Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Housing

How To Apply For Low Income Energy Assistance Program Benefits

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Applying for LIEAP?
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) can help eligible households pay a portion of their primary home heating costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. LIEAP can help restore or maintain electricity, natural gas, propane and other home heating bills.
The application period begins
Jan. 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. and ends March 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Apply online at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov or get help in-person at an upcoming LIEAP event:
January 29 from 1-6 p.m. at the Fort Scott Public Library, at 2nd and National Avenue.
See the full schedule of LIEAP events at LIEAP.dcf.ks.gov
Please bring copies of the following information:
• Proof of income (earned and unearned) for anyone living in
the residence.
• Copy of all fuel bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.)
• Proof of child support payments received or the court order.
• If in subsidized housing, provide a copy of your rental
agreement.
• If your primary heating costs are included in your rent, provide
a copy of your rental agreement.
*Other information may be requested as needed.
LIEAP
**If your utility bills are in the landlord’s name, a copy of the lease
agreement must be provided.
LIEAP
Bourbon County

Jan. 12 Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary

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

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda 01.12.26 Agenda

January 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM

Agenda Outline

  • 1. Call Meeting To Order (Page 1)

  • 2. Roll Call (Page 1)

  • 3. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)

  • 4. Prayer (Page 1)

  • 5. Oaths of Office (Page 1)

    • a. Commission District 5 – Mika Milburn-Kee

    • b. Commission District 4 – Greg Motley

  • 6. Reorganization of Board (Page 1)

    • a. Appoint Vice Chairman

    • b. Appoint Chairman

  • 7. Board Memberships (Page 1)

    • a. Fair Board

    • b. Juvenile Detention Center

    • c. SEK Area on Aging

    • d. SEK Regional Planning Commission

    • e. Soil Conservation (Advisory Only)

    • f. Southeast Kansas Health Department

    • g. SEK Mental Health Department (2 Positions)

    • h. Bourbon County Senior Citizens

  • 8. Liaison Assignments (Page 1)

    • a. Public Safety (EMS, Sheriff/Corrections, Emergency Management)

    • b. Public Works

    • c. Courthouse

    • d. Finance

  • 9. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)

  • 10. Approval of Minutes (Page 1)

  • 11. Approval of Consent Agenda (Page 1)

    • a. Tax Corrections

    • b. Accounts Payable (01.09.26) – $102,704.29

  • 12. Public Comments (Page 1)

  • 13. Executive Session (Page 2)

    • a. Personnel matters (K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1))

  • 14. Old Business (Page 2)

    • a. Handbook Review

  • 15. New Business (Page 2)

    • a. Disposition of Body (K.S.A. 22a-215) – Susan Walker, County Clerk

    • b. November 2025 Financials

  • 16. Build Agenda for Following Meeting (Page 2)

  • 17. Commission Comments (Page 2)

  • 18. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

Commissioner Board Memberships (Page 3)

This section lists current Bourbon County representatives for various boards, including Samuel Tran for Senior Citizens and Mika Milburn for the Fair Board. These memberships are reviewed annually during the board reorganization.

Minutes from January 5, 2026 Meeting (Pages 4–9)

  • Introductions & Attendance: The meeting included a roll call of commissioners and a significant list of attending citizens.

  • Public Comments: * David Ranes submitted a noise complaint regarding Evolution Technology with supporting decibel readings.

    • Lora Holdridge (Register of Deeds) reported securing a deed from Legacy Health for the EMS building and expressed concerns regarding courthouse space allocation and an unresolved judgment against Waldrop Wireless.

    • Ben Hall discussed issues regarding a gas well on his property and alleged bullying/harassment by Evotech.

  • Executive Sessions: Several sessions were held to discuss attorney-client privileged information and non-elected personnel matters. No action was taken during most sessions, though one resulted in a motion to allow Commissioner Milburn to work with the new executive assistant.

  • Old Business:

    • Handbook Review: Discussion focused on Public Works policies regarding wearing shorts and taking vehicles home.

    • Sanitation & Moratorium: The Counselor provided updates on a sanitation violation and presented a draft resolution for a 180-day moratorium on new utility-scale power generation and data centers.

  • Resolutions Passed:

    • Res. 01-26: Adopted the Section 125 Plan (including retirees) and named Laura Krom as administrator.

