Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Sept. 2

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September 2, 2021                                                              9:00 am

 

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

Susan Bancroft was also present.

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

Susan presented the Commissioners with a revised 2022 budget. She said that there is $256,000.00 more requested. Ambulance will be discussed at the next meeting because Shane is wanting to do some updates to move them from iPads to computers so they can use GIS and CAD systems.

Susan stated the main budget increases that were made this year were: Treasurers for publication costs; Register of Deeds for part time help; Courthouse General for increased insurance costs; District Court for legal defense; IT for shared services due to a part time person moving to full time and being shared with the city, but that will be reimbursed back by the city; Conservation requested an additional $3,800.00 in funding; Road and Bridge so they will be fully staffed and additional $50,000.00 for material on the roads; Special Bridge asked for an additional $40,000.00 for material; Public Safety increase due to wages and supplies and for the Jail Sales Tax we moved capital outlay from public safety over to jail sales tax from the Sheriffs funds; everyone is budgeted to get a 3% raise except for elected officials.

Susan stated she did include in the budget document a 10-year recap for each department as well. Sheriffs’ department tab includes a trend report that was requested to see what has been happening in that department. Major changes are from the time when the jail was built, commodities and contractual both stayed about the same but there was definitely a shift in personnel services. She said that contractual for Corrections has gone up in 2020 due to the food services industry and having a lot of inmates; depending on how many inmates there are will determine that cost.

Susan said that Road and Bridge section has their 10-year capital improvement plan and equipment replacement plan for reference.

ARPA funding is included behind the APRA budget so in case there were any questions you could refer to that tab and it will show what the ARPA funding can be spent on. Jim asked if there was another year to spend the ARPA money or if it had to be spent this year. Susan stated that the County actually has a couple of years to spend the money, it does not have to be spent this year.

Susan stated there is a debt service schedule included through 2035 that show when debt will fall off to help with decision making in the future when things come up. Jim stated there are several things coming off the schedule next year including the Landfill backhoe. Lynne stated that the jail pods on page 5 shows them coming out of fund 220 and that is not correct. Susan said that should be fund 370 and she will correct it. Lynne said that the lease payments for road and bridge are down tremendously from 7 years ago. Jim stated that several things were bought with cash and Lynne said several things were paid off when we had the cash too.

Susan said that what she needs permission for publishing page 28 and 29 the Notice of Budget Hearing to let the public know that September 14th at 9:20 is when the budget hearing will be. The cemetery board will have to have their own RNR hearings but those have been scheduled at the Courthouse on the same day 5 minutes apart and there are 4 of them that need to have those hearing and hopefully Kendell can get ahold of them to let them know that they need to be present.  It was recommended by the State that those boards approve their own budgets. Fire District #3 is under the County and is under the revenue neutral rate. Susan asked for permission to publish the 2 pages in the newspaper if they are comfortable with the numbers.

Susan stated that the mill levy last year was 64.931 and this year it will be 62.5 mills, the revenue neutral rate was 62.130 mills. Lynne said that when you look at the houses sold and the appraised values going up and the new businesses it is phenomenal that we are at this point. Susan said that she looked at the school district, FSCC and the County compared to the City and all of their assessed values are trending up and the City’s is trending flat. We are seeing things grow in the County.

Lynne said that hopefully in Susan’s future we will see a packing plant but that is a 10-year plan. Susan said that she needs to get with the County Commissioners because there have been requests for improvements to the industrial park for the packing plant and we may need a partnership. The City may request to use some of the County ARPA funding in addition to the City’s, because the request is about $500,000.00 to get water and sewer to that plant. Lynne said that there would be a discussion in the future about this.

Lynne asked if EMS is part of what can be funded by ARPA and if any had been used this year. Susan said yes it can be used for EMS and they have not used any this year, but are requesting $26,000.00 to improve their equipment. Lynne said he was thinking a little bit bigger request such as for a new ambulance. Susan said she would want to get an opinion from the State on that.

Jim asked if the request was a must before they could start building the packing plant and felt it was late for a request to be made. Susan said that the request just came in. Susan said that the City will not get any kind of a tax benefit from the plant and that is why the City wants to ask the County for part of funding. She said that would be a valid use of ARPA funding. Lynne said that all the requests are valid and the funding is needed so we will have to set our priorities. Susan said the plant will be creating jobs. Clifton stated that we have to sustain an emergency room and that should be our main priority. The other commissioners agreed that healthcare should be the main priority. Susan recommended another joint City/County commission work session to talk through ARPA funding and make sure that we are accomplishing all of our goals because she knows the City is going to be asked also for healthcare as well. Lynne thinks that is a good idea.

