Fort Scott’s School District is set to begin the new year and has 26 new teachers and five new administrators.
The district scheduled student enrollment for August 1, with the first day of school, August 18.
“USD 234 does still have paraprofessional, coaching, and HVAC positions open,” Dalaina Smith USD 234 Assistant Superintendent, said.
A series featuring the new teaching staff will be featured in the next few weeks on fortscott.biz.
New USD 234 Administrators are Nick Johnson, Fort Scott Preschool Principal; Krystle Mayginnes, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal; Shelly Charter, WS Principal; Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, and Destry Brown, Superintendent.
Smith’s role as assistant superintendent is new, even though she is not new to the district.
Dalaina Smith began duties as assistant superintendent of USD234 on July 1. Submitted photo.
“At this time we don’t have an anticipated number of students,” she said.
USD 234, is anticipating operating a normal school year for 2022-23, “although…the district admin team will be working to ensure that there is a plan in place in an effort to be proactive,” regarding aCOVID-19 outbreak, she said.
USD 234 will be hosting in-person enrollment on Monday, August 1, 2022.
Here is the process.
All new students will need to enroll in person at their school, according to information provided by Smith. Families having difficulty with online enrollment or internet access should also plan to attend. Students who have enrolled online will not need to attend in-person enrollment.
Families with multiple students will be able to enroll at a single location, but may need to visit with other buildings about specific needs. Food service, transportation, and technology information will also be available during these times.
Building staff will be on-site to assist families with the enrollment process during the following times on Monday, August 1:
Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade will enroll from 7-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Fort Scott High School will enroll from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m.
For specific questions or concerns, please contact the building secretaries at:
A SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 29TH IN THE COURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING AT 1 PM.
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.
Updating Kansans on Recently Launched 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Hotline
This week, while visiting mental health care centers in western Kansas, I provided an update on the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that went live earlier this month. The lifeline is a nationwide network of crisis centers linked through a 24/7 toll-free number that connects callers in crisis to immediate intervention services and care with trained counselors. In 2019, I introduced the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act to establish 9-8-8 as the new hotline.
I also want to recognize the dedication of members of the Kansas legislature who worked tirelessly to implement this legislation on the state level, making certain Kansans have access to this critical service. As with the implementation of any new law, there are sure to be challenges and changes that need to be made. I will work with my colleagues to make certain this hotline is being implemented according to statute and address any changes needed to best serve the American people.
Promoting Kansas as the Air Capital of the World
This past weekend, I led a delegation of Kansans, along with the Greater Wichita Partnership, to the Farnborough International Airshow. This was the largest delegation of Kansans ever to attend. The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the world’s largest aerospace events, hosting leading innovators from the aerospace, aviation and defense industries and showcasing the talent and innovation of key industry leaders and stakeholders from across the globe. As an Appropriator and a member of the Commerce Committee, I am a lead advocate for the defense, aviation and aerospace realm. The goal of our significant presence at the airshow is to bring new business, partnerships and opportunities to our state.
For nearly 100 years, Kansans have promoted and embodied a culture of innovation in aerospace, which not only improves the lives of Kansans but reverberates across the aerospace industry as a whole. Wichita is home to more than 450 world-class suppliers and is the number one manufacturing city in the nation, solidifying its roles as the cornerstone to forging the future of aerospace. Years ago, we recognized that if Wichita was going to remain the ‘Air Capital of the World,’ we needed to expand and grow our current businesses. Hearing firsthand the strengths and talent that we can offer is extremely beneficial to garnering more partnerships with our already top-tier companies. Opportunities like the Farnborough Airshow allow us to showcase our talented workforce, innovation and growth that Kansas brings to the aerospace industry.
Calling on President Biden to Change His Energy Policy
On Wednesday, I was on the Senate floor to call on President Biden to prioritize American energy and decrease dependence on foreign powers for oil production. This follows the President’s recent travels to Saudi Arabia to discuss the country’s oil and energy production.
Kansas is an energy producing state and could play a key role in increasing domestic energy production for our country. Through this, we could increase supply and cut costs at the pump. But instead, President Biden chooses Saudi Arabia for assistance. The United States has the resources, the expertise and the domestic demand to be an energy independent nation, and Kansas has the opportunity to be a participant in that.
