Welcome: Sixteen members representing fourteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Theresa Amershek – KVC Safehouse
Champagne Jones- KVC, Outreach Coordinator – If you are looking for an advocate, contact Champagne. The annual Bags to Riches fundraiser is coming up. Safehouse has a virtual Christmas tree on their Facebook page if you would like to donate.
Tammy Alcanatar – Crawford County Health Dept. – Works with teens and hosts Baby and Me Tobacco Free and hybrid prenatal classes. Tammy is the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative coordinator for southeast Kansas. More information about KPCC will be coming in the new year.
Jennifer Gum Fowler – FS Public Library – FS Public Library has a Grinch Tree and a Grinch Give Away- to collect canned food for those in need. Individuals can earn prizes by reading or donating. The library has spaces available for therapy and telehealth. The children’s room is nearing completion; it will be for ages birth to 5th grade. The teen room and maker’s space will be next to receive renovations. December 12th at 2:15, the library is hosting a Candy Land sensory play activity. Check out their new website fortscottpubliclibrary.org.
Cherri Walrod – Community Health Worker, K-State Extension- Funding for Cherri’s program ends this month, but KDHE and K-State have applied for federal funding. IF approved, they would be able to hire 100 new health workers in Kansas. Cherri is hopeful she will be able to continue her work under this new role. Cherri coordinates a support group for parents of children with special needs. All of her resources can be found on the K-State Extension Southwind District website.
Dave Gillen – Beacon – The Beacon provides food for individuals and families twice per month. The Beacon receives produce on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from which clients can shop. The Beacon helps with gas vouchers, rent, and utilities. In November, the Beacon helped 440 families, 26 of whom were new. Numbers are up about 25% over last year. Last month, they helped with over $1,000 dollars of assistance. All families and kids have been adopted for Christmas. The Elks program had 146 families apply for baskets this year.
Jenny Layes- Health Worker, HBCAT – Laundry services are available on Thursdays from 12-6 at 5-Star Laundry. This service is free for all. Jenny works to connect people to resources. WorkForceOne in the HBAT office on Tuesdays from 8:00-4:00. HBCAT is starting a mentorship program that matches startups and entrepreneurs with mentors in the business.
Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – There will be a maker’s space set up at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Building on December 13th from 10:00-3:00. Check the Bourbon County Fair Facebook page for more information.
Stephanie Breckenridge Family Resource Center – Stephanie helps connect families with resources.
Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program – Home visiting program for ages prenatal-6. Michelle hosts parent/child cafes, community events, and helps parents track their child’s development. She currently has a couple of open spots in her program.
Star Culp – Parents as Teachers – PAT now has three educators who serve Bourbon County. Send any referrals you may have to Star, and she’ll connect you with the right person.
Shelby Moore Families Together FAST – Shelby supports families with special needs children in navigating various systems and processes.
Cathy Romero – Angels Home Health -Cathy is looking for resource groups who might volunteer to be with homebound senior citizens who don’t have family or funds. She is seeking volunteer companions who would visit seniors who can’t leave home.
Lauren Klinksick – Account Executive, Angels Home Health – Lauren works with facilities and companies to bring services to the community. Angels Home Health’s focus this month is on diabetes. Angels Home Health can educate caregivers and patients in the home or an assisted living facility. Anyone can send referrals to Angels Home Health.
Program:
Stephanie England & Rachel Jones, KVC 2 Gen Prevention
2Gen connects families with resources and empowerment. They are a community-based service program. 2Gen can connect clients with workforce development. They walk alongside families and individuals and help navigate various systems. 2Gen’s Goal is to keep families together. They will conduct a needs assessment, then provide the support needed. 2Gen meets families where they are and helps with whatever families may need. Support is offered 1-on-1. 2Gen’s goals are healthy families, healthy communication, and financial literacy. 2Gen receives referrals from DCF and advocates and works with individuals of all ages.
Open Forum: Members present discussed the need for a community resource fair to connect individuals with resources and coordinate resources in the community. A group will begin planning an event for Spring 2026. If you would like to help plan, email [email protected].
Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be February 4, 2026.
Commissioners heard public comment from Michael Hoyt about the appointment for the 3rd district when Commissioner Milburn resigns to take her oath for District 5
Minutes of Nov 17and 18 of 2025 were approved by all commissioners
Commissioner Milburn discussed charges and funds during AP discussion and approval that were not approved Commissioners will collect additional information and discuss what account to pay invoices in question from.
In Department Updates Dr. Cohen made recommendation that the commission fill a position for the Administrative Position of the Commission. Commissioners Agreed. Dr. Cohen also covered Longevity and standard practices surrounding recommending if there were to be longevity figured it be figured from Most recent Hire Date. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to approve Commissioner Administrative position to assume duties outlined by Dr. Cohen within our statutory authority pending funding Commissioner Milburn second. All approved.
Commissioners discussed job openings in maint/sanitation, em management with ideas of partnership with other counties
Tim with Emmerson and Co. Spoke with commission about standard practices and recommendations for deduction of employee contributions, also went over has, fsa, cobra paperwork commissioners discussed the burden to the budget that the recommendations would bring would be approximately $8,836 and would be recouped the next pay period, Commissioner Milburn made a motion to take Mr. Emmerson’s recommendation to make deduction in real time Commissioner Tran second All approved Commissioners also discussed the waiting period for insurance for new hires which eliminate more special circumstances in payroll and would go into the new handbook.
Clerk went over lines of communications and reminded Commissioners that all need to be available to answer phone. Clerk was instructed to reach out to Vice Chair Milburn if no answer for Chairman Beerbower.
Commissioner Beerbower covered talking points sent by our Attorney Jacob. Resolutions covering these changes will come to the commission in Resolution at the Dec 8 meeting. Resolutions were sent to the clerk to publish to the public.
Commissioner Tran made a motion to amend the agenda for our Attorney Bob to talk about Craw-Kan Contract Commissioner Milburn second all approved
Bob let the commission know he was able to reach craw-Kan and believes they will work with the commission on a year-to-year agreement.
Bob recommended the commission to hire a professional to lead the planning commission through the process of a comprehensive plan.
Bob went over the vacancy that will occur when Commissioner Milburn takes the oath for District 5 Bob and Commissioner Milburn Presented a resolution utilizing statutes, recommendations from General Counsel for the Kansas Secretary of state and recommendations by County Counsel, to appoint from New District 3. Commissioner Milburn made a motion to sign resolution 37-25 regarding the appointment of District 3 Commissioner Beerbower second all approved.
Commissioner Tran made a motion to resend motion form 11/18 meeting that would have moved 305,000 from Jail sales tax to Sheriff, Milburn Second all approved.
Commissioner Tran made a motion to move all of inmate money to general fund commissioner Milburn second with the request of discussion Commissioner Tran made the motion to amend the motion on the floor to move 200,000 from Inmate fund to general fund Commissioner Milburn second Commissioner Milburn and Tran voted in favor of the motion Commissioner Beerbower was opposed.
Commissioner Tran made a motion to pay longevity to all years of service combined Commissioner Beerbower second Commissioner Tran and Beerbower voted in favor of the motion Commissioner Milburn opposed. (I opposed as I was in favor of taking the recommendation of Dr.Cohen to adopt standard practice for longevity.)
Commissioner Milburn made a motion to sign the contract with Schwab Eaton for the Bridge Grant Project on Jayhawk Road that we have discussed several times. Commissioner Tran Second all approved
Commissioners discussed briefly the stop signs that have had removal requests commissioner Tran expressed hesitation due to lack of historical information
Commissioners discussed a posted speed sign on a piece of roadway that is posted at 30 mph the discussion will be brought back to the 12/8 meeting.
Commissioner Milburn spoke with Citizen Daniels about the road closure application. The application was resubmitted to complete all signatures of all affected landowners, with this; Commissioner Milburn made a motion to move forward with the publication of road closure process Commissioner Beerbower second all approved.
