Reza – Edge of Illusion will be here for one night only, this Saturday, Feb. 8th at 7pm at the Ellis Fine Arts Center. All proceeds go to benefit Bourbon County Core Community. Tickets can be purchased at Rezalive.com (click on tour tickets).
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Election Business at Feb. 3 County Commissioner Meeting
County Commissioners received input from Michael Hoyt and Shane Walker on how to conduct the election of new commissioners for the new districts in Bourbon County.
Michael Hoyt began the public comments portion of the meeting by asking the commissioners what they are planning to do about the resolution made by the previous commission to hold elections for the added districts on April 18, 2025.
Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt responded by saying that after talks with the Kansas governor’s office, they were told no special election is allowed allowed to fill the two new commissioner district position.
Hoyt claimed it may be possible to hold the election in April by a commission resolution. He mentioned that Jay Hall believes that the county could.
Shane Walker, Bourbon County Chief Operating Officer, commented from the audience that that was not the case, causing Hoyt to tell him he was there to address the commission, not Walker. Hoyt then left the table and ended his comments.
Walker came to the commissioners’ table to address the issue saying, “I’ll explain it so you guys can do it right so we don’t have this problem.”
He explained that in a meeting with the governor’s chief of staff and legal counsel, he learned that a law was passed in 2023 due to Potowatomie and Douglas county’s plans to have a special election to fill their new commission district seats.
Jay Hall, Shalenberger, and attorneys met with county officials. They told county officials that if they go by the letter of the law, the election will hold up in a court case, but that holding a special election with candidates chosen by the leaders of the Republican and Democrat parties would render the election invalid and open the county up to being sued. Because there are no current commissioners for the two new districts, they are not considered vacated positions.
“We don’t need sued. We do things legal for a reason….The old law doesn’t get struck, but this [new law] supersedes it,” Walker said. “The recommendation from the highest offices at the state absolutely say that we need to do it as a standard election.”
With current election situation, the new commissioners would enter their positions in 2026 and hold office for one year, terming out at the same time as Whisenhunt. However, the commission could choose to have one of the new commissioners hold a three year term that would coincide with the two commissioners elected in 2024, Dave Beerbower and Leroy Kruger, while the other new commissioner’s term would end with Whisenhunt’s. The purpose of this law is to keep the commission from having a super-majority of four commissioners running for office every four years and only one commissioner on the opposite two years.
If commissioners are elected contrary to current state law, and the county is sued and looses the suit, all the actions taken by those commissioners would be subject to that lawsuit.
Walker agreed with Hoyt that a special election would be good, so the new offices are filled quickly, but state law does not allow for that.
The commission took no action at the meeting, but acknowledged the need to change the previous commission’s resolution for an April 18, 2025 election as well as look further into the matter before making another decision about the election.
Kruger, referring to the interruption and outburst between Hoyt and Walker, “We’re not going to go back to the old ways of the old commission…I want to do a good job of getting away from the negativity and get back on board with having these meetings done correctly.”
Talking about how to conduct a meeting according to the rules of order, Beerbower pointed out that when someone fails to follow those rules, a point of order should be called to rectify it and the chairman (Whisenhunt). Whisenhunt agreed and apologized for not keeping order. Beerbower acknowledges that this is only the commission’s fourth meeting and everyone is still learning.
Public Works Report
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, came to the commission with a department update including monthly culvert reports.
“We have developed a safety committee at public works with a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary as well and then all of our lead people are on the Safety Committee at this time,” he said.
His department is in contact with KWorks, awaiting the return of the contact person there to continue with the committee’s work and get answers about OSHA training.
The committee has a book they are following to get some safety policies and procedures started as well as some training. The committee will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 at the public works building. However, the February meeting will be on Feb. 12, due to a conflict with other training regarding working at the quarry, which the public works employees will be doing Feb. 5.
Bailey also told of the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission creating a comprehensive safety action plan for several counties in the area, including Bourbon County. The purpose of the plan is to identifying solutions along the region’s street system to eliminate fatalities and serious injury crashes. They are holding an open house Wednesday Feb. 19 from 4-7 p.m. at Buck Run Community Center.
“I encourage everyone to swing by. There will be no presentation, it’s just kind of come in and look at what they have so far.”
He also encouraged everyone to fill out the survey on the SEKRPC website at https://sekrpc.org/ .
Bailey also said that his department will have a meeting with FEMA on Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. and he is working on getting quotes for roof replacements on Elm Creek Lake shelters.
Beerbower asked for a list of what’s needed to repair that area of the lake for the two volunteers who have contacted him to work on it.
Bailey also suggested using individuals sentenced with community service could help as well.
He said that crews are now picking up limbs felled by recent storms as well as grading gravel roads damaged after all the freezes and thaws. The ditch north of Tomahawk on 125th being repaired after the rains.
Hospital equipment disposal
Kruger, who is the commissioners’ contact for Freeman Hospital said that Freeman wants to know what the county would like to do with the equipment they have no use for. Freeman has a contact for donating it to third world nations that cannot afford to purchase new equipment.
Beerbower and Whisenhunt agreed that donating it would be a good solution. Since it’s taxpayer owned, they need to dispose of it properly. Most of it outdated or not in good working order.
Whisenhunt asked Kruger to get a list of the equipment.
County Clerk Susan Walker mentioned there is a state statute which addresses the disposal of county property, but that a memorandum of understanding to be reviewed by the county’s counsel is also in order.
The issue was tabled for now.
Commissioner comments
Kruger reminded all that the meeting with city commissioners will be at The Empress Center at 5:30 on Feb. 6, 2025. No county business will be conducted, but it is a work session.
Beerbower said Elm Creek Lake has some great potential. His only reservation is having a rock quarry out there too. He wants to study efficiency of the county owning a rock quarry.
Whisenhunt choked up a bit and said he had a request from youngest daughter due to tragedy at school last week. “She wanted me to remind everybody to stay off the frozen water.”
“Amen!” was the response of several folks present.
