, none yet, as per the county clerk’s office.
District 4, Gregg Motley: 620.215.7125.
District 5, Mika Milburn-Kee: 620.215.5880.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Jan. 26 Meeting Agenda Summary

Leave a comment
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda: January 26, 2026

Date: January 26, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Bourbon County Commission

Meeting Agenda Outline

01.26.26 Agenda

  1. Call Meeting to Order

  2. Roll Call

  3. Pledge of Allegiance

  4. Prayer

  5. Introductions

  6. Approval of Agenda

  7. Public Hearing (5:35 PM) – Vacation of Road

    • Resolution 08-26

  8. Minutes

    • Commission Minutes 01.12.26

    • Commission Minutes 01.15.26

  9. Approval of Consent Agenda

    • Accounts Payable 1.23.26 ($1,123,999.50) & 1.22.26 ($98,394.22)

    • Tax Corrections

  10. Citizen Comments

  11. Executive Session

    • K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) – Motley

  12. Department Updates

    • Payroll update – Milburn-Kee

    • Courthouse Space – Lora Holdridge

    • Inventory – County Clerk

    • Commission Minutes – County Clerk

    • County Clerk Procedures

    • 2025 End of Year Financials – County Clerk

  13. Old Business

    • Sewer update – Milburn-Kee

    • Handbook Follow-ups

  14. New Business

    • Strategic Planning – Motley

    • Commission Calendar – Motley

  15. Create Agenda for Next Meeting

  16. Commission Comments

  17. Adjournment

(Agenda source: Page 1)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

Resolution 08-26: Road Vacation (Page 3)

The commission is considering the vacation of a 62′ wide by 125′ section of 267th Street located in Woodard’s addition to Garland, Kansas. This resolution follows K.S.A. 68-102, which allows for the vacation of roads consisting of less than two consecutive miles. If approved, the County Clerk is instructed to publish the resolution for two consecutive weeks in the Fort Scott Tribune.

Meeting Minutes Summary: January 12, 2026 (Pages 4–8)

  • Reorganization: The board appointed Samuel Tran as Chairman and David Beerbower as Vice Chairman.

  • Board & Liaison Assignments: Commissioners finalized their roles on various boards (e.g., Fair Board, SEK Mental Health) and department liaison duties. Greg Motley was assigned Finance, while Samuel Tran took Public Works.

  • Public Safety: Mark McCoy discussed the critical need for a trained Emergency Manager and the current status of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

  • Software Upgrade: The commission approved the purchase of “Hey Gov” software for approximately $1,100 to manage meeting agendas and minutes more efficiently.

  • Contract Approval: A contract with Schwab Eaton for annual bridge inspections was approved for a total of $43,910.

Special Meeting Minutes Summary: January 15, 2026 (Pages 9–16)

This meeting focused almost exclusively on a methodical review of the 65-page County Employee Handbook. Key updates included:

  • Elected Officials: Added language clarifying that while the handbook establishes general policies, independent elected officials maintain statutory discretion over certain operational matters in their offices.

  • Probationary Period: After debate, the commission settled on a 90-day probationary period for new employees.

  • Sick Leave Payout: A new policy was established allowing a 25% payout of sick leave for employees with at least 10 years of service.

  • Inclement Weather: Essential personnel will now receive time-and-a-half pay during courthouse closures, while non-essential staff receive regular pay.

  • Law Enforcement: Specific biweekly work schedules (86 hours) and overtime triggers were added to accommodate the Sheriff’s department.

Financials and Accounts Payable (Pages 17–81)

The packet includes extensive line-item documentation for accounts payable.

  • January 23rd Totals: $1,123,999.50. This includes significant payroll clearing accounts for various departments including the Appraiser’s office and Ambulance services.

  • January 22nd Totals: $98,394.22. Notable expenses include $19,589.36 for District Court (including courtroom hearing devices and software) and $10,443.72 for the County Treasurer’s department.

County Commission Calendar (Page 82)

The packet concludes with a 2026 statutory calendar outlining critical deadlines for tax foreclosures, budget certifications (due to the State by September 20th), and strategic planning sessions scheduled for February and March.