A far more enduring and stable solution for affordable energy prices to fill our vehicles, to power our homes or to operate our farms is for the President to support an all-of-the-above domestic energy strategy.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing
On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing regarding ongoing issues with the Electronic Health Record Modernization program, which faces substantial delays and cost overruns. Given the actual cost estimate of this project, we must determine what is needed to make the system function safely and effectively, as well as questioning the VA on why solutions are not being implemented. The Office of the Inspector General has issued 14 reports, including two new reports last week, sounding alarms about many aspects of this program. The VA already considers the system unsafe to roll out in a large, complex medical center, and the path to making it safe is still unclear. A frank discussion about the reality of this situation, and how to fix it, is required. Our veterans and employees of the VA deserve better than what they have received to date.
USITC Rules to Suspend Duties on Select Nitrogen Fertilizer Imports This week, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to not impose antidumping and countervailing duties on urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer from Trinidad and Tobago. Eliminating these duties on fertilizer imports provides the most immediate opportunity for a near-term, partial remedy to the high cost of fertilizer U.S. farmers are facing. Over the past few months, I, along with Congressman Tracey Mann, have sent multiple letters urging the ITC, the Biden administration, and Commerce Secretary Raimondo to provide relief for farmers by not enacting new duties on nitrate fertilizer. While I applaud the ITC determination, I also continue to urge the Biden administration to eliminate duties on phosphate fertilizer products from Morocco and reverse anti-energy policies that are driving up the cost of natural gas, which in turn, affect the price of fertilizer.
Questioning FDA Commissioner Califf During Ag Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing On Wednesday, the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee held a hearing on food safety and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During this hearing, I questioned FDA Commissioner Robert Califf on the status and timeline of returning FDA staff to in-person work. After two and a half years, the country has returned to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic, and Kansans expect their government to do the same. I also worry that remote work is causing issues to fall through the cracks at the FDA. In addition, I conveyed my concern about the fact that it currently takes three to five years for new food ingredients to be approved by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. In FY2022, I worked to secure additional funding to improve this process, and I look forward to the FDA taking steps to improve the timeliness of reviewing and approving animal feed ingredients.
Meeting with Kansans in Washington, D.C. Flinchbaugh Kansas Food and Ag Policy Fellowship This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Kansas students who are serving as interns in Washington D.C. as part of the Flinchbaugh Kansas Food and Ag Policy Fellowship Program. This program was established in honor of the late Professor Barry Flinchbaugh, an educator and agricultural policy titan who was well-known in Kansas and across the country. Through the program, Kansas students have the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the state and federal levels in food and agricultural public policy. But Professor Flinchbaugh was more than a policy expert; he was also a personal friend to me – and a mentor and friend to many young Kansans who he met during his time at Kansas State University, where he taught for nearly a half-century. His students benefitted greatly from his wisdom and empathy, and I am touched to see his legacy live on through this fellowship program. Special thank you to J.W. Wells, who is participating in this program through my office, as well as Parker Vulgamore, who is participating through Senator Roger Marshall’s office. I look forward to continuing to see the benefits of this program for our future Kansas leaders.
Leadership Sorghum Class V
On Tuesday, I met with Kansans who are part of the Leadership Sorghum Class during their visit to my Washington, D.C. office to discuss the current issues they see impacting this industry. I enjoyed meeting with these Kansans from all across our state and hearing their insights on current challenges facing the sorghum industry. During this meeting, we discussed the importance of crop insurance, as well as the challenges posed for our farmers by high input costs and rising interest rates. I appreciate the insight these members shared with me during our meeting, and I look forward to continue representing the interests of our Kansas sorghum farmers and advancing our shared priorities on the federal level.
Fort Hays State University Faculty & STEM Teachers
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of visiting with faculty and STEM teachers from Fort Hays State University during their visit to my D.C. office for a Capitol tour. It was great to meet with those who are so instrumental in shaping our next generation and who are encouraging young Kansans to pursue careers in the important fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Thank you to Dr. Janet Stramel, Paul Adams, Bill Weber, Earl Legleiter, Karisma Vignery, Nicole Voss, Emma Reif, Keagan Shubert and Nathan Stark for taking the time to visit with me and for the tireless work they do to prepare young Kansans for rewarding futures in STEM.
Kansas Young Republicans
Earlier this week, I met with members of the Kansas Young Republicans during their visit to Washington, D.C. Thank you to these young people for stopping by and providing an update on their organization’s mission to get young people involved in politics and to cultivate the next generation of Kansas leaders. As someone who first interned in Washington, D.C. in order to gain valuable experience in public service, I am always glad to speak with future young Kansas leaders who are seeking to benefit our state and nation through public service.