County and City Commissioners Will Meet Together On Feb. 6
A work session for the County Commissioners with the City Commissioners will be held at the Empress Event Center on
February 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.
Walker Advocates For Securing Expanded Whistleblower Protections
Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk, who was formally the Bourbon County Chief Financial Officer was featured in a recent story in State Affairs, a Topeka-based publication.
“Walker is… advocating for others who might find themselves in a similarly precarious position, having approached multiple Kansas lawmakers in hopes of securing expanded whistleblower protections,” according to the article.
‘Walker’s concerns spurred Rep. Carrie Barth to introduce House Bill 2160 in the House Committee on Local Government, offering legal protections for whistleblower scenarios at the local level,” according to the article.
To view the story: https://pro.stateaffairs.com/ks/politics/whistleblower-protection-kansas-2025
The above link is an article published by State Affairs/Hawver’s Capitol Report and written by Matt Resnick, a former Fort Scott Tribune reporter. https://stateaffairs.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Feb. 3 With Financials
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
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
February 3, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – Mark McCoy
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 01/27/25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $239,105.03
b. Salary Resolution 14-25 repealing 12-25
V. Old Business
a. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(3) & 75-4319 (b)(2)– Whisenhunt (Contract
Negotiations & Ongoing Litigation) (30 min)
b. Executive Session 75-4319 (b)(1) – Beerbower (10 min) (non-elected personnel job
performance)
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Department Update
i. Public Works, Eric Bailey
b. SEKRPC Dues $4,554
c. Hospital Equipment Disposal
d. Outsourcing Tax Sale
e. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
***Reminder of City & County Meeting – 02/06/25 at Memorial Hall (5:30 PM)
A work session for the County Commissioners with the City Commissioners will be held at Memorial Hall on
February 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.
Selection Criteria: Vendor =
Bank =
Batch =
Due Date = 1/31/2025
Invoice Date =
Invoice Inv Date
Invoice Amt
Open Invoices by Fund/Department (APLT22) Bourbon County
Invoice Description
Vendor Account Account Description
00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 001 GENERAL FUND
103566 12/19/2024 VERBATIM 32GB STORE N GO FLASH DRIVE
$34.00ADVANTAGE COMPUTER ENTERPRISES 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities275
103741 1/6/2025 PC/PRINTER LABOR
$37.50ADVANTAGE COMPUTER ENTERPRISES 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities275
08-2093-01 1/30/25 1/30/2025 108 W 2ND ST
$62.88CITY OF FT SCOTT UTILITIES DPT 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities3500
08-2227-01 1/30/25 1/30/2025 210 S NATIONAL AVE
$292.82CITY OF FT SCOTT UTILITIES DPT 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities3500
2025-01 1/2/2025 TRANSCRIPT OF JURY TRIAL HEARING 10/28/24-10/30/24
$221.50DARCIE A. CRUZ 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
G10CBFM00370012 12/31/2024 AUTOPSY SERVICES X2
$4,950.00FORENSIC MEDICAL 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
921666842-2 1/17/2025 FINAL OWED FOR 2024 ELEVATOR REPAIRS
$8,480.00KONE, INC. 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities11275
02336 1/17/2025 LEGAL SERVICES RENDERED 6/28/24-11/6/24
$1,420.00MANBECK LAW, LLC 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
02337 1/17/2025 LEGAL SERVICES RENDERED 6/3/24-1/13/25
$1,490.00MANBECK LAW, LLC 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
42161131 12/31/2024 PENS/PAPER/HANG WALL FILE
$966.91QUILL CORPORATION 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities16700
Page 1 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:41 AM
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Invoice Description
Vendor Account Account Description
201250546 1/15/2025 SERVICES RENDERED THROUGH 12/28/24:SCENARIO
CREATION/FINAL DELIVERABLES
$7,600.00SURVEYING & MAPPING,LLC 001000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
$25,555.61Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 001 : $50,358.73
Page 2 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:41 AM
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01 COUNTY COMMISSIONDept:
Fund: 001 GENERAL FUND
1/15/25 1/15/2025 TRAVEL TO TOPEKA FOR CONFERENCE/287@$0.70/MILE
$200.90DAVID BEERBOWER 001015200 COMMISSION CONTRACTUAL SV######
6103802804 1/17/2025 ACCT#00011 COMMISSIONERS PHONES:BILL SUMMARY 12/18/24-
1/17/25
$395.73VERIZON WIRELESS 001015200 COMMISSION CONTRACTUAL SV######
$596.63Subtotal for Department: 01 :
Total for Fund: 001 : $50,358.73
Page 3 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:41 AM
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04 COUNTY ATTORNEYDept:
Fund: 001 GENERAL FUND
CHS-14742 1/7/2025 HOTEL ACCOMMODATION FOR VICTIM
$110.24COURTLAND HOTEL & AVEDA SPA 001045200 ATTORNEY CONTRACTUAL SVC######
42287232 1/8/2025 WALL CALENDARS
$106.20QUILL CORPORATION 001045300 ATTORNEY COMMODITIES16700
6103802799 1/17/2025 ACCT#00004 ATTORNEY PHONES:BILL SUMMARY 12/18/24-1/17/25
$83.02VERIZON WIRELESS 001045200 ATTORNEY CONTRACTUAL SVC######
$299.46Subtotal for Department: 04 :
Total for Fund: 001 : $50,358.73