Bourbon County

HBCAT Awarded Pathways to Healthy Kansas $100,000 Grant

Leave a comment
Submitted photo. Pictured are:
Jody Love, HBCAT & Rural Community Partners
Aura Brillhart, HBCAT & Rural Community Partners
Cristy Garrison Mitchell, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Darrell Pulliam, Rural Community Partners
Taylor Bailey, Fort Scott Community College
Malinda Bailey, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Jennifer Epting, City of Mapleton
Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce (HBCAT Board Member)

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Announces Continued Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Investment and $75,000 in Implementation Awards

FORT SCOTT, KS, January 22, 2026 — In January 2025, the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) was awarded continued investment through Phase 3 of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative, funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas®. HBCAT received a two-year, $100,000 Pathways Coordination Grant to support coalition leadership, planning, and implementation across multiple community health strategies in Bourbon County.

As part of the Phase 3 coordination process, HBCAT worked closely with its Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATs) to identify priority needs and recommend Pathways packages grounded in local data, lived experience, and community input. Through this community-driven process, five Pathways packages were selected for development.

Two of those packages advanced through required policy development and were subsequently awarded noncompetitive Pathways implementation grants totaling $75,000.

 

The Incubator Kitchen Package, awarded $50,000, is being implemented in partnership with The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative. Funding supports expanded access to licensed commercial kitchen space for food entrepreneurs, including a fee waiver program for income-eligible participants, equipment upgrades, outreach, and nutrition-focused programming. This work helps remove financial and structural barriers for individuals launching or growing food-based businesses while increasing access to healthy, locally produced foods in Bourbon County.

“This work is about building systems that work for real people,” said Rachel French, Co-Owner and Operating Partner of The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative. “Through our partnership with HBCAT and Pathways, we’re creating an ecosystem where food entrepreneurs can thrive, barriers are reduced, and community health and economic stability grow together.”

 

 

 

The Social Entrepreneurship Supports Package, awarded $25,000 and led by HBCAT, supports the expansion and formalization of HBCAT’s regional mentorship and Catalyst entrepreneurship programs. Funding is being used for paid local mentor stipends, participant incentives, program coordination, outreach, and technical assistance. These supports are designed to strengthen businesses whose work directly contributes to community health, including food access, behavioral health, social connectedness, and economic stability. This work is also supported through HBCAT’s Kansas Food Action Network efforts, funded by the Kansas Health Foundation, and implemented in partnership with the University of Kansas School of Business.

 

 

“For ten years, our work has focused on policy, systems, and environmental change because that is how you create lasting impact,” said Jody Love, President and CEO of HBCAT. “When communities design systems that make the healthy choice the default, individual behavior change becomes easier, more equitable, and more sustainable. These Pathways investments reflect that philosophy and the trust built through a decade of community-led work.”

In addition to these awarded packages, HBCAT continues active Pathways coordination and development on three additional initiatives. The Mapleton Multi-Modal Package focuses on improving walkability, safety, and access to physical activity in partnership with the City of Mapleton and Friends of Mapleton. The Health-Related Social Needs Package is being developed with Freeman Health System to address non-medical drivers of health such as transportation, food access, and care coordination. The Farm to School Package, in collaboration with USD 234, focuses on strengthening local food systems, agricultural education, and student access to fresh, locally grown foods.

Community members, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and local organizations interested in technical assistance, mentorship, and community support can learn more and sign up for services through HBCAT’s regional partner, Rural Community Partners, at ruralcommunitypartners.org.

Funding for these initiatives is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas® as part of Bourbon County’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.

About Pathways to a Healthy Kansas

Pathways to a Healthy Kansas is the largest community grant program ever funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The Pathways program provides community coalitions with the tools and resources needed to remove barriers and engage their communities in ways that improve active living, healthy eating, behavioral health, and commercial tobacco prevention. The grant funding for each community includes a coordination grant along with the opportunity to apply for noncompetitive implementation and achievement grants. For more information, visit bcbsks.com/pathways.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims, fairly administering benefit plans and contracts, offering programs, services, and tools to help members improve or maintain their health, and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.

Licensee Disclosure

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD®, and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is leading the Pathways initiative in Bourbon County and is not affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

From left, Angela Simon, Jody Love, Bailey Lyons, Rachel French Submitted photos.