Commissioners discussed a sewer code violation Commissioner Milburn was instructed by the commission to reach out to the appraiser’s office to address, in follow up with appraisers office; Appraiser sent action items to commissioner Milburn, and after a discussion with the county attorney Commission will be working with county counselor to send case up to county attorney.
Commissioners will be finalizing handbook and hope to have it in circulation before first of next year.
Commissioner Milburn discussed creation of accounts for incoming commissioners; with this commissioner Milburn made a motion to allow Commissioner Milburn the authority to create accounts for incoming commissioners Commissioner Tran Second all approved.
Commissioner Tran made a motion to make Commissioner Milburn full Admin of Verizon and Give Sheriff access to his portion of the account and to give Amber a bill view only account for ap purposes Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Commissioners discussed next steps of moving forward with the sale of 108 w 2nd Commissioner Milburn was tasked to draft a letter to send to local realtors with a invitation to bring a market analysis and presentation to the commission with the commission offering 6% commission to the sale. Commissioner Milburn will not be a part of the vote to hire.
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution to the commission for the 6th Judicial space and rent (resolution 38-25) Commissioner Milburn made a motion to pass resolution Commissioner Tran second all approved. Resolution will come to the 12/8 meeting to be signed.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave. Monday, December 08, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes
12.01.25 (unofficial until approved)
IV. St. Luke’s Award – EMS
V. Consent Agenda
Approval of 12.05.25 Accounts Payable & Longevity Payroll ($289,244.53, sent 12.3.25)
Tax Corrections
VI. Public Comments
VII. Department Updates
Bill Martin – Sheriff
Invoice for Craw-Kan
Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen
Culvert Permit-2222 35th Street
Lora Holdridge – Register of Deeds
Equipment Space & Employee Access
Administrative Access & License Keys
Susan Walker – County Clerk
December 22nd Meeting
VIII. Old Business
October 2025 Financials
Sale of Real Property
Jayhawk 240th Speed Limit
IX. New Business
Real Property Relief Application – Herman & Darlene Leihsing/Avis Bosley
Resolution 39-25 – Contribution Agreement Hinton Creek
Resolution 40-25 – Contribution Agreement Tennyson Creek
Resolution 41-25 – Tennyson Creek exemption from Moratorium
Hinton Creek First Amendment
Tennyson Creek First Amendment
Tennyson Creek Contribution Agreement
Settlement and Release Agreement Tennyson Creek
Settlement and Release Agreement Hinton Creek
Resolution 42-25 – Transfer of Funds
X. Build Agenda for following meeting
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Adjournment
Detailed Summary of Information Packet
Prior Meeting Minutes – December 1, 2025 (Pages 3-5)
The minutes summarize key discussions and decisions from the previous meeting:
Financial and Personnel Decisions (Page 4):
The Commission approved collecting employee insurance premiums “in arrears” (in real-time) rather than in advance. New hires will receive benefits the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period.
The creation of an Administrative Assistant position for the Commission was approved, pending identification of funding.
A motion passed to transfer $200,000 from the Inmate Fees Fund (120) to the General Fund (001) (Page 4).
Longevity pay for 2025 was approved to be funded in the same manner as 2024, acknowledging all years of service (Page 5).
The Commission approved soliciting proposals from local real estate brokers to list the 108 West 2nd Street property for sale (Page 4).
Resolution 37-25 was adopted regarding the process for appointing a replacement for the District 3 Commissioner in January (Page 5).
Resolution 38-25 was approved for the 6th Judicial facility space, waiving monthly rental fees (Page 5).
Future Planning (Page 3): Discussions included switching from 3 to 5 commissioner districts, generating revenue through solar energy agreements, and considering a new space for the County Clerk’s office.
Financial and Tax Information
Total Accounts Payable & Longevity Payroll for 12.05.25 is $289,244.53 (Page 7, 34).