Page 4 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:41 AM
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07 COURTHOUSE MAINTENANCEDept:
Fund: 001 GENERAL FUND
69422 1/27/2025 GAL NIPPLE
$1.49JUDY’S IRON & METAL, INC. 001075300 GENERAL COMMODITIES9799
240206 1/23/2025 WASHER SLIP/WASHER SJ AST POLY CARD/STRAIGHT VALVE/P
TRAP/TAILPIECE/FAUCET SUPPLY LINE
$85.30MAYCO ACE HARDWARE 001075300 GENERAL COMMODITIES12610
$86.79Subtotal for Department: 07 :
Total for Fund: 001 : $50,358.73
Page 5 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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10 DISTRICT COURTDept:
Fund: 001 GENERAL FUND
1/31/25 TERRA 1/28/2025 FEBRUARY ATTORNEY CONTRACT:TERRA
$2,100.00BASELEY LAW OFFICE LLC 001105200 DISTRICT COURT CONTRACTUA######
1/31/25 JOSH 1/28/2025 FEBRUARY ATTORNEY CONTRACT:JOSH
$1,700.00BASELEY LAW OFFICE LLC 001105200 DISTRICT COURT CONTRACTUA######
10066290 1/29/2025 REIMBURSEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF DRAGON PROFESSIONAL
INDIVIDUAL V16 UPGRADE
$349.00COURTNY MITCHELL 001105200 DISTRICT COURT CONTRACTUA######
1/31/25 1/28/2025 FEBRUARY ATTORNEY CONTRACT
$1,900.00DOMONEY & DOMONEY 001105200 DISTRICT COURT CONTRACTUA######
564391-0 1/17/2025 PAPER/ENVELOPES
$153.17ETTINGER’S 001105300 DISTRICT COURT COMMODITIES5800
1/31/25 1/28/2025 FEBRUARY ATTORNEY CONTRACT
$4,400.00GREGORY, GILBERT E 001105200 DISTRICT COURT CONTRACTUA8100
1/29/2025 HARTMAN 1/29/2025 HARTMAN 2025 SPRING CONFERENCE
$135.00KACSO 001105200 DISTRICT COURT CONTRACTUA######
1/29/2025 SHAFE 1/29/2025 SHAFE 2025 SPRING CONFERENCE
$135.00KACSO 001105200 DISTRICT COURT CONTRACTUA######
53586 1/20/2025 WINDOW ENVELOPES
$220.01SEKAN PRINTING COMPANY INC. 001105300 DISTRICT COURT COMMODITIES18300
53585 1/20/2025 RETURN ENVELOPES
$80.00SEKAN PRINTING COMPANY INC. 001105300 DISTRICT COURT COMMODITIES18300
53584 1/20/2025 ENVELOPES
$88.75SEKAN PRINTING COMPANY INC. 001105300 DISTRICT COURT COMMODITIES18300
PI694638 1/24/2025 KT CATALYST PRO
$4,299.00STENOGRAPH LLC 001105300 DISTRICT COURT COMMODITIES19650
Page 6 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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13567 1/24/2025 STANDARD INTERPRETATION 1/22/25
$180.00TRANSLATIONPERFECT.COM 001105200 DISTRICT COURT CONTRACTUA######
$15,739.93Subtotal for Department: 10 :
Total for Fund: 001 : $50,358.73
Page 7 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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11 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESSDept:
Fund: 001 GENERAL FUND
5277483188 1/28/25 1/28/2025 1131 250TH ST TWR
$72.84EVERGY 001115200 EM. PREP. CONTRACTUALSVCS21950
$72.84Subtotal for Department: 11 :
Total for Fund: 001 : $50,358.73
Page 8 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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15 I TDept:
Fund: 001 GENERAL FUND
CH2423291 1/6/2025 PROJECT:BOURBON COUNTY-2024.11-DV_TS BOURBON COUNTY
PALO ALTON PA-455-147883
$3,027.50CDW GOVERNMENT 001155200 I/T CONTRACTUAL SVCS######
BC-2025-2 1/1/2025 ANNUAL MANAGED HOSTING AND SITE MAINT./REDUNDANT
OFFSITE SITE BACKUP/MANAGED WEBSITE SECURITY/SSL
SECURITY CERTIFICATE
$4,689.00REDLOGIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC 001155200 I/T CONTRACTUAL SVCS######
$7,716.50Subtotal for Department: 15 :
Total for Fund: 001 : $50,358.73
Page 9 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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43 COURTHOUSE GENERALDept:
Fund: 001 GENERAL FUND
1217143248 1/29/25 1/29/2025 STREET LIGHTS
$29.97EVERGY 001435200 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES21950
6783 1/25/2025 KEYING 2 CYLINDERS(2ND FLOOR)
$261.00KEENAN SYSTEMS LOCKSMITH 001435200 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES10460
$290.97Subtotal for Department: 43 :
Total for Fund: 001 : $50,358.73
Page 10 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 016 APPRAISERS
6103802803 1/17/2025 ACCT#00010 APPRAISERS PHONES: BILL SUMMARY 12/18/24-
1/17/25
$64.35VERIZON WIRELESS 016005200 APPRAISER CONTRACTUAL SVC######
$64.35Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 016 : $64.35
Page 11 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 052 COUNTY TREASURER MO
TOR FUND
1/27/25 1/27/2025 FEBRUARY CONFERENCE
$300.00KCTA TREASURER 052005395 TRAINING & MEETINGS######
$300.00Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 052 : $300.00
Page 12 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 064 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
22615 1/29/2025 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SERVICES JANUARY 2025
$1,078.00RPS BENEFITS BY DESIGN INC 064005204 BENEFIT HEALTH INSURANCE######
$1,078.00Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 064 : $1,078.00
Page 13 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 097 SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEM
ENT
1/24/25 1/24/2025 GYM MEMBERSHIP REIMBURSEMENT
$82.23LUKE DEMKO 097005300 COMMODITIES######
1/27/25 1/27/2025 SHERIFF CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO CORRECTION OFFICERS
$219.51MARTIN, BILL 097005300 COMMODITIES12300
$301.74Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 097 : $301.74
Page 14 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 108 LANDFILL
402550488 1/31/25 1/31/2025 SECURITY AT LANDFILL
$257.35ADT SECURITY SERVICES INC. 108005200 LANDFILL CONTRACTUAL SVCS139
31070 1/23/2025 MSW 1/16 – 1/22/25
$4,961.80ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS 108005200 LANDFILL CONTRACTUAL SVCS450
1WQG-QHWW-NYYL 1/21/2025 PIN PUNCH COMPOST TURNER
$7.99AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 108005300 LANDFILL COMMODITIES######
1842431735 1/24/25 1/24/2025 ELECTRIC AT LANDFILL
$455.71EVERGY 108005200 LANDFILL CONTRACTUAL SVCS21950
SS310048684 1/24/2025 PARTS KIT #15
$996.76FOLEY EQUIPMENT CO. 108005200 LANDFILL CONTRACTUAL SVCS447
59340 1/24/2025 TONER LANDFILL PRINTER
$99.00GALEN C BIGELOW, JR. 108005200 LANDFILL CONTRACTUAL SVCS14010
0198-339704 1/23/2025 GREASE
$59.43O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 108005300 LANDFILL COMMODITIES15000
0198-340204 1/27/2025 INTERIOR CLEANER/AIR CHUCK
$20.83O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 108005300 LANDFILL COMMODITIES15000
2026-1810952 1/31/2025 MEMBERSHIP DUES
$305.00SWANA 108005200 LANDFILL CONTRACTUAL SVCS######
09P56565 1/20/2025 BRUSH GUARD/BUMPER/RAISED MOUNT
$4,500.00TRI-STATE TRUCK CENTER, INC 108005300 LANDFILL COMMODITIES######
$11,663.87Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 108 : $11,663.87
Page 15 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 120 COUNTY SHERIFF/CORRE
CTIONAL
16-4898-00 1/30/25 1/30/2025 293 E 20TH IRR STREET
$25.11CITY OF FT SCOTT UTILITIES DPT 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities3500
16-4897-01 1/30/25 1/30/2025 293 E 20TH ST
$472.82CITY OF FT SCOTT UTILITIES DPT 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities3500
729494 12/30/2024 COMMERCIAL REPAIR/SOFTENER MATE PACKETS
$247.00CULLIGAN OF JOPLIN 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
36426175 11/13/2024 PAN GAS CONVECTION STEAMER REPAIRS
$1,853.62HOBART SERVICE 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
36420476 11/13/2024 REPAIR TO SOBEND BRAISING PAN
$392.17HOBART SERVICE 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
2406 11/17/2024 KSA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
$400.00KANSAS SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
47295 12/3/2024 REPLACED SECTIONS OF PIPE IN HOT WATER RETURN LINES
$4,361.92SATTERLEE PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR-COND 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
47591 12/3/2024 INSTALLED RECIRCULATION PUMP
$3,311.59SATTERLEE PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR-COND 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
00627-11679 12/27/2024 S#9 OIL CHANGE
$119.23STRICKLAND BROTHERS 120000050 Prior Year Liabilities######
PAYMENT 19 DURANGO 1/24/2025 PAYMENT 19 FOR DURANGO
$75.00UNION STATE BANK 120005200 SHERIFF CONTRACTUAL######
$11,258.46Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 120 : $11,258.46
Page 16 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 200 NOXIOUS WEED
7853573428 1/23/25 1/23/2025 ELECTRIC AT SHOP
$805.45EVERGY 200005200 NOXIOUS WEED CONTRACTUAL21950
2025 DUES 1/31/2025 CWDAK/SEKWDA 2024 DUES – BOURBON COUNTY
$200.00SEKWDA 200005200 NOXIOUS WEED CONTRACTUAL######
$1,005.45Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 200 : $1,005.45
Page 17 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 220 ROAD AND BRIDGE
1K4N-V3QR-NLKW 1/21/2025 THROTTLE ACTUATOR SALT SPREADER
$94.81AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES######
19J9-TFCR-QKLG 1/21/2025 REFLECTIVE TAPE #T129
$21.99AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES######
16Q9-Q4KR-VFQG 1/22/2025 AIR INTAKE HOSE #73
$146.99AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES######
1793-YF4T-3VCQ 1/27/2025 STARTER MOTOR
$65.53AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES######
466655 1/17/2025 16″ CHAIN
$30.00BIG SUGAR LUMBER AND HOME CTR. 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES1400
1/31/2025 1/31/2025 WIRE FEE FOR BUCKLEY POWDER INVOICE
$30.00BOURBON COUNTY TREASURER 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL2450
171089 1/9/2025 BLAKE QUARRY BLAST 47,662 TONS @ $1.19
$56,748.48BUCKLEY POWDER CO. 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL2569
7853573428 1/23/25 1/23/2025 ELECTRIC AT SHOP
$805.45EVERGY 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL21950
7983574946 1/23/25 1/23/2025 ELECTRIC AT SHOP 1429 215TH
$281.27EVERGY 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL21950
SS310048667 1/23/2025 POWER BY THE HOUR #52 12/26/24 – 1/22/25
$433.49FOLEY EQUIPMENT CO. 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL447
SS310048685 1/24/2025 POWER BY THE HOUR #53 12/26/24 – 1/23/25
$498.82FOLEY EQUIPMENT CO. 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL447
425602 1/21/2025 TUBE GREASE
$65.00LOCKWOOD MOTOR SUPPLY, INC. 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES12100
Page 18 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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Invoice Description
Vendor Account Account Description
425589 1/21/2025 ADHESIVE
$33.99LOCKWOOD MOTOR SUPPLY, INC. 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES12100
425686 1/22/2025 FEMALE SWIVEL
$11.93LOCKWOOD MOTOR SUPPLY, INC. 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES12100
425739 1/23/2025 HOSE/FEMALE SWIVELS
$189.07LOCKWOOD MOTOR SUPPLY, INC. 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES12100
425872 1/27/2025 GRAB HOOK/CHAIN DUMP TRAILER
$31.96LOCKWOOD MOTOR SUPPLY, INC. 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES12100
425933 1/28/2025 HEAT SHRINK/BUTT TERMINAL #193
$26.04LOCKWOOD MOTOR SUPPLY, INC. 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES12100
240134 1/23/2025 SAFETY HASP
$41.93MAYCO ACE HARDWARE 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES12610
2381957 1/21/2025 CUTTING EDGE/RADIATOR/VAPOR CONDENSER #193
