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Category Archives: Bourbon County
County Commission chooses a different health plan for county employees
After opening up the meeting with the regular exercises, the commission conducted a number of executive sessions before hearing from the county’s health insurance broker, Don Doherty about health plans for the county employees for 2026.
2026 Benefits Discussion
Commissioner Mika Milburn read aloud portions of an email from a Bourbon County citizen saying that the commission missed an opportunity to make changes in the county’s health care plan that would cause county employees to become more responsible consumers of their health care. The email cited as an example the idea of a high-deductible Health Savings Account plan. The writer also mentioned that the taxpayers bear the burden of paying the high cost of county employee health care.
Milburn said she received other messages along the same lines and that she had voter’s remorse after last week’s vote. She moved to rescind that last vote and have another vote after the discussion with Don Doherty.
Commissioner Samuel Tran seconded it, with the caveat of having an open discussion in the meeting. He said that he, too, had second thoughts after last week’s vote and received emails and phone calls about it afterwards.
“I think we may have missed the boat on that, but I hope we didn’t,” he said. He expressed concern about messing up people and the county as a whole.
The motion to rescind carried with Commissioner David Beerbower opposing.
Doherty presented to the commission regarding the county’s health plan as the county’s insurance broker. He pointed out how hard it is to choose a plan.
He mentioned focusing on helping the employees first. He also said that offering the employees a choice of four different plans allows them to choose what works in their world.
Doherty talked about the prevalence of HSAs in other businesses in the region, mentioning how those who participate get to keep their money and are incentivized to make good health decisions.
He said that 12 percent of the county’s employees made 98% of the claims. Of those remaining, 73% had less than a $1,000 claim, giving them money left-over to put towards their retirement, if they had an HSA option.
Regarding family plans, he mentioned that the plan they voted for last week would only work if the number of employees wanting family coverage doesn’t change. A few changes could blow the budget.
He distributed a document of hypothetical plans that the county could adopt.
Beerbower asked about HSAs. Doherty mentioned that it takes some getting used to for the employees, but they can become very popular because of all the tax advantages.
Tanner O’Dell spoke re. the vote the commission made last week. He was speaking on behalf of “most of the public works employees.” Several of the employees are concerned about losing their longevity pay. He called the commissioners’ failure to account for the 17% increase in insurance costs when making the 2026 budget a mistake, which results in a benefit cut for public works employees. His own example results in a 10% reduction in what he will be able to bring home each month.
He asked the commissioners to answer separately the question of what the employees have done wrong to deserve this pay cut.
Tran expressed concern that the commission take the time to digest the new information from the insurance broker before making a decision.
Beerbower said that the information hasn’t really changed and is concerned with the close of the open enrollment window placing a burden on the county’s employees.
He agreed that the 80/20 plan passed last week fails if the county has an increase in enrollees in the family plan. He also addressed the email Milburn and he both received saying that the county is actually not far off from what other companies provide.
He also said that when the county decided to leave the state plan, they put themselves in this situation, and stated that his goal is to get the county back into the state plan in the future.
Milburn expressed concern about keeping the rich family plan. The current model has proven unstable, and their pool has paid out more in claims than they contributed. She focused on the need to choose a plan that is sustainable regardless of future changes.
Beerbower proposed going to a 75/25 split on all plans except for singles at 85/15. He also mentioned that an HSA seems like a good option for some employees.
County Clerk Susan Walker reminded the commission that not having as many employees in the family plan will reduce the amount paid toward the insurance premiums by employees.
County Counsel Bob Johnson said the commission was focused on the deductible but needed to recognize that most employees are going to be focused on the premiums and their monthly cost.
An audience member who works for EMS said that if they price the employees out of insurance, they will lose employees.
“The best thing to do is we all share in the challenges of life in Bourbon County, ” said Tran. “That’s the best I can hope for, and that’s what I’m striving to do.”
He and Beerbower both stated that the money for the county to absorb the increased cost just isn’t there, and the employees will have to bear some of it.