    • Res. 02-26: Established 2026 holidays and paydays (passed 2-1).

    • Res. 03-26: Annual waiver of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).

    • Res. 04-26: Designated official depositories and publications.

    • Res. 05-26: Participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan program.

    • Res. 06-26: Set weekly meeting times for Mondays at 5:30 PM.

    • Res. 07-26: Established a temporary 180-day moratorium on crypto mining, data centers, and specific power generation.

Financial Reports (Pages 10–136)

The packet contains extensive financial documentation for November 2025 and early January 2026:

  • Accounts Payable: Detailed lists of expenditures by department (e.g., Appraiser, Treasurer).

  • Fund Status Reports: Summaries of beginning balances, receipts, and disbursements for various county funds (General, Diversion, Employee Benefits).

  • Revenue and Expense Reports: A line-by-line breakdown of current budget versus actual year-to-date spending for all county departments and taxing districts (USD 234, local libraries, and townships).

Bourbon County, Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas SIGNS Program: Support Communities By Upgrading Business Storefronts

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New Grant Opportunities Available Through Revised SIGNS Program

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new round of Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant opportunities, building on the program’s inaugural year in 2025 with several updates designed to further increase foot traffic, strengthen business visibility, and drive sales in downtown commercial districts.

“Prominent and visually pleasing signage can have dramatic impact — helping people notice a business and get new customers through the door to make a purchase,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By re-establishing the SIGNS program, we’re doubling down on design quality, supporting local artists and driving further economic growth in small businesses throughout our downtown communities.”

The SIGNS program is designed to support communities by upgrading storefronts for multiple businesses at once, recognizing that clear, attractive and strategically designed signage plays a critical role in helping customers spend more money locally.

Updates to the program require communities to work with approved artists from the Kansas Arts Commission’s Roster of Artists to help strengthen the design process, support Kansas-based creatives, and ensure signage projects are both visually compelling and responsive to local character.

“Pairing businesses with professional artists and designers establishes a collaborative effort to create signage that not only looks better but also is more effective,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Well-designed signs capture attention, increase foot traffic and contribute to stronger and long-term business stability — which is crucial to companies of all sizes.”

A total of $125,000 is available statewide, with communities eligible to receive up to $25,000 per application. Each funded community must complete signage improvements on at least three separate retail or restaurant businesses as part of a coordinated district-level effort. Eligible expenses include design, fabrication, lighting, installation and artist fees.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, Main Street organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, foundations and other non-profit or community-based entities. Businesses that are interested must be consumer-facing establishments located in qualifying downtown or walkable commercial districts.

The application period will close February 28, 2026, with award notifications expected in April 2026. An informational webinar for interested applicants will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15. To register for the webinar, visit here.

For more information about the SIGNS grant program, including updated guidelines and application materials, visit the webpage here. Interested parties can also contact Sara Bloom, Quality Places Director, at (785) 506-9278 or [email protected].

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

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Bourbon County, Government

Agenda Packet for the Uniontown City Council on Jan. 12

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Agenda for the City of Uniontown City Council on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in City Hall

Res 2026-0112-01 Audit Waiver for 2026

12092025 Regular Meeting

ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL:  ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Review Mayor Approval of 2026 CMB License Applications

Oath of Office to Newly Elected Governing Body Members

Election of President of the Council

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of December 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  3. Designate Union State Bank as official bank
  4. Designate Fort Scott Tribune as official newspaper
  5. Resolution 2026-0112-01 GAAP Waiver
  6. Destruction of records for 2015 and prior

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Utility Meters

 

Clerk Report:  Haley Arnold  

Rabies Clinic?

SOS Donation

Court Clerk Conference

CCMFOA Conference

 

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 _____

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Old Fort Genealogical Society is Re-Opening January 12

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Old Fort Genealogical Society

Old Fort Genealogical Society is Re-Opening

Doors Open:

January 12th

Hours:

Monday – Friday

9:30am-3pm

*Appts after 3pm and Saturdays accepted

with an appointment

Location:

2801 S. Horton St.

in the Professional Building

*North of the current KRI/IAM Fitness/Freeman Hospital Building

(see below)

Click HERE for their

Old Fort Genealogy and History at Fort Scott, Kansas

Facebook Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Join Bourbon County Community Theatre And Have Fun at the 3rd Annual Adult Prom

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A scene from Holy Mother of Bingo, a murder mystery from Bourbon County Community Theatre’s Facebook page.