$1,581.43MURPHY TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT CO 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES14125
2381959 1/21/2025 CUTTING EDGE EXCHANGE #193
($205.72)MURPHY TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT CO 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES14125
0198-338592 1/13/2025 HOOK & PICK SET #73
$12.99O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-338728 1/14/2025 ENGINE STAND
$129.99O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339051 1/17/2025 SERPENTINE BELT/TENSIONER #73
$57.70O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339074 1/17/2025 RESISTOR RETURN/CRANKSHAFT SENSOR EXCHANGE #73
($105.03)O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339080 1/17/2025 COOLANT HOSE #73
$20.62O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339056 1/17/2025 CRANKSHAFT SENSORS #73
$79.65O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
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Vendor Account Account Description
0198-339549 1/21/2025 BRAKE ROTOR #11
$89.50O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339539 1/21/2025 PILOT PUNCHES
$39.99O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339527 1/21/2025 BRAKE CLEANER
$41.88O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339526 1/21/2025 BRAKE SHOES #11
$28.80O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339462 1/21/2025 LIFT SUPPORT #196
$35.98O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339512 1/21/2025 SOCKET #11
$24.99O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339710 1/23/2025 BRAKE CABLES #11
$31.15O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339823 1/24/2025 TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
$79.99O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339909 1/24/2025 AIR FILTER #2
$17.15O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339908 1/24/2025 COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR #2
$13.52O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339867 1/24/2025 PARKING BRAKE CABLE #11
$37.09O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-339834 1/24/2025 ENGINE MOUNT/RADIATOR/THROTTLE SENSOR #2
$238.28O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
0198-340200 1/27/2025 BATTERY/CORE EXCHANGE/FUSE #84
$140.95O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES15000
1220039529 1/22/2025 TIRES/O-RING #53
$10,454.78POMP’S TIRE SERVICE, INC 220005300 ROAD & BRIDGE COMMODITIES4500
Page 20 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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Vendor Account Account Description
20489 1/17/2025 REPLACE 2 GRADER TIRES W/NEW VALVE STEMS & O RINGS
$600.00SIGG TIRE & REPAIR, INC 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL######
20564 1/21/2025 REPAIR GRADER TIRE
$400.00SIGG TIRE & REPAIR, INC 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL######
20565 1/21/2025 REPLACE 6 GRADER TIRES
$700.00SIGG TIRE & REPAIR, INC 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL######
20583 1/24/2025 REPAIR 2 GRADER TIRES
$600.00SIGG TIRE & REPAIR, INC 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL######
09W11822 1/27/2025 REPLACED CONVEYOR MOTOR #151
$3,341.30TRI-STATE TRUCK CENTER, INC 220005200 ROAD & BRIDGE CONTRACTUAL######
$78,043.73Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 220 : $78,043.73
Page 21 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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Invoice Description
Vendor Account Account Description
00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 222 ROAD & BRIDGE SALES T
AX FUND
1TT7-MKHX-4J1F 1/22/2025 CYLINDER HONE SALT SPREADER
$25.06AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 222005300 R&B SALES TAX COMMODITIES######
$25.06Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 222 : $25.06
Page 22 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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Invoice Description
Vendor Account Account Description
00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 224 ROAD & BRIDGE SP. IMPR
OVEMENT
23.1.0304-4 1/24/2025 DESIGN SERVICES FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT 5.0-S.9
$1,775.00SCHWAB-EATON PA 224000050 Prior Year Liabilities17800
$1,775.00Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 224 : $1,775.00
Page 23 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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Invoice Description
Vendor Account Account Description
00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 246 SPEC PROSECUTOR TRUS
T-FORFEITU
1/16/25 1/16/2025 PARTIAL REFUND FOR FORFEITURE
$2,320.00CITY OF FORT SCOTT 246005200 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES3475
$2,320.00Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 246 : $2,320.00
Page 24 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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Vendor Account Account Description
00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 370 BOND SALES TAX – COUN
TY JAIL
PAYMENT 35 EQUIPMENT 1/17/2025 PAYMENT 35 EQUIPMENT
$260.74LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK 370005508 LEASE – INTEREST######
PAYMENT 35 EQUIPMENT 1/17/2025 PAYMENT 35 EQUIPMENT
$3,170.40LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK 370005509 LEASE – PRINCIPAL######
1-3635-10 1/23/25 1/23/2025 TRUST NUMBER 1-3635-10, BOURBON CO KS COP SERIES 2016
$825.00SECURITY BANK OF KANSAS CITY 370005510 DEBT SERVICE FEES######
1-3635-10 1/23/25 1/23/2025 TRUST NUMBER 1-3635-10, BOURBON CO KS COP SERIES 2016