Largest Expenditures by Fund/Department from the Accounts Payable Report (Pages 32-34):
Longevity Pay (County Miscellaneous / Fund 001/99): $58,300.00
Road and Bridge (Fund 220): $70,386.77
Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund (Fund 222): $50,498.73
County Sheriff/Correctional (Fund 120): $46,131.29
Employee Benefit (Fund 064): $11,775.59
Bank Reconciliation as of October 31, 2025 (Page 38):
Total Bourbon County Cash Balance (All Accounts): $7,258,130.82
Total Certificates of Deposits: $1,550,000.00
Key Fund Status Report Balances (as of October 31, 2025):
General Fund (001): $505,910.25 (Page 39)
County Sheriff/Correctional (120): $245,713.78 (Page 39)
BOND SALES TAX – COUNTY JAIL (370): $2,106,277.34 (Page 40)
Employee Benefit (064): $747,999.92 (Page 39)
Ambulance Service (375): $27,184.61 (Page 40)
Sales/Use Tax Comparison (Page 46):
October 2025 Total Tax: $298,831.11
Year-to-Date (YTD) Total Tax for 2025 (through October): $3,176,311.93
Other Packet Documents
Culvert Report (Page 35): A report from 12-4-2025 regarding a Culvert Permit application from Dennis & Janna Saiz for property at 2222 35th Street, indicating a plan for a Plastic 15″ x 30 foot roll-in culvert.
Executive Session Details (Page 2): The document includes the standard form outlining potential legal reasons for executive sessions, citing KSA 75-4319 for discussing personnel, attorney-client privilege, negotiations, financial/trade secrets, real estate acquisition, or security measures.
November Treasurers Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & December Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Haley Arnold
Municipal Court Update/Codes Update
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
FEMA Flooding–
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Unapproved Minutes of the November 11 Uniontown City Council
The Regular Council Meeting on November 11, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Michael Ramsey, Joe George, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Moved by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Ordinance No. 207, Vacating Alley between Lots 4, 5, 12 and 13, Block 2, Well’s Addition of the City of Uniontown, Kansas.
Discussion of memorial stone design and installation. Further thought and research will be discussed at a later date.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Joe George commented of two habitual dogs running at large. Citation will be issued to the owner of the dogs at large.
Michael Ramsey asked about official election results. At this time, no final election results have been released.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the October 2025 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $226,781.89, Receipts $34,948.70, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $38,944.50, Checking Account Closing Balance $219,762.09. Bank Statement Balance $225,361.81, including Checking Account Interest of $49.67, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $5,599.72, Reconciled Balance $219,762.09. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,501.14, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $23,159.28, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,414.89, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $326,837.40. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $578.48, and Utility CDs $1,920.63 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,449.11. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2025, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of October $7,019.80, Year-to-Date Net Loss $44,101.65. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $107,340.87 (79.7%), Expenditures $103,176.20 (67.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,485.11 (79.2%), Expenditures $35,208.17 (76.3%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $95,286.09 (76.9%), Expenditures $101,689.36 (63.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $154,613.74 (103.3%), Expenditures $204,046.64 (95.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,101.28 (111.6%), Expenditures $5,166.76 (71.2%). The October 2025 payables to date in the amount of $26,571.99 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting
October Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & November Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported 301 2nd St. had been cleaned up and in compliance. 101 Washington has had no change since last meeting, a citation had previously been issued and awaiting court date. 401 Sherman not in compliance after phone call was made to property owner, citation will be issued to the individuals residing on the property and one will be mailed to property owner.
City Superintendent Bobby Rich had nothing to report.
Clerk Arnold informed the council that the 3-50amp 240 volt outlets had been installed in the park.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – Invited any volunteers to install Christmas lights in the park the weekend before Thanksgiving
Councilwoman Pritchett – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – Close out paperwork has been submitted and accepted. Treasurer Johnson has made substantial progress on the library.
FEMA Flooding– Once an invoice from Marbery Concrete is received for the remainder of the project, it will be submitted for review. Invoice is due before mid-January.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:45PM.
No action from executive session.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn
Commissioner Mika Milburn brought up a dispute with the cost of a new firewall for the sheriff’s department. Commissioner Samuel Tran said it was “mission creep,” that the commission hadn’t approved. Sheriff Bill Martin addressed the commission, saying that the quotes for new phones and a firewall were approved in the Sept. 25, 2025 meeting, to be paid for from the jail sales tax.