Tran also said his call for a vote on the health insurance plan last week was a misstep.
Tran moved that the county accept Plan D given to them by Don Dougherty. The motion carried with Milburn dissenting.
Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission
Christmas Party To Improve Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Event Center Is December 12
Local businesses are joining together for a Christmas Party to raise money for improvements to the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, on South Horton Street in Fort Scott.
Cohn’s Cafe on Main Street will cater the event. A tasting menu will include: Bourbon Maple Burger Sliders, Bacon-wrapped Chicken Bites, Meatballs in Marinara, Twice-Baked, BBQ Brisket Potato, Spinach Dip and Chips, and a Seasonal Soup.
The menu will feature locally sourced products. Blue Dog Wine Company will be providing wine samples that pair with the menu.
For those who do not prefer wine, Mmm Flavor Shop will have a Tea Bar with a variety of herbal and black teas. Mmm Flavor Shop will also have a Spiced Up Dessert Bar.
These desserts will be easy to replicate at home. Some of the offerings will be Saffron Coconut Cake, Spicy Brownies, and Chai Angel Food Cake.
Sunshine Boutique will be having a Christmas Centerpiece Class to start the evening. Attendees can also make a customized pen with WriteOn!.
This event will be Friday, December 12th starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $75 and will be available for purchase until November 30th. You can reserve your tickets at the included link.
November Parent Empowerment Circle: Family Stress, Burnout and Self-Care Through the Holidays
November Parent Empowerment Circle
This Month’s Focus:
Family Stress, Burnout and Self-Care Through the Holidays
As the holidays approach, join us to pause, breathe, and care for yourself while connecting with others who understand.
🌸 Share experiences and encouragement
🌸 Explore simple holiday self-care strategies
🌸 Learn ways to reduce family stress and find joy in the season
🌸 Connect with a supportive parent community
🌸 Explore simple holiday self-care strategies
🌸 Learn ways to reduce family stress and find joy in the season
🌸 Connect with a supportive parent community
Sunday, November 23, 2025
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
Children are welcome with parents. Snacks provided.
👉 RSVP or learn more: Cherri Walrod, KSTATE Community Health Worker
Cell: 620-945-908, [email protected]
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
WORK CELL PHONE: 620-945-9081
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Packet for November 17
The Bourbon County Agenda for their meeting on 11.17.25 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National Avenue. There will also be the final canvassing of election results at 5:15 PM.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
Coat Drive December 6 at 1 E. Third
We’ll be collecting new or gently used coats (kids & adults), gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, and monetary donations. All items will go directly to local families in need.
Thank you for helping us make a difference for local families this winter.
Respectfully,
L.W. Beerbower
Squadron Commander
Sons of the American Legion Post 25
📞 620-215-1599
Nov. 17 Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary
Agenda 11.17.25
This summary provides an outline of the agenda for the Bourbon County Commission meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, and detailed information from the accompanying packet.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Monday, November 17, 2025, 5:30 PM Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave. (Page 1)
I. Opening Items
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Call Meeting to Order
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Roll Call
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Pledge of Allegiance
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Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes
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Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved) 11.10.25
IV. Bourbon County Planning Commission
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Moratorium on New Commercial and Industrial Business
V. Consent Agenda
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Approval of 11.14.25 Accounts Payable () (not mailed until approved on 11.18.25)
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Approval of 10.31.25 Payroll ()
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Approval of 11.14.25 Payroll ()
VI. Executive Sessions
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Executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney (Jacob Bielenberg & Bob Johnson)
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Executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters (Don Doherty & Mika Milburn)
VII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VIII. Old Business
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Sheriff Lease for Vehicles
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2026 Benefits
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Sanitation Discussion
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Elevator Discussion
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Stop Sign removal north & southbound 205th & Overbrook
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108 W 2nd Transition
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Emerson Payroll
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Noise Resolution
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Longevity
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Credit Card Policy
IX. New Business
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Resolution of Election Results
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Letter of Support Tri-Valley
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Road Closure Application Patricia Daniels
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Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement (Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen)
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AC Tank and burner () (Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen)
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Build Agenda for following meeting
X. Commission Comments
XI. Adjournment
Detailed Information Packet Summary
Meeting Minutes & Follow-Up
Minutes of the November 10, 2025, Meeting (Pages 3-5)
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Health Insurance: Commissioners approved a plan with three options, aiming to balance employee affordability and the county’s budget (Page 4).