Do you have an interest in portraying characters and using vocal expression in imaginary circumstances with others…also known as acting?

Consider the Bourbon County Community Theatre as an outlet.

“BCCT membership is open to anyone who is interested,” Angie Bin, publicity chairman for the group, said. “Anyone 18 and over can become a member by completing the form at https://forms.gle/HkrjceuxqoP1biQk7 and paying a $5 yearly fee. The entire general membership assembly meets in May of each year, and any other time a general assembly is called by the president. The board meets once a month.”

“The board plans all of the upcoming productions, events, and fundraisers; reports on all income and payments for the month; and analyzes past events,” she said.

There is an upcoming fundraiser on February 21: Adult Prom.

Melodrama auditions are April 27 and 28, and performances  are June 5 and 6, a community musical with auditions in June and a performance in August, and the Voices from the Grave Tour on Oct. 24.

On October 24, the group will lead the Voice from the Grave Tour.

Bourbon County Community Theatre in Fort Scott hosts Mardi Gras Masquerade, an Adult Prom, as a fundraiser for future events and performances.

About Adult Prom

BCCT formed in 2023 and is holding its third annual prom for adults (age 18 and over), a night of fun, dancing, and community support, according to a press release.

This formal dance is from 8 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 21, 2026 on the upper floor of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National in Fort Scott. In addition to dancing to a live DJ, there will be non-alcoholic drinks and snacks included in the ticket price, as well as alcoholic beverages and meals available for purchase from the bar.

They hope to add to the fun (and success) of the night with some lighthearted music dueling. Attendees can pay $1.00 to request and/or dedicate a song, $5.00 to request a song NOT be played for an hour, or $10.00 for a song to be banned for the night.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at bcct.ludus.com or at the door on Feb. 21. Tickets are $40 per couple or $25 for a single ticket. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best formal or masquerade attire.

BCCT is accepting members. If you’d like to be a part of bringing community theatre back to Bourbon County, visit the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page and complete the form to become a new member.

Currently, the group is made up of:
President: Matthew Wells
Vice President: Mark Bergmann
Secretary: Abby Starkey
Treasurer: Danette Popp
Publicity: Angie Bin
Production Coordinator: Katie Wells
At-large members: Eric Popp, Ben Self, Regen Wells

 

A scene from the Bourbon County Community Theatre’s “Holy Mother of Bingo” from its Facebook page.
Bourbon County, Government

Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on January 5

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BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Monday, January 05, 2026, 5:30 PM (Revised 01.05.26)
I. Call Meeting to Order
 Roll Call
 Pledge of Allegiance
 Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 12.15.25 and 12.18.25 (Unofficial until approved)
IV. Approval of Consent Agenda
 Accounts Payable & Payroll 12.24.25 $250,716.54
 Accounts Payable 12.31.25 $234,630.63
 Tax Corrections
V. Public Comments
VI. Ben Hall- Discussion Bitcoin Mining & Evotech
VII. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy. – Lora Holdridge
VIII. Old Business
 Handbook Review
 Set Public Hearing Date for Road Closure – Daniels
 Sanitation Violation Update – County Counselor
 Moratorium Update – County Counselor
IX. New Business
 Website – approval of access – Milburn-Kee
 Executive Assistant Introduction & Update – Milburn-Kee
 Letter of Support Request (Scott Wheeler)
 Resolution 01-26 Section 125 Plan Document
 Resolution 02-26 Holidays and Paydays
 Resolution 03-26 GAAP Waiver
 Resolution 04-26 Designation of Depositories and Official Publication Carrier
 Resolution 05-26 ROZ participation
 Resolution 06-26 Meeting Date, Location and Time
X. Build Agenda for Following Meeting
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Adjournment _____________
01/12/26 01/19/26 01/26/26
District 4 & 5 Oaths
Reorganization of Board
Board Memberships
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether
or not in consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of
corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to 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
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
FUTURE
Economic Development
Juvenile Detention Contract – Spring 2026
Benefits Committee Letters
Elm Creek Quarry
Phone System
Elevator
Stop Sign Removal 205th Overbrook
Handbook
Credit Card Policy

Bourbon County

Dec. 5 Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda Summary

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

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda

01.05.26 Revised Agenda

Monday, January 05, 2026 | 5:30 PM Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.