Visiting Mental Health Care Centers in Western Kansas KVC Hospital
On Friday, during a visit to western Kansas, I toured the site of the new KVC Hospital that is expected to open in January 2023. The hospital will provide youth in-patient psychiatric services and treatment programs for children ages 6 to 18 who are struggling with depression, anxiety or other mental health needs. Through this new hospital, young people in western Kansas will have greater access to medical and behavioral health services, benefitting an additional 600 children and teens. Thank you to President Bobby Eklofe and Clinical Director Sarah Berens for hosting me during my tour and to all the staff at the KVC Hospital, a non-profit organization, for investing in our rural Kansas communities and providing much-needed services to young Kansans.
High Plains Mental Health
Also during my time in Hays, I met with Walt Hill and Kaley Conner of High Plains Mental Health to discuss the important work they are doing in the western Kansas region to provide access to mental health services for Kansans in the surrounding communities. In July, High Plains Mental Health was among the first six community mental health centers to achieve Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) status in Kansas.
The vital work they are doing is crucial in making certain that all Kansans have access to mental health care. I congratulate High Plains Mental Health on achieving CCBHC status, and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future to increase access to mental health care for Kansans.
Visiting Hoisington
This week, I also had the chance to visit Hoisington to meet with Kansans and stop at several local businesses and organizations in town, including Cardinal Pharmacy, the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce, Ehler Chevrolet (formerly Manwiler Chevrolet), the Municipal Building, First Kansas Bank, Caleb Schultz Insurance Agency and Clara Barton Hospital. While in Hoisington, I was pleased to see Marla and Gene Mooney, owners of the Cardinal Pharmacy, along with their daughter Mallory, who is working at the pharmacy for the summer, as well as pharmacy employees Victoria Childs and Megan Thompson. It’s always great to see familiar faces during my visits across Kansas.
Attending the Clay County Fair
On Saturday, I attended the Clay County Fair in Clay Center where I visited with Kansans about their current views on what is happening across our country and here in our state. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones during my time at the fair. While there, I had the pleasure of visiting with Russ and Paige Taddiken of Taddiken Land & Cattle.
Now Accepting 2022 Service Academy Applications
As students are preparing for the upcoming school year, I want to remind them of the opportunity to apply to a United States Service Academy. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 2, 2022. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board, which will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
USDA Begins Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing the amount of funding available for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) and expects to issue approximately $62.8 million in pandemic assistance payments to hog producers starting this week. SMHPP assists eligible producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted SMHPP applications through April 29, 2022.
“In order to provide more targeted support to hog producers affected by the pandemic, FSA was able to increase funding for SMHPP to provide full payments to producers instead of applying a payment factor,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We are pleased to be able to provide more equitable opportunities for hog producers who were hard-hit by the pandemic.”
SMHPP Payments
SMHPP payments will be calculated by multiplying the number of head of eligible hogs, not to exceed 10,000 head, by the payment rate of $54 per head.
FSA originally planned to apply a payment factor if calculated payments exceeded the allocated $50 million in pandemic assistance funds for SMHPP. Payments are not expected to be factored due to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s decision to increase funding enabling producers to receive 100% of the calculated SMHPP payment.
There is no per person or legal entity payment limitation on SMHPP payments.
SMHPP Background
USDA offered SMHPP in response to a reduction in packer production due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in fewer negotiated hogs being procured and subsequent lower market prices. The program is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Bourbon County Carpool Tour taking place Saturday, August 13th
National Cemetery
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and Historical Preservation Association of Bourbon County announce another carpool tour that will be on Saturday, August 13th at 8:30am. The format of the tour will be by carpool where attendees will provide their own transportation, stopping at the National Cemetery where the tour will be guided by local historians.
The tour on the 13th of August will be visiting the National Cemetery. Fort Scott National Cemetery was created during the Civil War and has continued to include all military since then. Local historians will walk you through the cemetery noting persons, telling reasons for memorial stones, and giving important information about the military campaigns our men and women were involved in while defending the United States and our allies. Volunteer Historians will include Ken Lyon, Brian Allen and Arnold Schofield.
The tour will leave The Old Fort Genealogical Society at 221 S. National Ave. (Memorial Hall) at 8:30 am and will finish by 10:30 am. The cost is only $5 per person and pre-registration is required on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested may register online at fortscott.com, click on Events, then Bourbon County Tour. A waiting list will be maintained if the tour reaches capacity. For questions or more information, contact the Old Fort Genealogical Society by calling 620-223-3300 or emailing [email protected].
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin resurfacing on sections of K-7 and K-31 in Bourbon County this Thursday, July 28.
KDOT will place a chip seal on the following sections:
K-7, from the east K-31 junction north to the Bourbon-Linn County line.
K-7, from the U.S. 54 junction north to the east K-31 junction.