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Plan A: County contributes $844 (single) to $2,678 (family) (Page 4).
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Plan B: County contributes $769 (single) to $2,440 (family) (Page 4).
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Plan C (Alt B3): County contributes $836 (single) to $2,051 (family) (Page 4).
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Sheriff’s Vehicle Lease: Sheriff Martin and Bryan Murphy discussed the lease of 11 vehicles for an annual cost of $137,449, with a first-year total of $399,303 for equipping (Page 4).
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Bitcoin Mining/Noise Resolution: A lengthy discussion occurred with representatives from Evotech about their Bitcoin Mining operations, gas wells, and plans to mitigate noise (Page 3). The discussion on the proposed Noise Resolution was tabled because the county attorney was absent (Page 4).
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Longevity Pay: The Clerk was requested to provide information on the cost of incorporating longevity pay into employee salaries instead of a lump-sum bonus (Page 4).
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6th Judicial Office Space: The Commission approved a motion to hire a contractor for up to $15,000 for improvements to a trailer behind the courthouse and eliminate rent for the office once the transition to the new space occurs (Page 5).
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Janitor Position: HR was directed to handle the posting and filling of the open janitor position (Page 4).
Future Meeting Topics/Next Agenda (Pages 5-6)
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Action Items: Clerk to bring Longevity calculations and projections for sales tax/sheriff vehicle leasing (Page 5).
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Tabled Topics: Sanitation discussion, Elevator Discussion, Stop sign removal (205th street & Overbrook), Emerson Payroll, Noise Resolution, Letter of Support Tri-Valley, and Road Closure application Patricia Daniels were all tabled until the next meeting (Page 5).
Planning Commission Moratorium (Page 7)
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The Bourbon County Planning Committee unanimously recommends a moratorium requiring any new commercial or industrial business (not agricultural) in unincorporated areas to obtain a special use permit prior to commencing operations (Page 7).
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The purpose is to protect residents while the Planning Committee develops more detailed and comprehensive zoning regulations (Page 7).
Financial Approvals
Accounts Payable Totals (as of 11/14/2025) (Pages 8-46)
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Grand Total: $342,223.45 (Page 44, 46).
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Largest Fund Totals:
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Employee Benefit Fund: $91,972.89 (Page 44)
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County Sheriff/Correctional Fund: $50,646.27 (Page 44)
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Emergency Services Sales Tax Fund: $60,731.95 (Page 44)
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Bond Sales Tax – County Jail Fund: $14,681.63 (Page 44)
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Payroll Fund Appropriation Totals
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10/31/2025 Payroll Total: $243,122.51 (Page 48).
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11/14/2025 Payroll Total: $299,154.82 (Page 50).
New Business Details
Road Closure Application – Patricia A. Daniels (Page 57)
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Applicant: Patricia A. Daniels (Page 57).
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Request: Permanent closure of a 62’ wide, 125’ section of 267th Street between lots 13, BIK17 and Lot 16, BIK 18 in Woodards addition to Garland (Page 57).
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The application is signed and notarized by the adjacent property owner(s) (Page 57).
Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement (Pages 59-63)
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Consultant: Schwab-Eaton, P.A. (Page 59).
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Project: Bridge replacement of NBI Bridge No. 000061103206020 on Jayhawk Road over a tributary to the Marmaton River (Page 59).
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Total Fee: $74,000.00 (Page 60).
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Payment Schedule: 55% upon Field Check Plans submittal, 40% upon Office Check Plans submittal, and 5% upon KDOT Final Plans approval (Page 60).