Commissioner David Beerbower moved to table the issue for a week to iron out the disputes as to when the approval was given.
There was also a dispute about which fund should pay for the mapping services needed to redistrict Bourbon County to 5 districts.
Beerbower said it needed to be paid for regardless of where it comes from. Milburn said she wants to be sure the commissioners’ fund doesn’t get spent without the commission’s direct order. They decided to pay for it from the general government fund.
The remainder of the consent agenda was approved.
Emerson and Co. regarding longevity, insurance
Emerson, County Clerk Susan Walker, and Dr. Cohen addressed the commission.
Emerson addressed the need for the commission’s approval of a quote for COBRA administration, FSA, and HSA. The commission so voted.
Emerson also said that they need to address when the new insurance deduction amounts should be collected from the employees. Until now the process has been to collect them the month prior to their due date in order to have the funds on hand to pay at the beginning of the following month. However, with the new employee navigator integration, funds will not be collected in advance, and the start date of the deductions will be the first payroll in January. Manual deduction entries will need to be added in December, 2025. Emmerson recommended making the change.
Blue Cross Blue Shield requires the county to pay a month in advance, per County Clerk Susan Walker. She said that if they don’t do the deductions in the previous month, the county may not be able to pay for their premiums. She said the county had already planned to manually enter everything by the cutoff date of Dec. 3. She said this problem will come about each December.
She said that employee navigator doesn’t allow for automated employer contributions, so they have to be manually entered.
The clerk also said that they would have to change benefits availability to 30 days after first hire date for county employees. Tran and Cohen both said that is standard industry policy. Tran said he had no problem with that.
Emerson recommended finding out what the cash flow amount shortage would be. The clerk told the commission that the amount needed is approximately $8,800.
Milburn moved to follow Emerson’s recommendation. Tran seconded with a discussion.
Handbook — Dr. Cohen
Cohen brought his current copy of the handbook. He asked for the commissioners’ individual input, then plans to take it to the elected officials and department heads, receive their input and comments, and make changes, then bring a final document to the commission for approval by the first of the year.
Cohen also brought a recommendation to the commission to have them fund an administrative assistant position for the commission. That assistant would cover matters related to personnel, records, benefits, and more.
“It’s become abundantly clear that you need a person that’s accountable to you and you only,” he said. He also said that the funding for that position would come from existing funds currently allocated elsewhere.
Milburn said that up until 2025, the commission had that person in the position of county clerk.
Tran does not oppose the position but has concerns about how they would pay for the person.
Beerbower said funding is the number one issue as well. Cohen said he thought they could find the money and that the commission should approve the decision to fill the position contingent upon finding the funding.
The motion was passed to move forward with recruiting for the position, pending funding.
Tran said they should look at the inmate housing fund to pay insurance for employees and for the commission’s administrative assistant.
Beerbower said he was not willing to do that.
Longevity pay — Dr. Cohen
Cohen addressed bridging, which is when an employee leaves and then returns. He recommended not giving them longevity pay, per his recommendation. He said that if the bridged time is shorter, continuing longevity pay may be a good idea, so long as they return to their original position. He recommended that as a consequence for employees who leave and want to come back.
Beerbower, Milburn, and Tran agreed with Cohen. They agreed that if an employee leaves and is paid out, they cannot come back at the same level they left.
Victory Foronberry, from county corrections, asked about a problem with longevity pay. Tran and Beerbower spoke to her. One of the problems was that a funding stream they voted to use to cover it was contested.
Longevity pay approved by previous commission was put into each department’s budget, but most departments didnt have it in their budgets for this last paycheck.
Tran said they did what they thought was best at the time, but within 72 hours of the commission’s decision, the revenue source was contested.
Davis asked the commission to leave the longevity as is and pay it to the employees. He said that their decision to add a new position, although it is pending the ability to find funding for it, was a terrible decision and makes the entire commission look like they put county employees second.
Sheriff Bill Martin said he doesn’t know who would contest using the inmate housing revenue to pay the employees their longevity.
Another audience member asked the commission to use the inmate housing fund to pay employees what they were promised.
Janet Harper, who works in the appraiser’s office, said that the money sent out on that stub, which was not paid by the county, was her grandchildren’s Christmas.
Tran moved to pull the inmate housing fund and put it into the general fund. Milburn gave a second with discussion.
Sheriff Bill Martin said he came to the commission offering them a 60/40 split a couple of months ago, and they wouldn’t take it. Asking to take all of it is an insult to the sheriff’s office. He said they should only take out what it costs to meet longevity pay requirements.
Clerk Susan Walker said that her projections show that a lot of the inmate housing money will be needed for the sheriff’s budget amendment, and the commission should speak with his financial advisor before moving the money.
“Everytime we try to do something, we’re getting our legs chopped off,” said Tran.
Tran then amended the motion to pull $200,000 from the inmate housing fund. Motion carried with Beerbower voting against.
Tran proposed that they take $55,100 from the general fund to pay for the longevity pay.
Beerbower moved to leave 2025 longevity as it has been and make the changes in 2026.
“We didn’t create this mess. We’re trying to fix this mess,” said Tran.
The motion to pay longevity through the end of 2025 carried, Milburn opposing.
Sheriff Martin said that his 2025 budget was created by two other individuals without input from him. The outgoing commissioners at the time told him his budget was “screwed.”
He asked why Tran made the comment about him choosing to sue the commission. Tran replied that he knew Martin had been “done dirty,” in the past and he wanted to help him. However, Martin’s continuous referral to the requirement that the county give his department what it needs to function seemed like a threat of suing the commission.
Tran said that as an executor for the county, he will take care of the county, and give the Sheriff’s department what it needs, but maybe not what it wants.
Sheriff Martin said the conversation should have happened in his office one-on-one. He told Tran that they (the commission) are confusing everyone with the numbers game. He said he appreciated Tran’s honesty.
Tran and Martin each accused the other of not reaching out to communicate about their issues outside of an open meeting.
Lines of Communication – Susan Walker, county clerk
Walker told the commissioners she needs direction from them about how they intend to communicate with her.
“I’m having trouble getting responses, and it’s very difficult for me to do my job,” she said. “It is very hard for me to do my job as clerk if I cannot get a hold of you,” she said.
Walker said she can’t set up meetings if she can’t get a hold of anyone. She asked for clarification about expectations.
“For the most part, I think that communication works well, especially by the email,” said Beerbower.
Solar Litigation
Beerbower said that the commission has been in litigation with solar developers over agreements signed with the 2024 commission. They are working to find a solution outside of court via mediation.
Next week, the commission will be voting on resolutions to change the moratorium that will exempt these two companies from moving forward with their projects. They will also vote to amend the development agreement, including setbacks for battery systems and emergency training.
There have also been some settlements on pilot money that include settlements totaling about $320,000 per year paid to the county for the next ten years.
Counsel will send to the clerk the needed information for the resolutions, which will be voted on in the December 8th meeting.
Jackie Demott with the appraiser’s office spoke to the commission. She said that while folks have issues with solar, bringing businesses into Bourbon County will help solve the county’s funding issues.
“Maybe you need to start thinking about, not just what is best for each individual, but what is best for the county. What’s going to bring this revenue in?” she said. She suggested they form a committee to bring businesses into the county.
Planning Commission — Bob Johnson
County attorney Bob Johnson attended the new Planning Commission meeting before Thanksgiving. They discussed the procedure going forward, as well as hiring a part-time individual who has helped neighboring counties with their planning commissions.
District 3 Vacancy — Bob Johnson
The Kansas Secretary of State’s legal team has said the commission can either have the replacement for the District 3 come from the old district, or from the newly created District 3, which is preferable and makes more common sense, but either option passes statutory guidance.
The commission passed a resolution for the correct political party to appoint a commissioner for the new district 3 when current district 3 commissioner, Mika Milburn, becomes the commissioner for district 5 in January 2026. That commissioner will hold office until January 2027 with the person elected in November of 2026 is seated on the commission.