K-31, from the east K-7 junction east to the junction with U.S. 69 (see map).
Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the road work will be finished by mid-August. Vance Brothers Inc. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is contractor on the project, which has a construction cost of $550,000.
Persons with questions may contact KDOT Area Engineer Troy Howard at (620) 901-6557 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has partnered with The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital, and Project Access to Covid Tests (Project ACT) to offer free at-home COVID-19 tests directly to Kansans in vulnerable communities. More than 2,000 Kansas families have ordered over 10,000 tests through Project ACT to date. Kansans can visit AccessCovidTests.org to check if their zip code is eligible.
Frequent testing is especially important for those with more exposure outside the home, such as kids in school or people who spend time in a group setting. By visiting AccessCovidTests.org, Kansans will be able enter their zip code to see if free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits are available in their area.
Kansans who need more support in ordering may call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that USDA is investing $2,268,200 toward eight community projects across the state.
Project details of today’s eight announcements are:
A $33,000 grant will assist Thrive Allen County, Inc. with a Feasibility Study to create an incubator/accelerator space for Allen County. The space would increase economic development by creating an inviting, supportive space for entrepreneurs in the area.
A $202,000 grant will assist The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, in conjunction with partners Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center and Kansas Works, expand services to small businesses. Assistance provided will include access to local employment opportunities, increased access in business education, workforce development, and job training opportunities. It is anticipated that 100 full time jobs will be created.
A $30,200 grant will help purchase a fully equipped patrol vehicle to enhance the work of the City of South Hutchinson‘s Police Department.
A $55,000 loan and a $35,000 grant will help purchase four transportation vehicles for individuals with developmental disabilities in Marshall andWashington Counties. The three transport vehicles and one maintenance truck will replace older vehicles with high mileage and high maintenance costs. Once all the vehicles are put into service, they will meet the basic needs of the individuals with developmental disabilities for many years to come.
A $577,000 loan and a $291,000 grant will provide additional funding for renovating the water and sewer system in the City of Caney. Funds previously obligated for this project include $600,000 from the Kansas Department of Commerce and loans and grants totaling $4,765,800 from USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal.
A $24,000 grant will be used toward an engineer to evaluate the current wastewater system for the City of Susank. A preliminary Engineering Report will outline any appropriate corrective actions needed.
A $479,000 loan and a $512,000 grant will supplement previous funding for improvements to the water supply system of the City of Caldwell. Funds already assigned to this project include a prior award from Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan in the amount of $1,558,000 and Kansas Department of Commerce-Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $600,000. This project ensures that the city will have safe and reliable water for many years to come.
A $30,000 grant will be used to evaluate the wastewater collection system and treatment facility in La Harpe. An engineer will evaluate the current system and propose a plan for repairing and modernizing the water system. Once completed the city will have the information needed to develop a final wastewater system project.
July 11, 2022,Monday, 6:00 p.m. The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present. Clint and Rachel Walker, Tiana McElroy, Ann Dare, Mary Pemberton, Matt Quick, Patty Love, Dustin Hall, and Ben Cole were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved. Judge Mark Ward thanked Lynne for his years of service. Judge Ward discussed budget. He explained the increase is due to added courtroom on 2ndfloor. Wages are due to budgeting for benefits that were not included before. Clifton Beth made a motion for executive session 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 including three commissioners, Judge Mark Ward, Rhonda Cole, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker for 8 minutes returning to this room at 6:13pm. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 6:13pm with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey stated the following culvert permits have been completed: Travis Schilling, 895 209th Terrace; Josh Sharp, 255th& Osage; William Pope, 2500 Tomahawk; Gil George had two at 95th & Maple and one at 85th& Osage; Larry Snyder, 250th& Hwy 31; Craig Haake, 225th& Native; Joe Warren, south of 1161 50thStreet. Bridge #518 on 215th, two miles south of Fulton, KDOT will be here tomorrow to inspect the bridge. Schwab Eaton suggested we go that route this year.