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The agreement includes various engineering services such as topographical survey, R/W descriptions, and permit applications (Page 59, 61).
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The County is responsible for the cost of the separate geology investigation (Page 60, 63).
AC Tank and Burner – Proposal from Asphalt Drum Mixers Inc. (ADM) (Pages 64-70)
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Equipment: ATD15 Direct Fired Asphalt Tank (15,000-gallon horizontal tank) and associated components (Page 65).
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Price: $186,160.00 USD (Page 69).
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Payment Terms: 30% down payment with the signed order, and the 70% balance due when the equipment is ready to ship (Page 69).
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Customer Responsibilities: Include supplying electrical power, fuel tank/lines, gas connection, a 100# propane tank, asphalt and hot oil lines, all receiving/unloading, erection, installation, foundations, and required permits/stamping (Page 66).
Resolution of Election Results (Pages 51-54)
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The resolution certifies the results of the City School General Election held on November 4, 2025 (Page 51).
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Total Ballots Cast: 2,262 (Page 51).
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Selected County Offices:
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County Commissioner District 4: Gregg Motley (454 votes) (Page 51).
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County Commissioner District 5: Mika Milburn-Kee (268 votes) (Page 51).
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Letter of Support Tri-Valley (Page 55-56)
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Request from Tri-Valley Developmental Services for a letter of support for the CTD#10 Transportation Council’s application for the continuation of KDOT funding (Page 55).
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A draft letter is provided, stating the Bourbon County Commissioners support the transportation providers in their application (Page 56).
Today is the final day of Match Week for Local Community Foundation
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Skating Rink Is Prepared For Christmas on the Bricks
The skate rink in downtown Fort Scott will soon be ready for the December 5 opening.
The Glide Fort Scott is a 48-by-28-foot synthetic ice skating rink located under the Gathering Square Pavilion, just west of the Fort Scott National Historic Site. across from Brickstreet BBQ Restaurant.
Volunteers Craig Campbell, Jared Weaver and Matthew Wells , along with some inmates from the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, were assembling the flooring on November 13 on a mild fall day.
Campbell, Weaver, and Wells volunteered last year also on the project, which was disassembled and stored until the annual Christmas on the Bricks weekend this December. Robert Coon also volunteered to use his skid steer to move all the materials from storage to the rink site. The flooring materials were made last year and stored, and are now reused for the project.
Once the flooring was finished, the next step was the railing around the perimeter of the rink, then the Christmas lights.
For more information:
(620) 223-3566
Confirmed link
fortscott.com/the-glide-fort-scott
Starlite Family Community Education Minutes October 2025
The October meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and vice president Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect. Eleven members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered twelve hours and had recycled 1305 pounds.
Letha Johnson was recognized for having a birthday. Glenda read a Thank You note for sponsoring a Fair premium from Miles Pollock. Karen Peery presented the treasurer’s report.
Glenda presented information on the poppy honoring Veterans. She informed us that it is to be worn on the right side and that the red represents the blood shed and black center is for those who died and the green leaves represent the grassy fields. Deb Lust announced that the speaker for the Veterans Day event will be Retired Sergent Arnold Skofield at the VFW Post and will be speaking on the Viet man Era. The VFW will be hosting a ham and bean dinner. Deb also informed the club about the Honor Flights.
Old business consisted of Glenda reminding the club to fill out and return their insurance benefit card. New business consisted of Glenda announcing that the district meeting will be in Parsons and that Bourbon County is responsible for providing breakfast. LeAnna Taylor, Karen Peery and Deb Lust volunteered to provide quick bread, Joyce Allen will bring juice and Glenda Miller will bring muffins.
Before the meeting the members put together gift bags to present to veterans in the area.
Refreshments of pumpkin dessert, candy and drinks were provided by Glenda and Angela and enjoyed by all.
Prepared By: Terri Williams
Bourbon County Planning Commission is November 19
The next scheduled planning commission meeting will be on 11/19/25 at 5:30 PM in the Bourbon County commission room located at 210 S National Avenue. Future meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk