Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Mika Milburn-Kee
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
May 12, 2025, 12:00 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Executive Session Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy – with possible action
III. Adjournment
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.
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Uniontown City Council Agenda and Packet for May 13
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL: ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of April 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
- March Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & March Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed
406 Fulton Street-letter sent to regarding nuisance vehicles
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
Quickbook Online Course-attended May 8th, city office was closed.
Evergy is giving a presentation regarding the energy assistance program on 6/3/25 at 10 AM.
Fish Food has arrived.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton – Zoning Public Forum meeting 5/14/25 at 6 PM
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – work has started on the City Libray and City Office
FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering
Warehouse Insulation – is planned to start on May 13.
Sidewalk-Ag Engineering preliminary study is completed. He stated that we will receive completed documentation when finalized.
Park electric – CrawKan will do the boring for the electrical line needed for the park electric. We will wait to complete this when CrawKan has an opening in their schedule.
NEW BUSINESS
New Ordinance No. 206-presented to Council for changes or approval.
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 ___________
ORDINANCE NO. 206 NEW UTILITY DEPOSIT FEES AND DEPOSIT REFUNDS REPLACES ORD 194
USD235 Board of Ed. Agenda Packet for May 12
Bo Co Commission Special Meeting is May 12
There will be a special meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Monday, May 12th at 12:00 PM.
Topic of discussion is for non-elected personnel with possible action.
Bo Co Zoning Committee Meets May 13
The Bourbon County Commission Zoning Committee’s next regular committee meeting is Tuesday, 5/13 at 5:30 pm in Courthouse, commission room.
Up coming Public Forums:
Wednesday, 5/14 at 6:00 pm at Uniontown Community Center.
Tuesday, 5/20 at 6:00 pm at Fulton Community Center.
Wednesday, 5/21 at 6:00 pm at Memorial Hall in Fort Scott.
Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk
Bourbon County Arts Council Presents Barnaby Bright
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Bo Co Commission Agenda Packet for May 12
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Mika Milburn-Kee
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
May 12, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 05.05.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 05.09.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $58,537.22
b. Tax Roll Corrections
V. Old Business
a. Policy & Procedures
i. Workers Compensation – Beerbower
ii. Letterhead
iii. Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn
b. Separation of Public Works and Landfill Departments – Beerbower
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Ealyn Taylor – Animal Control
b. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
Future business that has been tabled in past meetings or planned for future meetings:
Public Hearing 05.19.25 5:35PM Vacation of Road
SEK Mental Health Budget
Juvenile Detention Budget
Office Restructuring Cost
Handbook: Personal Improvement Plan, Corrective Action Plan, Formal Written Notice,
Deviation Policy
Mission Statement (June 2nd)
Job Descriptions
Handbook Updated
Economic Development Direction
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.
Local Office of Tennyson Creek Solar Opens In Fort Scott
Tennyson Creek Solar, a project of Doral Renewables LLC, has opened an office in downtown Fort Scott, at 109 S. Main Street.
“This move underscores the company’s ongoing investment in the region and its intent to remain a visible, responsive, and long-term partner in the community,” said Cliff Williams, vice president of development at Doral Renewables.
Marlon Merida has been named Local Outreach Coordinator.
“Marlon will serve as a direct link between the project and residents, answering questions, facilitating outreach events, and ensuring Tennyson Creek Solar stays actively engaged with the people of Bourbon County.”
“We’re honored to have someone with deep local ties like Marlon leading our community engagement,” said Williams. “From investing in student-led innovation to opening a local office, we’re here to listen, collaborate, and grow with Bourbon County.”
“He will be staffing the office, welcoming anyone in the community who would like to learn more about the project,” Williams said.
“Tennyson Creek Solar has received necessary approvals from Bourbon County to proceed with the project which will generate over $94.4 million in property taxes in total for all taxing districts over the life of the project,” he said.
“Donation agreements are also in place with Uniontown USD 235, Fort Scott USD 234, Fort Scott Community College, and CORE Community of Bourbon County,” he said.
“Coming from Southeast Kansas, I feel I’m very grateful to help with something that will bring many benefits to the community. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with community members,” said Merida, Local Outreach Coordinator, in a press release.
Merida earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in communication from Pittsburg State University. He was a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, Republican from Kansas, in 2024.
“Marlon recently attended the SunPowered Student Challenge, where he supported the Uniontown (High School) Lightspeed Eagles as they took top honors for their solar home project, ‘Curb Appeal’. His presence reflects Tennyson Creek Solar’s broader commitment to educational initiatives and youth development,” according to the press release.
“With these initiatives, Tennyson Creek Solar is not only building energy infrastructure, it’s building lasting relationships. From supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics , STEM, education to fostering transparent communication, the company continues to make strategic investments that aim to benefit Bourbon County for generations,” according to the press release.
Office hours are Mondays from 1-5 p.m., Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m., and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.
Phone: 620-687-5611. Email: [email protected]
About Tennyson Creek Solar+Storage, according to its website
The Tennyson Creek solar and storage project is being developed in southeastern Kansas. Once operational, it will generate 300 megawatts (MW) of clean and renewable electricity. This project will have a battery storage component of approximately 800 megawatt-hours (MWh) to enhance energy security and reliability. The Tennyson Creek project is within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) transmission system.
To view prior press releases from Tennyson Creek Solar and Doral Renewables:
Tennyson Creek Solar Donates to Uniontown Summer Ball
Doral Renewables Awards Grants to Bo.Co. Fire District #3 and Core Community
The Next Bourbon County Zoning Advisory Committee Forum is May 14
The Bourbon County Zoning Advisory Committee will hold public forums to inform residents of the proposal to add zoning in the County and to hear input from citizens. The first forum will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, at the Uniontown Community Center. Additional forums will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, at the Fulton Community Center and on Wednesday, May 21st, at Memorial Hall in Fort Scott. All forums will begin at 6:00 pm. We need and value your opinion, so every person who wishes to speak will be given 3 minutes to express your thoughts. All Bourbon County residents are encouraged to attend one of the forums; those dates again are May 14th at Uniontown, May 20th at Fulton and May 21st at Fort Scott.
Submitted by Mary Pemberton
Agenda of Bourbon County Commission Meeting on May 12
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Mika Milburn-Kee
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
May 12, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 05.05.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 05.09.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $58,537.22
b. Tax Roll Corrections
V. Old Business
a. Policy & Procedures
i. Workers Compensation – Beerbower
ii. Letterhead
iii. Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn
b. Separation of Public Works and Landfill Departments – Beerbower
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Ealyn Taylor – Animal Control
b. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
Future business that has been tabled in past meetings or planned for future meetings:
Public Hearing 05.19.25 5:35PM Vacation of Road
SEK Mental Health Budget
Juvenile Detention Budget
Office Restructuring Cost
Handbook: Personal Improvement Plan, Corrective Action Plan, Formal Written Notice,
Deviation Policy
Mission Statement (June 2nd)
Job Descriptions
Handbook Updated
Economic Development Direction
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.
Personal Property Change Refund Tax Year Trucks Change Refund Tax Year
2307 245th Street, Fulton (32.54)$ 32.54$ 2023
2307 245th Street, Fulton (26.04)$ -$ 2024
901 S Margrave (69.26)$ -$ 2024
(127.84)$ 32.54$
Tax Roll Corrections for Personal Property, Special Assessments, and Trucks
05.12.25
To view the entire packet, which couldn’t be copy and pasted:
Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Will Be Delayed
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging has received disappointing news that the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will not begin at its typical time.
Older Kansans anticipate the KSFMNP. It typically begins on June 1st, and individuals 60 and older who meet income guidelines receive ten $5 vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at farmers markets.
“We already have people that are calling to see when they can pick up the vouchers,” said Kathy Brennon, Executive Director of Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging. “It is a great opportunity for older Kansans to eat healthy as well as promoting our local farmers markets. There is no confirmed start date, but any delay could be detrimental because the participants might miss out of the peak growing times. The number of vouchers we have to distribute has been cut in half of what we received in previous years. We were not told why the number of vouchers was reduced.”
SEKAAA is the assigned Distribution Agency for Bourbon, Neosho, Labette, Crawford, and Allen counties.
For more information contact Stacy Dickerhoof, Associate Director, [email protected] 620-432-4547
Bourbon County Commission Meeting, April 28, 2025
Susan Walker, County Clerk, spent the first several minutes of the meeting bringing new District 3 Commissioner Mika Milburn and the other commissioners up to speed on the county’s quarterly financial report.
Last year, the county saw a major dip in sales tax from $1.6 to $1.2 million, which affected the county’s ability to deal with hard surface roads.
Commissioners approved the quarterly financial report for publication.