$23,887.50SECURITY BANK OF KANSAS CITY 370005508 LEASE – INTEREST######
PAYMENT 19 DURANGO 1/24/2025 PAYMENT 19 FOR DURANGO
$2,598.86UNION STATE BANK 370005509 LEASE – PRINCIPAL######
PAYMENT 19 DURANGO 1/24/2025 PAYMENT 19 FOR DURANGO
$590.93UNION STATE BANK 370005508 LEASE – INTEREST######
$31,333.43Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 370 : $31,333.43
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 375 AMBULANCE SERVICE
144546 1/9/2025 EMS CLEAR DIESEL
$843.23BOURBON COUNTY ROAD & BRIDGE D 375000050 prior year liabilities2250
144545 1/9/2025 EMS GASOLINE
$1,264.50BOURBON COUNTY ROAD & BRIDGE D 375000050 prior year liabilities2250
6103262668 1/10/2025 ACCT#00007 EMS IPADS: BILL SUMMARY 12/11/24-1/10/25
$80.02VERIZON WIRELESS 375000050 prior year liabilities######
$2,187.75Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 375 : $5,324.62
Page 26 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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24 AMBULANCE SERVICEDept:
Fund: 375 AMBULANCE SERVICE
85641128 1/28/2025 SURGICAL TAPE/ALCOHOL PREP/BANDAGES/ECG CHART
PAPER/EMESIS BAG/IV ADMIN SET/EXTEN SET/NASAL
CXANNULA/NEBULIZER/ET TUBE INRODUCER/ECG
ELECTRODE/SYRINGE AND NEEDLE/GLOVES/COT
SHEET/URINAL/BEDPAN/PETROLATUM GAUZE STRIPS
$1,094.14BOUND TREE MEDICAL, LLC. 375245307 MEDICAL SUPPLIES######
9079952521 1/29/25 1/29/2025 405 S WOODLAND HILLS BLVD
$493.36EVERGY 375245208 ELECTRICITY-UTILITIES21950
393692 1/17/2025 OXYGEN
$69.00KIRKLAND WELDING SUPPLIES, INC 375245241 OXYGEN10900
393698 1/23/2025 OXYGEN
$113.00KIRKLAND WELDING SUPPLIES, INC 375245241 OXYGEN10900
594162 1/22/2025 ARROW EZ-IO NEEDLE SETS
$1,223.00SYNERGY SURGICAL 375245307 MEDICAL SUPPLIES######
6103802801 1/17/2025 ACCT#00007 EMS PHONES:BILL SUMMARY 12/18/24-1/17/25
$144.37VERIZON WIRELESS 375245211 TELEPHONE EXPENSES######
$3,136.87Subtotal for Department: 24 :
Total for Fund: 375 : $5,324.62
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00 Non-DepartmentalDept:
Fund: 399 EMERGENCY SERVICES S
ALES TAX
1/27/25 1/27/2025 REFUND FOR SALES TAX ERROR OCT/NOV DISTR/KDOR
$1,176.38CITY OF BRONSON 399000050 Prior Year Liabilities70006
1/27/25 1/27/2025 REFUND FOR SALES TAX ERROR OCT/NOV DISTR/KDOR
$40,096.58CITY OF FORT SCOTT 399000050 Prior Year Liabilities3475
1/27/25 1/27/2025 REFUND FOR SALES TAX ERROR OCT/NOV DISTR/KDOR
$692.58CITY OF FULTON 399000050 Prior Year Liabilities70008
1/27/25 1/27/2025 REFUND FOR SALES TAX ERROR OCT/NOV DISTR/KDOR
$366.45CITY OF MAPLETON 399000050 Prior Year Liabilities70009
1/27/25 1/27/2025 REFUND FOR SALES TAX ERROR OCT/NOV DISTR/KDOR
$341.32CITY OF REDFIELD 399000050 Prior Year Liabilities70010
1/27/25 1/27/2025 REFUND FOR SALES TAX ERROR OCT/NOV DISTR/KDOR
$1,579.28CITY OF UNIONTOWN 399000050 Prior Year Liabilities70011
$44,252.59Subtotal for Department: 00 :
Total for Fund: 399 : $44,252.59
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Fund Totals
Fund Fund TotalFund Name
001 $50,358.73GENERAL FUND
016 $64.35APPRAISERS
052 $300.00COUNTY TREASURER MO
064 $1,078.00EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
097 $301.74SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEM
108 $11,663.87LANDFILL
120 $11,258.46COUNTY SHERIFF/CORRE
200 $1,005.45NOXIOUS WEED
220 $78,043.73ROAD AND BRIDGE
222 $25.06ROAD & BRIDGE SALES T
224 $1,775.00ROAD & BRIDGE SP. IMPR
246 $2,320.00SPEC PROSECUTOR TRUS
370 $31,333.43BOND SALES TAX – COUN
375 $5,324.62AMBULANCE SERVICE
399 $44,252.59EMERGENCY SERVICES S
$239,105.03Total:
Page 29 of 29Operator: Amber 1/31/2025 9:36:42 AM
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**K.S.A. 8‐145(b) will be followed (not to exceed $15,000)
ATTEST:
SEAL
Resolution 14‐25
Bourbon County, Kansas
Repealing Resolution 12‐25
SALARY RESOLUTION FOR ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS per K.S.A. 25‐825 & 19‐101
Elected Official Bi‐Weekly Annual
County Commissioner $823.70 $21,416.20
County Clerk $2,307.69 $60,000.00
County Treasurer $2,307.69 $60,000.00
Register of Deeds $2,307.69 $60,000.00
**Motor Vehicle & Investment Officer $384.62 $10,000.00
County Sheriff $2,884.62 $75,000.00
County Attorney $4,230.77 $110,000.02
Extra Assigned Duties Bi‐Weekly Annual
Election Officer $384.62 $10,000.00
Budget, Payroll & Benefits Officer $384.62 $10,000.00
Road Records Officer $192.31 $5,000.00
Appointed Officials per K.S.A. 28‐825 Bi‐Weekly Annual
Chief Operations Officer $3,408.34 $88,616.84
(IT, GIS, EM, SSIT, 911, Bldg. Mtce, Security)
Road & Bridge Director $2,697.60 $70,137.60
County Appraiser $2,596.16 $67,500.16
(Sanitation Officer)
EMS Director $2,692.31 $70,000.00
Commissioner
Salary resolution for elected & appointed officials passed ______ day of February, 2025.
The Board of County Commissioners
of Bourbon County, Kansas
Chairman
Susan E. Walker, County Clerk
Commissioner
Jennifer Hill Moves To Withdraw as Counsel for Board of Commissioners
A lawsuit was filed in November 2024 seeking to declare Bourbon County Resolution 14-24 unenforceable, which had been approved by the County Commissioners on October 31st, 2024. The resolution revoked an existing moratorium on solar energy developments and “limit the Board of County Commissioner’s exercise of police powers in the future with respect to” the solar companies.
The lawsuit was filed by David Beerbower, Leroy Kruger, Brandon Whisenhunt, Boa Casper, Katie Casper, Timothy Emerson, Samuel Tran, Karen Tran, and Michael Wunderly against The Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County Kansas, Hinton Creek Solar LLC, Kingbird Solar Energy LLC, Tenneyson Creek Solar LLC, and Tenneyson Creek Solar II LLC.