We do have a contract that you need to sign. Justin has reviewed. This will be KDOT’s engineer inspecting the bridge. They are going to try to get a quick turnaround on this. Clifton made a motion to allow all three commissioners and Ashley to sign the Federal Aid State-wide Bridge Inspection Master Agreement. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric stated that 215thwill be closed tomorrow from 7am to 5pm. Eric gave a reminder that next Tuesday, from 1pm to 5pm in the Commission Room, will be the LRSP (Local Road Safety Program) workshop. KDOT will be presenting of what they have found so far. We’ve got about 500 feet of asphalting completed. The laydown machine is still acting up. We’ve got it in a shop being looked at. When we get it back we’ll move forward.We made contact with the Onyx contractor last week and we are looking at the end of the month or first of August for that. There was some talk earlier about running the belly dump and we are on the days we’ve been able to asphalt. Jim asked if Eric was well staffed enough to get aggressive with ditching. Eric stated we are trying to use our grader operators as best we can. We are also trying to pull from everywhere to use the sheep’s foot if we need to. Our culvert crew has done some for us with the excavator. Also doing some bridge repair out at 60th& Grand on the support columns underneath. Have a new employee that has some guniting experience so we’re going to try to do a little guniting and see how it holds up. Schwab Eaton thought that would be a good idea. We’re working on our hard surface roadside mowing. Got one side-arm mower down. We’ll be getting our side roads before school starts. Susan Bancroft stated that the budget for Public Works will be moved to next week.
Bobby Reed discussed the Bourbon County Fair Budget. Thanked the commissioners for the yearly support. We are asking for the same amount as last year. Kelly Zellner, City Manager of Fort Scott discussed that the city is demolishing a lot of houses and one of the things that we would like to offer an incentive to individuals so they would actually pay for a contractor themselves. We would allow them to dump at half price. If you agree to this, the individual would have a letter on Fort Scott City letterhead to present to the attendant at the landfill and they would keep track of the tonnage and they would have to prove that to us. It will save the city money. Justin Meeks stated that we would have to check on this as to not be in competition with contractors. We can’t compete and we also can’t give an incentive to a private contractor. Justin stated he would check with Bob Farmer, City Attorney on this. Mr. Zellner stated that they would like to have a city-wide clean up this fall at the landfill. The city would provide roll offs, a tractor and two or three employees. Instead of the county sorting, we would actually sort it in the roll offs and then pay to have it hauled off if there was any kind of other debris that wasn’t acceptable for the landfill. We’ll have the limb dump open for limbs. Also, would have a roll off for metal since metal is at a decent price. Jim clarified that there would be no cost to the county. Kelly stated no. Kelly stated he had one last item to discuss. The landbank board presented this to us last week and they were requesting for a full-time position and were asking if the city would pay half and the county would pay half. The goal of the landbank is to become self-supporting. He stated that city commissioners contingent on the county doing the other half. Jim stated the county’s half would be roughly $40,000.00 and I don’t know where we’re going to get it.Clifton stated he isn’t for it, at all. What about Uniontown, Bronson, Mapleton, Fulton,and any other city left out. It’s not a good idea. It was presented to me one way and then it ends up being another. Clifton asked if there was a plan for what is there now? I’ve never seen a plan. Lynne asked if HB2237 could be used for this. Kelly stated maybe an option would be funding for starter homes.
Jim asked Kelly about the water on the north side of courthouse. Kelly stated he is working with Shane and that we need to look at roof drains that drain under the sidewalk. Justin Meeks deferred his items to the next meeting. Susan Bancroft asked to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners, Susan, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker for 7 minutes returning to this room at 6:50pm. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action. Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan stated that at the last meeting we discussed the EMPG grant. We had a carryover at the end of the year. We need to make a transfer of those funds to the general fund. We can transfer to help offset the general fund expenditures or we can increase the Emergency Management budget. The amount is around $27,000.00. Clifton made a motion to move the $27,000.00 to the general fund for now. Moving forward we would hope it will be processed correctly. Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan stated that we have been fortunate enough to have some retirees work for us and the way our handbook currently reads we can only get benefits at 35 hours. We would like to adjust that down to 30 hours because we have a couple of people that don’t worka full 35 but they are very instrumental to us in the Public Works area and so we would like to drop that to 30 so they can still get their benefits at the discretion of the supervisor. From the federal level, 30 hours is what pushes you into do benefits. We only have two right now that would be involved. Clifton made a motion to approve resolution 11-22 to amend employee handbook whereas the board of county commissioners of Bourbon County are changing the definition of full-time employee (35-hours) to the federal standard of (30-hours) per week. Therefore, any full-time employee who works 30 hours per week or more will be eligible
for benefits described in the Bourbon County employee manual. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan gave a shout-out to Jennifer who has done an excellent job. She took over the EMS billing and making sure that everything is being filed appropriately. One of the things she has run across is how our collections process works with the current third party that we have been working with. As of today, they send out two statements that would be 30 and 60 days and by that third month they write everything off. We are losing a lot of money when we don’t at least leave it open a little bit longer. I don’t know if they are willing to do that,but it’s at least something we need to bring back in-house and still bill for a couple of more months. As of today we’ve lost $80,000.00 in 2022 by not pursuing that. Clifton suggested asking Omniif they would extend billing for 6 months before writing off. Susan said she would check into it. They also have the opportunity to do an EFT and set up an ACH on the backside. So our carriers can pay directly into that and it’s directly going to our bank account. There were several checks that our carrier said were never cashed. That would be less opportunity for it to get lost in the mail. Susan made a budget presentation. The presentation will be posted on the County website (bourboncountyks.org) for review. The presentation was followed by question and answer session. Shane Walker–No comment Public Comment: Anne Dare asked how many more years is the county going to be funding Bourbon County REDI with $130,000.00? Lynne stated it was for three years and this is the first year. Clifton stated that this is not tax dollars funding this. Anne also asked if there is a federal courtroom in the post office and if so, is it being used? Lynne stated that it would take a lot of money to bring it up to where it needs to be. It is currently not being used. Anne asked if the commissioners have considered a reduction in their salaries this year? Lynne stated that he doesn’t use the benefits of the county. Jim stated he didn’t use the benefits either.
Clint Walker talked about an article in the paper about some grants that the county might be able to use. A comprehensive safety plan is required for eligibility of the grant. Mary Pemberton talked about the landfill agreement that may happen between the city and the county with regards to demolition of homes. She stated that there are homes in the small towns and even in the rural areas in Bourbon County that could use the same discount. It would need to be with landowners.
That would help clean up the rest of our county as well. Ashley Shelton, County Clerk, asked if we could schedule the next meeting for Monday, July 18th@ 6pm and would the commission allow her to use the commission room for the next two weeks for early voting. Commission Comment: Clifton stated that he feels the demolition landfill agreement that was presented would be a policing nightmare. Trying to figure out who is bringing what and who is
supposed to be bringing what. I think people would take advantage of it. I do agree it should be county-wide instead of just city. Clifton also clarified that he does use the county insurance. He said currently he takes 4 to 5 calls per day regarding county business and I’m going to say that I’m not doing it for free.Lynne agreed. Commissioners do far more than people realize. Clifton thanked Lynne for his years of service as commissioner. Jim stated that he would also agree that it should be a county-wide clean up at the landfill rather than just the city. Jim also stated that being a commissioner is not just a 3 hour per week job. If any candidate thinks it is, this isn’t the position you want. Jim also thanked Lynne for his service. At 8:27pm Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved. The meeting was followed by a budget work session which included Register of Deeds, Corrections/Sheriff’s Office. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Jim Harris, Chairman (ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner ___________________, Commissioner ATTEST: Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk July 18, 2022, Approved Date
June 28, 2022Tuesday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Jim Harris and Lynne Oharah) and the County Clerk present. Kevin Schafer, Anne Dare, Donald Coffman, Jason Silvers, and Susan Bancroft were present for some or all of the meeting. Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey stated that 200th& Railroad Tracks (739) got the culvert replaced last week. 250th& Arrowhead back to the west a culvert gave out and they are repairing that today. Yale Road was milled up Friday and we’re hauling gravel in now to stabilize. I think we may need to take a long look at the rest of it all the way to Mapleton. Jim said it may need to be asphalted. Eric said it’s something we need to think about. We will asphalt fromthe county line down to Yellowstone this year. We got our distributor truck back last Thursday. We are staged at Hiattville for asphalt. We are having sickness issues right now but working through it. Eric stated more trees went down over the weekend but those have been removed. One was on the west side of Bourbon Allen Lake and one was on Yale & 245th. Got a call today of another one on Burch west of 250th. We’ll get thattaken care of this morning. We are doing some ditching on Hackberry & 215th. We are going to pull dirt out in the road and pack it in. It’s going to be an inconvenience but will be the best thing in the long run. We are doing some pothole patching in the Garland area today. Eric stated that there was a request for rock on Poplar Road and addressing that today as well. Lynne asked about Hackberry. Eric said when we get out there to do Hiattville we may be able to blade in a little asphalt to buy us some time. This road is another sub-base issue. Resident asked about 215th, east of Evergreen Cemetery, the ditches on east side of road there is water diverting to our property and causing issues. Eric stated that the mini is in that area and we’ll see what we can do to get done.