Jim made a motion to allow Susan to publish the notice of budget as these numbers are given to us; Clifton seconded; all approved.

Susan gave an update on the audit stating that Terry will have a copy to the County next week to review. Jim asked what the purpose of a draft is. Susan said because it is the county’s financial statement as well as the audit and since he had to make so many adjustments that he wants to make sure there are no errors before the final draft is published. Susan said that he will be meeting with each commissioner individually this year. Jim asked if it was normal for him to meet individually with each commissioner and Susan responded that it is not the normal process. Lynne stated that this a new concept. Jim said he has not been through this process so he has to ask questions. Lynne said he understands the process is going to be different this year than it has in the past.

At 9:17 am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn; Jim seconded; all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

September 7, 2021, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 31

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August 31, 2021                                   Tuesday 9:00 am

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Oharah, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

September 7, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Sept. 1

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September 1, 2021                                        Wednesday 9:00 am

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

September 7, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for Bourbon County Commission Meeting Sept. 14

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: September 14, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM WITH NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE (PUBLIC 

ATTENDANCE VIA YOUTUBE)

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • 2022 Budget Hearing
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report / Sheriff Department Vehicle
    • CIC Contract
    • David Neville – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
    • Robert Coon – A+ Bail Bonds
    • Kevin Davidson – Wages & Budget
    • Lora Holdridge – (Roads) Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Government

New County Clerk: Ashley Shelton

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Ashley Shelton. Submitted photo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aglow Speaker: Carol Hammerbacker

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Aglow’s Guest Speaker will Share a Testimony of  God’s Healing Process of Old Wounds

Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse welcomes guest speaker, Carol Hammerbacker, on Thursday September 9th at 6:30 pm. We meet at the Fort Scott Inn conference room, 101 State Street.

Carol will share of her faith in the Lord and what an amazing difference He has made in her life. Carol returned to live in southeast KS in 1994 and currently lives in Pittsburg. She graduated high school from Walnut, Kansas and was raised on a farm with two sisters and two brothers. After high school, Carol married and attended cosmetology school. In 1964, she moved to Fortuna, California and had three children. She went into real estate in 1974 and continued her career here.  Tragically her daughter at age 29, was killed in a car accident. Carol’s two sons and their families live in California. She now has five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Carol is grateful to the Aglow International ministry that she discovered while living in California. About 4 years ago she began attending the Pittsburg Aglow Lighthouse and now serves on their board. She says that Aglow has had a positive effect on my relationship with God.
The mission of Aglow International is : Every Nation touched, every heart changed.
For more information, contact Amand Gilmore at (620)215-0418.
Bourbon County, Business

Jayhawk Wind Farm Update: On Track For Completion This Year

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

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

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

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

Where are the currently completed wind turbines located?

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

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

What is the timeline of the project currently?

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

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

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

A Jayhawk Wind Turbine in Bourbon County from the distance.

How many employees are there?

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: Stephan Moses

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

Stephan Moses will be the guest performer at this week’s Friday Night Concert. Moses is a songwriter vocalist and musician who plays guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He will perform a variety of blues and classic country.

“Formerly from Kansas City, Moses began playing music at age ten, so he’s been at this a long time,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Moses has a strong family heritage in music, as his grandfather played banjo, and an uncle played guitar and sang old country and blues songs. Hearing this music as a kid left a strong impression on Moses, so he threw his hat into the ring too. We appreciate him sharing his time and talent and welcome Stephan Moses to the park pavilion. Come out and join us for a great evening of music.“

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

September is the Time to Renovate Fescue Lawns

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

I think this is the third summer in a row that we have had above normal rainfall. Our lawn movers haven’t stopped running! Fescue lawns did not really go dormant during the summer and the crabgrass didn’t slow down either. You might be surprised at how much of your lawn is actually crabgrass and not fescue. If you are thinking about renovating your lawn, September is the time to do it. Renovating doesn’t have to be done by plowing under the current turf and starting from scratch. Instead, lawns can be thickened up by overseeding.

To start the overseeding process, mow the grass short (1-1.5 inches) and remove the clippings. This will make it easier to get good seed-soil contact and increase the amount of light that will reach the young seedlings. The success of overseeding is dependant on good seed-soil contact. Thatch can prevent the seed from reaching the soil and germinating. If the thatch layer is ¾ inch or more, use a sod cutter to remove it. A power rake can also be used to reduce a thatch layer.