On January 30th, Jennifer M. Hill, counsel for the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, moved to withdraw as counsel. She said three of the people who brought the lawsuit now represent the entirety of the Bourbon County Board of Commissioners, which is being sued in the lawsuit. Thus, a subset of the plaintiffs represents the entirety of one of the defendants. This, she said, violates Kansas Court rule KRPC 1.7 regarding conflict of interest.
In the most recent filing, Jennifer Hill advises the commissioners,
“You are further notified that further proceedings may be held in this matter whether or not you are represented by counsel. “If you do not retain other counsel, you should appear personally at any scheduled hearings. There are no presently scheduled hearings. However, Judge Richard Fischer, JR. will preside over hearings related to various Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss in the upcoming weeks or months.”
The original petition in the lawsuit can be found here.
Bourbon County Coalition Meets Feb. 5
The General Membership meeting will be next Wednesday, February 5th at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
February 5, 2025
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Allison Duke, Kinship Navigator Specialist, FosterAdopt Connect
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be March 5, 2025.
Bourbon County changing from 3 to 5 Commissioner Districts
Bourbon County will change from a three-district county to a five-district county in 2025.
In the fall of 2024, citizens collected signatures on a petition to add the change to the ballot in November. Even though they were unable to get the needed number of signatures in the time required to add it to the ballot, the County Commissioners approved a resolution to put the matter on the ballot.
In the November 2024 elections, a majority of voters approved the change.
Bourbon County Deputy Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said that the election office is currently switching everyone over to their new districts. Those districts are based on maps approved by the previous county commission.
Anybody interested in running can pick up a packet at the County Clerk’s office at 210 S. National Ave. Any registered voter living in the district he or she wishes to represent may run for commissioner, according to Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk.
The deadline to turn in completed candidate packets is noon on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Primary election date is August 5, 2025. 2025 Primary Election Dates
The general election will be on November 4, 2025 and will include school district and city elections as well. 2025 General Election Dates
County Commissioners increase sheriff’s, EMS director’s pay
The Bourbon County Commission voted to bring Sheriff Bill Martin’s pay up to $75,000. This was to correct the lack of pay raise passed in the Jan. 20 meeting.
Commissioner Leroy Kruger had received feedback from citizens that Sheriff Martin has become the lowest-paid elected official. He opened the discussion, saying that Bill was under the impression that a $5000 raise was budgeted for him and he should have at least that much.
Commissioner Dave Beerbower said, “I’ve been opposed to these big increases in salary over the last couple of weeks.” They may be deserved, but it’s more about how we get them there. In the initial resolution, the other elected officials were getting a big increase to their base salary. The sheriff was already at a higher rate than them, as his position warrants, and was going to receive an 8% raise. Now, after the revision last week, that brought the raises of the other elected officials to about 26% from the base salaries. “I would like to see it staggered, but we didn’t do that,” he said.
Average salaries for sheriffs in Kansas ranges from $75,000 to $100,000, per Beerbower’s research. He went on to say that if the county raised him about 26%, “like we did the others, that would raise him to $75,600 and that would put him at the bottom of that scale for the state.”
“I’m not opposed to him getting a raise at all,” said Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt.
A citizen asked if there’s enough room in the budget for the salary increase.
“In the original resolution, there was money set aside for the increases that they originally asked for and then we lowered that last week,” said Beerbower. So there is money out of that that still would be available to increase him more than the $5000.
“Sheriffs are typically the highest paid in most counties,” because of the risks inherent to their positions, Beerbower also said.
He went on to explain that there’s at least $30,000 left after changing the resolution from the original request of $70,000 for each position (clerk, register of deeds, and treasurer) to $60,000.
Beerbower moved to increase the sheriff’s salary by 26% to $75,600.
Whisenhunt moved to raise the sheriff’s salary to $75,000 and give a $5,000 raise to the EMS director. Beerbower seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Susan Walker, County Clerk said she would start a new salary schedule next week.
During the public comments section of the meeting, Clint Walker spoke to the commission about solar and open government. He advised them to slow down and not make hasty decisions. “Do your research and make a good decision on things.”
“My specialty in the military was nuclear, biological, and chemical, so I know a little bit about this stuff and have dealt with this stuff,” said Walker, when referring to lithium batteries as part of using solar power. Lithium batteries can be dangerous, but many businesses in the area use solar. If solar is so dangerous, why do we use it in so many places? He asked.
He reminded the commission that county agreements need to be consistent, saying that a projected $4 million in tax income was to come from solar businesses over 10 years. “I’m sure that y’all will figure out and find a business to come in and make up that $4 million in taxes.”
County Clerk Susan Walker brought some end-of-year reallocations to the commission for approval. These were due to late invoices and a major issue with an accounts payable that never posted to the general ledger.
The two funds involved were the Appraiser fund and Sheriff’s fund.
In order to keep within the bound of both budget and cash laws, the commission was asked to reallocate from the sheriff’s fund to the general fund for $52,325.45; and from the appraiser’s fund to the general fund for $4,500. She explained that if the commission didn’t reallocate these amounts, they will have a budget violation in both the sheriff and appraiser funds.
Walker explained that the sheriff and appraiser had enough cash to cover the expenses, but not enough budget. They must follow budget law and cash law. There should have been a budget amendment done at the end of the year, had the issue been known.
Walker explained that this is a 2024 matter. “I need to know if, in the general fund, in 2025, if you want me to move cash from these two funds to the general fund so that you recoup it. It’s two separate issues, budget and cash,” she said.
At the end of the year [2024], the clerk asked each department if they needed an increase in their budgets, but received no response.
Walker has offered to create a purchase order system so that the expenses are encumbered on the date of service or purchase, rather than each department having to collect invoices. “It helps with these kinds of things when you get down to the end of the year.”
Whisenhunt made motions to reallocated the expenses as listed, Beerbower seconded and it carried unanimously.
Discussion is expected regarding budget as the year wraps up.
After conducting two separate executive sessions about non-elected personnel, Whisenhunt announced: “We are going to hire a new county counselor today. Bob Johnson from Iola.” The vote was unanimous.