Pest Control Bid Opening, 3 year
Quality Pest Control Inc. Bid a $375 initial service charge and monthly service for $375.
Ashcraft Pest Control, bid a 3 year contract for $500.
PestX Solutions, the county’s current vendor, bid $310 per month.
Milburn expressed desire to be transparent with county business and give local business owners an opportunity to bid on county contracts.
Commissioner David Beerbower said he favored the Ashcraft bid because it was local. Milburn said that while she favored local, she wanted to be careful not to set an unwise precedent, because it’s not her money being spent.
The commissioner unanimously approved the Ashcraft Pest Control bid.
Trash Service Bid Opening, 3 year
Lynn Sanitation bid $470 per month, no additional fees, no yearly increase.
WCA out of Missouri bid $440.30 with a 7% annual increase possible.
Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt made motion to hire Lynn Sanitation and the commission approved it.
Executive session for employee performance
Resumed normal session with action
Milburn made motion to move $6,500 from the commission fund to the clerk to cover the funds needed for Resolution 1425, adopted by the commission earlier this year.
Milburn also moved to create a floater position to help around the courthouse through October and to post the job opening. Commission approved both motions.
Old Business
Policies and Procedures
Milburn moved to adopt the employee procedures for deviation and the deviation form that goes with it as an addendum to the employee handbook. Walker will prepare the resolution for the next commission meeting.
City of Fulton request for reduced landfill rates on condemned house debris
Fulton has 6-8 city-condemned houses, some falling in and some with unreachable owners.
Milburn recommended the commission adopt a resolution allowing Bourbon County cities with populations of less than 400 to bring construction and demolition waste to the landfill for $0 for the gratification of Bourbon County. This is for buildings or structures condemned by the city, not individuals.
Beerbower asked to table it for a week to have time to study the issue.
Work Comp Procedures and Benefits
Walker said that the county’s procedures for work comp are in the handbook. The first seven days is not covered, but it can be in severe instances. When an individual takes insurance that is voluntary, they are expected to pay it. With work comp, no taxes are taken out, so the person is made whole.
Sick leave can be used whether injury happens on or off the job. If a county employee feels that their situation is not covered by the employee handbook, they can file a deviation form and come speak to the commission in executive session about their situation.
Beerbower asked that they bring it back next week for further discussion.
Road Closure Application
Milburn moved to publish the road closure with GIS location to the official Bourbon County social media page, local news and certified mailings where appropriate so the commission can take into account any disputes before the meeting in two weeks. Commission approved.
Milburn also moved to create a resolution to require those who petition for road closures to cover the cost of the administrative functions of that road closure, including but not limited to newspaper publications and certified mailings because they are gaining a piece of property through that action.
Walker offered to check the state statutes about fees the county is allowed to charge and apply it to the resolution before bringing it to the next meeting. Commission approved.
Human Resources
Beerbower took Kruger’s position as commissioner liaison for human resources. His role was to be the disciplinary portion of a Human Resources position. The rest of the county’s HR needs are handled by the clerk’s office. Commissioners mentioned needing an actual HR person.
They decided to gather more information and discuss again next week.
Sheriff Vehicle request
Beerbower moved to fund the vehicle replacement costing $66,914 out of the general fund to be partially reimbursed by the insurance payment when it arrives.
Walker suggested paying for it from the jail sales tax fund, which is used to pay for other vehicles and which has a bit of a surplus right now. She said that the general fund doesn’t have a lot of money, and there’s no extra money setting there at this time.
Brian Murphy, deputy and advisor for the sheriff, said that the jail funding isn’t reliable. Murphy’s opinion says the money needs to be set aside in case of a problem at the jail.
Whisenhunt amended the motion to take the funds from the jail sales tax fund and the motion carried.
Budget
Walker gave the commissioners a list of those county officials and department heads who must come to speak to the commission regarding budget matters as the commission prepared the 2026 budget. She said they are running out of time to complete the work needed before June 15, when they get their tax numbers. They need to have the budget ready for those numbers by June 15 so that Walker can plug them in and the commission make any necessary changes to complete a budget by July 20, which is the legal deadline.
Walker said not to base the budget on the tax numbers, but on what the various department heads request in their budgets.
Milburn moved for a budget work session for Wednesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. to include Greg Motley as an advisor, as well as Susan Walker.
The commissioners set the date of June 1 to have department heads turn in their budgets to Susan Walker.
Whisenhunt made the motion to that affect and the commission approved it.