Mark McCoy stated we are speaking to you today to explain what transient guest tax is, who and what situations it applies to and how it might impact Bourbon County in a positive way. We do not represent any company, any entity or individuals other than ourselves. Transient guest tax is an occupancy tax paid by people who rent lodging for a short term. That is defined as 28 consecutive days or less. It is not a tax imposed on businesses or individuals who own the lodging being rented. It is added to the hotel or house rental bill and paid for by the person who rents the room. This is a nation-wide common activity. So, TGT is not a tax paid by Bourbon County residents. It is truly the one tax that brings money into the county almost exclusively from non-residents. If you’ve ever noticed when you take a trip and stay at a hotel or rent a house the advertised rate for the night may be $99 but the amount you pay may actually be $115 or more. The additional amount is because you also pay sales tax, TGT tax, cleaning fees, resort and/or other fees. It is standard procedure just like when you buy something from a store, there will be a tax added. Few people ever ask what the tax rate is before booking a room. You know you will be paying taxes regardless of where you stay and expect the tax rate will be simply a matter of which hotel you choose since you are looking within a limited area. The City of Fort Scott already has a transient guest tax and has had for decades. Most years it generates between $115,000 and up to $150,000 of revenue for the city. The remainder of Bourbon County does not have a transient guest tax and we believe it is time to implement a county-wide transient guest tax. Last year Kansas changed its’ law pertaining to TGT so we would like to provide a brief explanation of when the tax is applied and when it is not. Since most people listening today don’t care about these details, I’m going to try to keep it as brief as possible. Overviews will provide commissioners and anyone else that wants more details. The big change Kansas has made due to growing the internet booking websites which have made non-traditional lodging accommodations so much easier for anyone with an extra room or to rent a house to make extra money by renting it for a short-term stay. As AIRBNB, VRBO, FLIPKEY, HOMETOKEY, OR TRIPIN, to name a few, are called the marketplace facilitators. In Kansas rentals may be made through marketplace facilitators. They are subject to the TGT. If you own a one bedroom cabin that you advertise and rent via AIRBNB you are probably wondering how you will be affected if Bourbon County enacts a TGT. The answer is you don’t have to do anything. AIRBNB adds the transient guest tax to the taxes and fees that are included and after a person finalizes their booking, AIRBNB collects the tax the same as they do all other charges and at the end of the month AIRBNB will report and remit the TGT to the state. It is virtually invisible to you as the owner if the rental is made via a qualified facilitator, then TGT applies and the facilitator collects, reports and remits the tax. Mary Pemberton continued with there are times when an individual with a house that they are renting through AIRBNB. There are also times they might do it directly with the person who is renting the house in which case the TGT only applies if they have three bedrooms or more that are available for rent. This could be in the form of three separate one-bedroom cabins or a single three-bedroom house. If you meet the three or more bedroom requirement then you are responsible for collecting and remitting the transient guest tax but only on your direct to consumer rentals. As long as you are renting via AIRBNB or one of the other facilitators that facilitator is responsible for collecting and remitting the tax. The economic impact that the county might see, as we mentioned the City of Fort Scott already has the transient guest tax, it’s at 6% currently. They’ve had it for decades. The only addition to the county would be places that are located outside of the city limits of Fort Scott. I tried to put together some numbers. I didn’t make an attempt to count all the hunting package type operators that are in the county. Some may be affected by this, some may not. It depends on how many rooms and how it’s rented out. The numbers that I’m going to present should be on the low side of what would be immediately impacted to the county. Currently, not counting Fort Scott city, Bourbon County has at least two or three businesses that would fall under the hotel classification for transient guest tax and at least a dozen other smaller operators. I calculated at least 40 rental units that are in place being rented today that would be collecting a transient guest tax as soon as it would be implemented by the county. The rental rate for these units vary widely. Some approximately $75 per night up to $350 per night. I figured an average nightly rental rate of $100. If each unit is rented on an average of one per week, 52 nights in a year, that tax collected to Bourbon County would be $12,480. If it’s rented 20% of the time, which is 73 nights per year per unit the tax collected would be $17,520. If rented 2 nights per week, 104 nights per year the tax collected would be $24,960. That is from units currently in place. As the county grows and more units are added and nightly rental rate is actually more than $100 then obviously the tax will be higher. As a percentage of the annual budget for the county, the TGT is a very small figure, but by Kansas statute the proceeds can only be used to promote tourism for the county. The county currentlydoesn’t spend a whole lot of money on tourism but I know that you have made pledges to Bourbon County REDI that will have a little bit of money designated for tourism. Rather than providing that money from property taxes or taxes on Bourbon County residents why not collect a TGT from visitors to the county and use that to fund that portion you
do pay for tourism efforts. In my opinion, every little bit of savings that can be achieved from reduced government spending and every little bit of income that can come from sources other than property taxes in Bourbon County is a good thing and we should do it rather than adopting an attitude that that is too small to make a difference so why even bother. It all adds up and it does make a difference to those Bourbon County residents that are already burdened with one of the highest property tax rates within the state of Kansas which is one of the highest taxed states in the country. Mark McCoy stated that an important part would be that the city dissolve theirs and replace it county-wide. Lynne asked if Mark and Mary had talked with the city about this and they said no. They said they wanted to visit with the county first. Lynne requested a 10 minute break.