Terry Hallsey, EMS director, asked the commissioners for permission to start getting bids for new ambulances. It will take 3-5 years to get the actual ambulance. The current new one took 2 and a half years to obtain. Commission approved the hunt for new bids.
Whisenhunt addressed the issue of meeting decorum, asking that when the meeting is in session, those in attendance and the commissioners please turn cell phones to silent to avoid distractions.
Whisenhunt also introduced a noise ordinance discussion he had been receiving calls on. Some folks in the north east part of the county building bitcoin mining computers that require diesel generators. Citizens want it quiet after 10. The county currently has no noise ordinance. Commission suggested asking the new county counselor about possible steps.
Kruger said that historically it won’t be something easily done.
Commission approved a resolution setting legal descriptions for the five commissioner districts. These districts have already been settled when the maps were chosen at the beginning of 2025.
The election for districts 4 and 5 will be the Bourbon county 2025 general election.
Primary election dates: June 2, candidate filed deadline of noon.
July 15, deadline to register to vote or update registration.
July 16, advanced ballots by mail
July 28 – Aug. 1, early voting at the courthouse from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Aug. 2, is 8a.m.-12p.m., Aug. 4 is 8:30a.m.-12p.m.
Aug. 5 is primary election day from 7a.m. to 7p.m. at your normal polling place.
Polling place changes will be mailed out to everyone.
Commissioners selected the board seats and advisory positions they will serve on this year.
Beerbower: Juvenile detention, senior citizens, health department
Kruger: Fair board, REDI
Whisenhunt: Bourbon County Conservation district
During commissioner comments, Beerbower brought up Michael Barnard volunteering services to repair the Elm Creek Lake Shelter House. Beerbower and the other commissioners plan to ask the new counselor about liability, so the county can move forward to use Barnard’s services. There may also be FEMA money available and a state grant to help fix the dam.
Kruger had a juvenile detention center question for Beerbower to ask when he meets with the juvenile detention board. He said that when he (Kruger) was in law enforcement, it took a judge’s order to send a juvenile there. With the rate for that bed being so high and a potential system in play in here in town, is that something that we need to keep holding down money for. “It’s a very big expense for something we rarely, if every, use.”
Kruger also said, “I want to thank everyone for having patience with us,” as we learn how to do this job. “I appreciate everyone sticking with us.”
Whisenhunt wrapped up the meeting saying, “I want to try to bring some fun back into county politics.” He then suggested a youth day, where selected youth come and try to do commissioner jobs for a day.
Shane Dennis Inducted Into Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame on Feb. 1
Former Wichita State University star baseball player Shane Dennis will be inducted into the 2025 class of the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame this Saturday in Wichita.
Dennis was born in Fort Scott and was a standout athlete at Uniontown High School.
“We didn’t have a baseball team at the time,” he said. “I played Legion ball at Fort Scott in the summer,” Dennis said.
While pitching for the American Legion team in Fort Scott, the team won 28 games over three years and struck out 418 hitters in 222 innings, according to the website, http://ksbaseballhof.com.
“He was all-state in both football and basketball. He once scored 52 points and had 17 rebounds in a single game and set a 1A state record by scoring 90 points in the 1990 1A tournament, including 33 points in the championship game,” according to info on the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame website.
He graduated from U.H.S. in 1990 and became a midweek starter on the Wichita State University baseball team, posting a 5-1 record with a 2.66 earned run average as a freshman for a Shocker team that went to the College World Series final.
As a college sophomore, he won 13 games, struggled as a junior but bounced back to go 9-2 as a senior with a 1.35 ERA, according to the website.
“He was named Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association and by Collegiate Baseball. Dennis’s career marks for ERA, starts, strikeouts and innings pitched are ranked in the WSU top ten,” according to the website.
Dennis was then drafted in the seventh round by the San Diego Padres program and pitched four seasons in the organization, winning minor league pitcher of the year in 1996.
“In 1997, Dennis pitched the first of two seasons for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japan Pacific League. He returned to the Padres organization to play his final season for Triple-A Las Vegas in 1999.
“While at Wichita State, Dennis majored in radio/television journalism and served as color commentator on Shocker women’s basketball broadcasts. In 2001, he returned to Wichita as play-by-play voice for the Double-A Wichita Wranglers before going back to Wichita State as director of baseball operations for 12 years,” according to the website.
Dennis is now part of the WSU baseball broadcast team and hosts a daily sports show, The Shane Dennis Show, on ESPN Wichita 92.3 radio station.
“I’ve been at ESPN Wichita the last three years, doing Wichita State Baseball and Basketball games,” he said.
Dennis’s father, Don, pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox and was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, according to the website.
Don Dennis died in 2007 and his mother Betty Dennis lives in Uniontown.
Read more at: https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article296142789.html#storylink=cpy
Updated Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission for Jan. 27
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
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
January 27, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – JD Handly
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 01.20.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $392,977.53
b. Approval of Payroll Totaling $295,830.74
V. Old Business
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. County Clerk End of Year Reallocations
i. Reallocate Expenses from Public Safety to General $52,325.45
ii. Reallocate Expenses from Appraiser to General $4,500
b. Executive Session K.S.A.75-4319 (b)(1) – Whisenhunt (10 minutes)
c. Sheriff Salary Discussion – Leroy Kruger
d. Executive Session K.S.A.75-4319 (b)(3) – Whisenhunt (10 minutes)
e. Teri Hulsey, EMS Director – Ambulance Bids
f. John Heckman, Noxious Weeds Manager
i. Financial Report
ii. Weed Management Plan
g. Meeting Decorum – Whisenhunt
h. Noise Ordinance Discussion – Whisenhunt
i. Resolution Setting Legal Descriptions for Five Districts
j. Election Information for District #4 & #5
k. Board Seats
i. Southeast Kansas Health Department
ii. Soil Conservation District
iii. Juvenile Detention Center
iv. Bourbon County Senior Citizens
v. Bourbon County Redi
vi. Fair Board
l. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
City of Uniontown Receives Grant For Its Library From KS Dept. of Commerce
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