Bourbon County CASA has been providing screened, trained community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court room setting here in Bourbon County for 35 years.
Location: Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave. Date & Time: Monday, December 01, 2025, 5:30 PM (PDF Page 1)
I. Opening Protocol (PDF Page 1)
Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda (PDF Page 1)
III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved) (PDF Page 1)
Minutes from November 17, 2025, and November 18, 2025
IV. Recognition (PDF Page 1)
St. Luke’s Award – EMS
V. Consent Agenda (PDF Page 1)
Approval of November 21, 2025 Accounts Payable: $93,276.25
Approval of November 26, 2025 Accounts Payable and Payroll: $327,304.73
VI. Executive Session (PDF Page 1)
Executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy – Jennifer Hawkins
VII. Public Comments (PDF Page 1)
VIII. Old Business (PDF Page 1)
Sale Tax
2026 Benefits – Susan Walker (HSA, FSA, COBRA)
Longevity – Susan Walker
Lines of Communication – Susan Walker
Road Closure Application – Patricia Daniels
Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement – Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen
190th Street Benefit District – Johnson
Sanitation Discussion – Beerbower
Handbook Discussion – Tran
BBCO Planning Commission Moratorium
IX. New Business (PDF Page 1)
X. Build Agenda for Following Meeting (PDF Page 1)
XI. Commission Comments (PDF Page 1)
XII. Adjournment (PDF Page 1)
📋 Information Packet Summary
Minutes from November 17, 2025 (PDF Pages 3-6)
Key Topics Discussed: Health insurance options (facing a 17% rise in claims and higher premiums), longevity pay (general fund does not have enough budget room), aging vehicle fleet and infrastructure investment, asphalt plant repairs, a potential moratorium on new commercial/industrial businesses, and an engineering service agreement for a bridge project (PDF Page 3).
Decisions Made/Action Taken:
Approved the Enterprise Fleet Management Agreement to lease 11 vehicles for the sheriff’s department, funded through the jail sales tax (PDF Page 4).
Tabled the discussion on longevity pay to a special meeting the next day (November 18, 2025) (PDF Page 5).
Approved a letter of support for the Tri-Valley Coordinated Transit District’s transportation grant application (PDF Page 4, 6).
Approved a real property tax relief application for a total loss property (PDF Page 5-6).
Approved benefit Option D presented by Don Doherty for benefit plans and contributions (PDF Page 5).
Tabled the Bourbon County Planning Commission Moratorium until the next meeting (PDF Page 4).
Approved the lease agreement for 11 vehicles for the Sheriff out of the Jail sales tax fund for $399,216 (PDF Page 5).
Minutes from November 18, 2025 – Special Meeting (PDF Pages 7-8)
Key Topics Discussed: Resolution to break a tie in a Uniontown council race, revisions to meeting rules (including public comments on agenda items), increase in dental insurance contributions, and funding for employee longevity pay (PDF Page 7).
Decisions Made/Action Taken:
Approved Resolution 35-25, breaking a tie in the Uniontown Council race with Stewart Troutman winning (PDF Page 7).
Voted to repeal Resolution 34-25 and replace it with Resolution 36-25, which allows public comments on agenda items (PDF Page 7).
Approved the employer taking on the increase in dental insurance contributions for 2026 with BCBS, resulting in a $4,000 increase to the county’s budget (PDF Page 7-8).
Approved funding the $55,100 longevity pay by moving $305,000 from the jail sales tax fund to the Sheriff’s operational fund, and then moving $55,100 from the Sheriff’s operational fund to the general fund (PDF Page 7-8).
Accounts Payable and Payroll Details (PDF Pages 9-44)
Total Accounts Payable (11.21.25): $93,276.25 (PDF Page 22, 34)
The largest single fund expense was Road and Bridge at $46,986.12 (PDF Page 22).
The second largest was County Sheriff/Correctional at $25,454.04 (PDF Page 22).