Next, the soil should be prepared for the seed. Holes must be made into the soil for the seeds to fall into. A verticut machine can be used. It has solid vertical blades that can be set to cut furrows into the soil. Another option is to use a core aerator. This machine will punch holes into the soil and deposit the cores on the surface of the ground. Each hole will produce an excellent environment for seed germination and growth. Machines to do such work can often be rented, so check around.

Fertilizer should then be applied at the rate suggested by a soil test or a starter fertilizer should be used at the rate suggested on the bag.

Seeding is the next step. For overseeding, use half the amount needed compared to seeding bare ground. For tall fescue, the normal rate for bare seeding is 6 to 8 pounds per 1000 square feet so the overseeding rate would be 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. You don’t necessarily have to overseed with the same variety you planted before. The quality of a lawn by can be raised by overseeding with a fescue variety that has better growth habits. Many stores carry blends of several newer high-quality tall fescues.

Finally, water everything in and then keep the seedbed constantly moist for rapid germination. Frequent light waterings are better than deeper, infrequent watering as the seedlings become established.

Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer again 4 to 6 weeks after seeding to keep plants growing well and to build up food reserves.

On a side note, many homeowners often want to overseed bare spots under trees, but have minimal luck. The turf will sprout as fall progresses and will get established by winter. It continues to look good going into spring. However, the next summer it begins to die out again – despite any care it is given.

In many cases, this is due to too much shade or the type of turf planted isn’t a good fit for the location. Tall fescue is the only widely used lawn turf in Kansas that can survive some shade. All other cool and warm season turfs need more sunlight.

Instead of establishing grass under trees, consider underplanting the tree with shade tolerant ornamental plants. Examples include ground covers such as vinca minor vines, Boston ivy or liriope, or plants such as hostas or hardy ferns.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 24

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August 24, 2021                                             Tuesday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Susan Bancroft was also present.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 25, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 18

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August 18, 2021                                             Wednesday 9:00 am

 

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

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting) Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, Brian Allen, Jimmy Kemmerer and Rob Harrington.

 

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

 

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

 

Eric Bailey reported they have been asphalting on Eagle Road, but they had to stop due to a leak in the oil distributor; he said this is getting fixed and once the 2.7 miles are completed on 250th they will move to 125th.

 

They are crushing today.

 

Eric said the oil line came off of the motor on the Freightliner, he said they are waiting on the oil line to get this fixed, but the part has been delayed.  He said they are also waiting on the parts for the Mack truck.

 

They are putting tubes in near Garland, on State Line Road.  They are also working near the wood top bridge at Victor and 265th.

 

They are ditching and putting a tube in at 245th & Wagon Road.

 

Eric said they completed training on the CIC software last week and will now be tracking signs and bridges with the software.  They may start using the timeclock and said employees would clock in with their phone or on a computer, Jim questioned what they would do for employees if they didn’t have a phone or computer; Eric said they would cross that path when they come to it.

 

Eric said they have four mowers out mowing in the County.  Lynne said they needed to mow on Range between 105th-125th.

 

Eric said that State Tractor and Equipment brought a mini dozer for the County to try, Eric invited the Commissioners to come see this work.

 

Windmill update: Eric said they are working on 60th between Birch and Cavalry.  He said there is one windmill up in Crawford County and said we should start to see them in Bourbon County in the next few weeks.

 

Jim Harris said that last year there were 44 bridges that needed replaced or shut down; Jim said he would get Eric this list if he needs to, but asked for a status on the bridges.

 

KWORCC annual voting delegate; the KWORCC meeting will be October 18, Jim said unless the COVID conditions change he would not be attending the meeting, Lynne said he wasn’t going to put his life on hold.  Clifton made a motion that Chairman Oharah be the voting delegate for Bourbon County and that he be the alternate voting delegate, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to approve the cereal malt beverage license for KC Mart at 2191 Soldier Road, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance and job function, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:32, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Matt Quick, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft).  At 9:32, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Mary Pemberton (on the phone) discussed a topic she brought up a three weeks ago regarding County employees pay and benefits: Mary went over an email that she had sent to the Commissioners, she discussed benefits & time off for County employees and said the average employee gets 8 weeks off per year and said more employees are needed to cover all this time off.  Some of the County employees work a 35-hour work week; Mary suggested everyone work a standard workweek of 40 hours, she said this would result in a savings that could be passed on to the employees. She suggested modifying the vacation to 2 weeks/year and to allow time to be carried over and eliminate the use it or lose it policy.  She suggested changing the 13 County holidays to 8 or 10, changing the sick days to 3/year and make short term disability available, changing the pay scale, suggested discontinuing the longevity bonus and replacing it with an efficiency bonus.  She said by making these changes it would increase efficiency, reduce turnover and increase morale. Lynne said the only employees working 35 hours a week are a few offices at the Courthouse.  Lynne said a 35-hour workweek was offered years ago in lieu of a pay raise, he said they would need to question employees to see if they are willing to work 40 hours. Mary discussed fuel savings the Sheriff plans to start using and said all departments should be doing this.  Mary asked the Commissioner’s to use the PILOT money to lower the mill levy and not create any new spending with this money.  Lynne said so far $125,000 of this money has been used for economic development.