I. Opening of Meeting

  • Call Meeting to Order

  • Roll Call

  • Pledge of Allegiance

  • Prayer

II. Approval of Agenda

III. Approval of Minutes

  • Minutes from 12.15.25 and 12.18.25 (Unofficial until approved)

IV. Approval of Consent Agenda

  • Accounts Payable & Payroll (12.24.25): $250,716.54

  • Accounts Payable (12.31.25): $234,630.63

  • Tax Corrections

V. Public Comments

VI. Discussion Items

  • Bitcoin Mining & Evotech: Presented by Ben Hall

VII. Executive Session

  • Personnel Matters: Discussion regarding nonelected personnel to protect privacy (Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)) – Lora Holdridge

VIII. Old Business

  • Handbook Review

  • Set Public Hearing Date for Road Closure (Daniels)

  • Sanitation Violation Update (County Counselor)

  • Moratorium Update (County Counselor)

IX. New Business

X. Administrative & Resolutions

  • Website: Approval of access (Milburn-Kee)

  • Executive Assistant: Introduction and update (Milburn-Kee)

  • Letter of Support Request: Scott Wheeler

  • Resolution 01-26: Section 125 Plan Document

  • Resolution 02-26: Holidays and Paydays

  • Resolution 03-26: GAAP Waiver

  • Resolution 04-26: Designation of Depositories and Official Publication Carrier

  • Resolution 05-26: ROZ (Rural Opportunity Zones) participation

  • Resolution 06-26: Meeting Date, Location, and Time

XI. Closing

  • Build Agenda for Following Meeting

  • Commission Comments

XII. Adjournment

Supplemental Information Summary

Executive Session Guidelines (Page 2)

The second page outlines the legal framework for entering executive sessions under Kansas Law (KSA 75-4319). This includes specific motions for:

  • Personnel matters of nonelected individuals.

  • Privileged attorney-client consultations.

  • Employer/employee negotiations.

  • Confidential financial or trade secret data.

  • Preliminary real estate acquisition discussions.

  • Security measure discussions.

Upcoming Schedule: January 2026 (Page 2)

The commission has several key organizational tasks scheduled for the coming weeks:

  • January 12, 2026: District 4 & 5 Oaths of Office, Reorganization of the Board, and Board Membership assignments.

  • January 19 & 26, 2026: Continued follow-up meetings.

Future Planning Items (Page 2)

The following topics are listed for future discussion or action in Spring 2026 and beyond:

  • Infrastructure & Facilities: Elevator maintenance, Phone System updates, and the Elm Creek Quarry.

  • Policy & Governance: Handbook revisions, Credit Card Policy, and the Juvenile Detention Contract.

  • Community: Economic Development, Benefits Committee letters, and a stop sign removal at 205th Overbrook.

Art, Bourbon County

Call for Entries – Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit – 2026

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A 2016 photo of the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit.

 

The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its Call for Entries for the 34th Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 5th, through Saturday, March 14th.

The mixed media competition is open to artists of age 16 and older.  Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor. 

A “Theme” category has been added; the theme this year is “Life Inspiring”.  An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.

Entry fees are $10.00 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $20.00 per piece for non-members.

PLEASE NOTE: In the past, artists were permitted to enter a total of five pieces, with 3 pieces allowed in any one category.

Due to space limitations and the growth of this exhibit, artists now may submit a total of FOUR pieces, with 3 of those allowed in a single category. Entry deadline and payment are due by February 27th, 2025.

Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.

Entry forms may be requested by contacting Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650 or [email protected], or Deb Halsey at 620-224-0684 or [email protected] .

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.

The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows:  Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 27th.

No late entries will be accepted.  Artwork will be received at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday March 1st, between 1 and 4 pm.  Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday March 4th; this is closed to artists and the public

. Artists are invited to attend the Chamber Coffee hosted by the BCAC on Thursday March 5th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Cente.

A reception will be held that evening from 6:00-8:00pm for participating artists and the Juror; this reception is open to the public as well.