The largest single fund total was Employee Benefit expenses at $92,651.97 (PDF Page 43).
The second largest was County Sheriff/Correctional at $71,932.69 (PDF Page 43).
The Road and Bridge fund total was $47,575.12 (PDF Page 43).
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Details
Administrator Proposal: Presented by ABY Benefits LLC for Section 125 (FSA/DCAP/POP), HSA, and COBRA administration (PDF Page 45).
2026 HSA Contribution Limits:
Single Coverage: $4,400 (or $5,400 with $1,000 catch-up for age 55+) (PDF Page 52, 59).
Family Coverage: $8,750 (or $9,750 with $1,000 catch-up for age 55+) (PDF Page 52, 59).
Requires enrollment in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a minimum deductible of $1,700 for Single or $3,400 for Family (PDF Page 52).
FSA Contribution Limits for 2025:
Health FSA (Medical Expenses): $3,300 (PDF Page 46). Note: The enrollment booklet lists the maximum as $3,400 (PDF Page 64).
Dependent Care FSA (DCAP): $5,000 (PDF Page 46, 77). Note: The enrollment booklet lists the maximum as $7,500 (PDF Page 64).
FSA Details: Contributions are pre-tax, reducing taxable income and FICA taxes (PDF Page 46, 64). The benefit is subject to a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule, unless the plan allows up to a $680 carryover or a 2.5-month grace period (cannot have both carryover and grace period) (PDF Page 65, 78).
COBRA Administration: Federal law mandates continued benefits for employees experiencing a qualifying event (PDF Page 46). Consequences for non-compliance include fines up to $100/day to the IRS and up to $110/day to the Qualified Beneficiary (PDF Page 46).
Bourbon County Planning Commission Moratorium (PDF Page 86)
The Planning Committee unanimously recommended an immediate moratorium requiring any new commercial or industrial business that is not agricultural in nature and is located in unincorporated areas of the county to obtain a special use permit before commencing operations (PDF Page 86).
Purpose: To protect the county and residents while the Planning Committee develops more detailed and comprehensive zoning regulations (PDF Page 86).
I. Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved) 11.17.25 & 11.18.25
IV. St. Luke’s Award – EMS
V. Consent Agenda
Approval of 11.21.25 Accounts Payable (sent 11.21.25) $93,276.25
Approval of 11.26.25 Accounts Payable (sent 11.26.25) & Payroll (sent 11.25.25) $327,304.73
VI. Executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected
personnel to protect their privacy – Jennifer Hawkins
VII. Public Comments
VIII. Old Business
Sale Tax – Susan Walker
2026 Benefits – Susan Walker
HSA
FSA
COBRA
Longevity – Susan Walker
Lines of Communication – Susan Walker
Road Closure Application – Patricia Daniels
Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement – Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen
190th Street Benefit District – Johnson
Sanitation Discussion – Beerbower
Handbook Discussion – Tran
BBCO Planning Commission Moratorium
IX. New Business
X. Build Agenda for following meeting
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Adjournment _____________
We are pleased to announce that we have met our sponsorship goal for the 2025 Wreaths Across America event that will be held December 13 at Fort Scott National Cemetery, said Diann Tucker, location coordinator at Fort Scott National
Cemetery.
We are so grateful to everyone who has sponsored wreaths and made this possible again. Every veteran at Fort Scott National Cemetery will receive a remembrance wreath. This is only possible through the generosity of many and hard work in fundraising. If you did not sponsor a specific dedicated wreath this year but still want to do so, we can still include your dedication. Just contact us so
we can help you with that. Any funds received now will be held for the 2026 campaign. It takes fundraising all year long to accomplish this goal.
Our ceremony will begin at 10 AM on December 13, immediately followed bylaying of wreaths. There will be some limited golf cart transportation available to assist in getting volunteers and guests into the cemetery prior to the ceremony and immediately following. Our guest speaker this year is Pat Proctor, retired United States Army colonel. Volunteers are requested to help with wreath
Bourbon County CASA has been providing screened, trained community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court room setting here in Bourbon County for 35 years.