 

Jim Harris had scheduled an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, but made a motion to amend the agenda to cancel the executive session until another person can be here, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

County Counselor: Justin said the sewer service agreement had been reviewed by Mr. Farmer and said that he, Susan and Mr. Farmer would meet soon to finalize this, he said he hoped this would be done in approximately 45 days.

 

Justin said the tax sale is moving forward and said he Patty and Lora would be looking at the properties on the list.  He said they are doing well with collections regarding the tax sale.  Justin said personal service is impossible on a lot of the properties.

 

Justin said he had talked to the title company regarding the parcel on Main Street; he said it should be done soon and said the following would occur… the MOU would be waived, the property would be given to the County and then go to the new owner and then the money would go to pay the note off.

 

Justin read parts of an article from USA today where areas close to us were encouraging people to move to their area by offering incentives to move there.

 

Justin said he thought some of the PILOT money should be used to cut the mill levy.

 

Susan Bancroft: Susan gave the Commissioners a condensed version of the rules and regulations for the ARPA funds.  She said $800,000 had been delegated for healthcare (hospital feasibility study) and $200,000 delegated for broadband.  She said it is possible that wages for the Sheriff’s office could be paid with this money; Lynne said this may be a way to offset some of the expenses in the Sheriff’s office and said this money could be used to support public health, mental health and housing.  Lynne said the County has $400,000 left for this year’s allotment of the ARPA money.

 

The Commissioners will have a 2022 budget work session on Tuesday, August 24th at 9:00 am.

 

Susan said she had scheduled 8 different meetings with insurance brokers and consultants wanting to quote the County insurance.  Currently the County is insured through the State Health Plan – and if the County were to sign a contract to continue the County will be locked into this contract for 3 years or get out of the contract by paying a penalty of 2 ½% of the premiums for every month left on the contract.  Susan said the State will not release the claims experience, she said due to this, the companies wanting to quote will not bid a price, but will present a policy.  Lynne said he was torn on this matter since the County spends so much on health insurance premiums.  Susan said the company Captive might work; Clifton said the County is already in a captive program with the State and said they would be just going from one to another.  Jim said several employees had asked him not to change insurance companies; he said the premiums are high, but said there are so many unknowns. Jim said this is a benefit that is great for our employees.  Clifton said he wasn’t a fan of being locked into a contract for 3 years; Susan questioned Justin if there would be anyway for the County to use a specific Statute to get out of this contract if there were financial concerns.  Jim suggested with Susan’s help, over the next 3 years they consider a self-funded option for the health insurance.  The meeting had to be temporarily suspended due to a technical difficulty.  Lynne suggested the process be started earlier for deciding on insurance, he said if the County went to self-funding, we would need a savings for the insurance.  Lynne and Jim both suggested the County stays where we are insured at and work towards a self-funded plan in the future. Lynne said the County could sign the contract and start the process next year, Clifton said the timing is bad and said there are things that could happen in the future.  Lynne made a motion to stay with the current Healthcare provider – the State, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

The Commissioners asked Kendell to check on getting insurance for the underground diesel storage tank at the hospital; Kendell told them she would.

 

Susan said she had been working on the 2022 budget and with the changes she has made the levy is currently flat.

 

Commissioner Comment: Lynne said Mary Pemberton mentioned that the County should be using a discounted fuel program; Lynne said that Public Works has been doing this for a long time and said some other departments have used this, he encouraged all the departments to use this.  Jim agreed and said this is a good way to save money.

 

Clifton made a motion that all three of the Commissioners be able to attend if they choose the 30 X 30 meeting on August 25th @ 6:30 at the Sale Barn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 10:45, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 25, 2021, Approved Date