The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday March 5th and Friday March 6th, as well as Monday March 9th-Friday March 13th from noon until 7:00pm. It will also be open Saturdays March 7th and March 14th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

Artists may pick up their work on Saturday March 14th between 1:30 and 3:30pm. The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Commission Catch-up by Commissioner Mika Milburn, 12/15/25

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Mika MIlburn Kee

Mika‘s Commission Catch-up 12/15/25

Consent agenda approved including AP Longevity Payroll Tax Corrections Resolution 42-25 Sale of Real Estate and 43-25 Driver license

JD Handley spoke to the commission asking for Soldier Road to be moved to the top of the List Commissioner Milburn insisted Public Works be included in the conversation.

Commissioners spoke briefly of the request to create a benefit district on 190th street

Mike Houston spoke to the commission about internal communications with elected officials

Janet Harper expressed her concerns with changes in how vacation accrual

Bill Martin addressed the phone invoice correcting the record

Commissioners approved resolutions 44-47/25 moving funds

A discussion took place on the salary resolution passed by the Commission and was decided it will go into effect on January 1

Commissioners approved the holiday schedule totaling 14 holidays presented by the clerk

Susan (clerk) discussed benefit termination with the commission and presented why it should change. Also included in the provided information was the 30 day waiting period for new hires

Susan (clerk) discussed benefit termination with the commission and presented why it should change. Also included in the provided information was the 30 day waiting period for new hires

A discussion took place about SEK Mental Health Board Members Commissioners Tran and Beerbower expressed concerns with what they considered negative aspects of the current structure Commissioner Milburn expressed concern of changing the current structure greatly and possibly effecting services and employment in our county so proposed we leave at least 1 board member and if a vote is made to remove waiting until they can be here to represent themselves Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to terminate 2 members Mardy Dewitt and Jeff Fischer Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Beerbower and Tran approved Commissioner Milburn opposed

Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution for current areas of responsibility at the courthouse regarding office space this resolution lays out who is responsible for which areas. Commissioner Milburn made a motion to approve resolution 48-25 Commissioner Beerbower second all approved

Commissioner Tran and Beerbower discussed which realtor to hire to list 108 w 2nd street. Commissioner Milburn, beyond announcing that there was very low to no interest from realtors to list the property, recused herself to avoid any conflict of interest. The invitation to list was published in the paper and clerk sent out requests. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to hire Stewart Realty to list 108 w 2nd street as they were the only one to return a proposal and market analysis Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Beerbower and Tran approved Commissioner Milburn abstained.

Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution written from recommendations from our HR Dr. Cohen This will enact changes to the manual pertaining to vacation accrual carryover and rehire date for benefit purposes, Commissioner Tran presented a compromise for a gap year and with that Commissioner Milburn made a motion to accept resolution 49-25 Commissioner Tran second with explanation. Commissioner Milburn and Tran approved Commissioner Beerbower voted against

Commissioners Discussed the sanitation issue at Hidden Valley Lake in Mapleton KS at the lake they have holding tanks not sewer or laterals and for over a year there have been leaking issues. The county Sent notice on April 5th and again on October 7th and with the change of the Commission this year the issue had no follow through. 2 weeks ago this was brought to this commission’s attention, the follow up assignment was given to Commissioner Milburn and commissioner Milburn has been making sure County Counselor Bob and County Attorney James are read in and have all of the information we need to move this forward.

Commissioner Milburn made a motion to move allocate 200k of Jail Sales Tax to allow David to hire a company to update and bring into compliance the elevator. Motion died for lack of second. Commissioner Tran requested Commissioner Milburn and David produce a statement of work for the commission to review.

Commissioner Beerbower proposed another noise resolution draft. Commissioner Milburn expressed concerns with enforcement, much like the issues we are having with the sewer enforcement. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to accept Commissioner resolution 50-25 Noise Limitations Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Tran and Beerbower approved Commissioner Milburn opposed.

Planning Commission after working with Mel Has brought a recommendation /request to the commission to work with our county counselor to create a moratorium for a period of one year to allow the planning commission time to develop a comprehensive plan for unincorporated areas of Bourbon County KS The request is for the moratorium to apply to Utility level Power generation and storage systems included but not limited to Wind, Solar, BESS Nuclear Crypto Data Center Waste Disposal Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to ask county Counselor Bob To draft the document by Jan 5 for commission review Commissioner Tran second all approved

Commissioners discussed a date for budget amendment which departments and why there was a need

Bourbon County

Commission Catch-up by Commissioner Mika Milburn 12/8/2025

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Mika MIlburn Kee

Mika‘s Commission Catch-up 12/8/2025

During Public Comments Commission heard comment from ROD Laura requesting additional space would like suite 10 that the commission has been prepping for driver lic services

Taxpayer wanted to express his opinion on how the elected officials work together

Gregg Motley announced his resignation as Board Member of Freeman and announced that the CMS survey should be done by the end of year.

Deanna Betts with Bourbon County Core Community spoke about the work they have been doing to help families get out of poverty

Meeting Minutes for Dec 1 were tabled to the Dec 15 Meeting

Commissioner Milburn made a motion to move the charges for Locksmith from Commission to IT Department charges. Commissioner Beerbower second all approved

Commissioners met with Attorney Billenberg who represented the commission and the Attorneys for the solar company to meet a resolve litigation on the current projects

Following Executive session Commissioner Beerbower motioned to adopt removal of moratorium Tran Second Milburn asked for discussion, commissioners called a short recess, after recess Commissioner Beerbower motioned to rescind motion on the table Tran second all approved, The commission opened the topic up to the public to comment as this topic has been a long discussion. After public input from Randy Mcnalty, Mary Pemberton the commission voted to approve resolutions 39-41/25 pertaining to solar moratorium /agreements. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to approve settlement agreements and contribution agreements with Hinton and Tenyson Creek Tran second all approved.

A speaker came to speak to the commission about SBA Loans

Public works presented a culvert request to the commission for 2222 35th street Commissioner Milburn made a motion to approve Commissioner Beerbower second all approved

Public works announced that the bridge at fern is done and they will get the load rating sign installed

140th street speed limit discussion tabled to 12/15

Commissioner Milburn announced the annex is being done for the 6th Judicial and they would begin moving in.

Commissioner Milburn motion to sign resolution 38-25 for the 6th judicial Commissioner Beerbower second all approved

Commissioner Milburn made a motion to sign real property relief application at 2453 Jayhawk road due to a loss from fire Commissioner Beerbower Second all approved

Commissioner Tran made a motion to rescind motion from last week to move 200k from inmate fund to general Commissioner Beerbower second all approved

Dec 22 and Dec 29 meetings are canceled as Commissioner Beerbower and Tran are unavailable.

We will need fund amendments for -Appraiser- Landfill – Public Safety – Jail Sales Tax so a timeline for a meeting will need to be worked out for this

Road Closure for 267th street between lot 13 and 16 will need to be published hold a public hearing.

Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution establishing the procedures to sell of Bourbon County KS owned real estate through a licensed Real Estate Broker.

Commissioner Milburn moved to sign resolution 42-25 for the sale of real estate. Commissioner Beerbower second all approved.

Commissioner Milburn was tasked with writing a letter for the clerk to send to all realtors offering 6% and asking for submission of Market analysis presentations. Commissioner Beerbower and Commissioner Tran will then decide who to hire.

Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution to provide space in suite 10 to the state driver lic office this resolution follows the current contract the DL office currently held with 108 w 2nd street. Commissioner Milburn made a motion to accept resolution 43-25 a resolution for office space for the kdor driver lic division Commissioner Beerbower second all approved

Passed resolutions that have not yet been signed will be brought back next week to sign.

Bourbon County, Business

Tri-Valley Receives Grant for Diabetic Training Tool

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Tri-Valley Developmental Services (TVDS) is proud to announce the receipt of a $297 grant from the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends.  The grant will be used to purchase a diabetic training kit, which will be used to enhance staff competency in diabetes care for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties in Southeast Kansas.

“Tri-Valley is grateful to the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for enabling us to train our staff on proper diabetes care for the individuals we serve.” said Bill Fiscus, CEO.  “Tri-Valley appreciates the support given to us by both the Community Foundation and the Rita J. Bicknell Circle of Friends Committee.”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond.  Call  CFSEK at 620-231-8897 with questions about the Community foundation.

 

 

Submitted by

Tricia Campbell

Special Projects Coordinator