Justin Meeks-County Counselor: gave various reasons for the upcoming executive session. Lynne made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including two commissioners (Jim Harris and Lynne Oharah), Justin Meeks, and Susan Bancroft for 15 minutes returning to this room at 9:57am. Jim seconded. Both approved. Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 9:57am with no action. Jim seconded. Both approved. Susan Bancroft-CFO:I’ve asked Justin to be here to make sure I am understanding when we took over the NRP. We have two different funds, one fund is where the money comes in for the property distribution so that you can pay that back to the tax payers that have the rebate and then 5% can be taken as an administrative fee. It looked like when we started this program in 2016 each year we were taking those dollars but that stopped in 2019. So, we have a buildup in our NRP fund of about $90,000. When I did the calculations last night it looks like we can transfer about $65,000 over into that administration fee fund. After I talked to Terry this morning I really don’t think we need that fund. I think those dollars need to go back into the general fund as a reimbursement for the Appraisers’ expense for having to administer the fund and offset some costs there. Justin explained that the Appraisers’ officespends a lot of time monitoring the build out, inspect the structure once it’s completed, pre-construction, during construction and after construction. There is a lot of paperwork and time spent by the Appraiser’s office. Susan asked for permission to close out the NRP 5% fee fund to move those dollars to the general fund which will help going forward. This will be done at the end of each year. It’s about $20,000 per year which will help the general fund. Lynne stated we need to take a look at House Bill 2237 NEHP and the affordable housing for rural areas. There are two bands. Anything with population of 8,000 and under and 8,000 and above. The 8,000 and under gets $35,000 back on construction and the over 8,000 gets $32,000 back on construction.It’s a good incentive. Jim asked about housing and if we need an action team for this. Justin stated that it is a public/private partnership. Justin said that the input cost does not match assessed value which is an issue. The other problem is if you put a structure in a blighted neighborhood the value will not match up with like structures. We also have a huge labor problem. Justin stated that Rob Harrington is working on this. He’s done a housing study and preliminary things that have happened. Susan stated that when you’re creating a new home you have the opportunity to do special taxing districts to help with that infrastructure build out. This is a special assessment spread out over several years to help pay for improvements. Justin stated that the land bank will help. Lynne stated that we worked with Craw-Kan to get the high speed internet and now we’re doing some rural broadband to help. Being able to work from home is a key factor. Jim stated that Rob is on it and when he is ready would like to see an action team with some ideas. Lynne made a motion to allow Susan to move the NRP Fee to general account and close the NRP Fee fund. Jim seconded. Both approved.
Shane Walker–CIO: Broadband tower partnership with New Wave;they can’t getto people fast enough. Next is Hidden Valley area.
Public Comment: Anne Dare stated she concurs with Mark & Mary about TGT. Anne stated she is glad to see they are working on Yale Rd and what area is torn up. Lynne stated from the entry of Hidden Valley west to 55th.
Commission Comment: Jim stated that city and county growth is exciting.
Success to our county is growth. Lynne stated that he has served the public for 19 ½ years. Two years with the state, 10 years with school board and 7 ½ years here. Proud of the things we have done and has been accomplished over the last 7 ½ years. Lynne stated he will be resigning his seat, effective July 12th,to pursue a new opportunity. Jim thanked Lynne for what he has done for the county. At 10:23am Jim made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. Both approved. Budget reviews will begin at 1 p.m. These meetings are open to the public. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Jim Harris, Chairman (ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner (ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner ATTEST: Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk July 11, 2022, Approved Date
June 20, 2022Tuesday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (JimHarris and Lynne Oharah) and the County Clerk present. Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Deb Lust, Mandy Shoemaker, Ronnie Brown, Jared Pollock, Marvin Lewis, Donald Coffman, Nelson Blythe, Matt Crystal, Jason Silvers, Susan Bancroft and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting. Lynne Oharah made a motion to approve the previous meeting minutes.Jim Harris seconded. Both approved.
Eric Bailey stated Samuel Boez from Kansas Dept of Health and Environment will be here today to inspect our closed MSW landfill.Eric sent an email last Wednesday regarding the soybean permit.He continued that he received an email from them stating “I just found out yesterday that the permit application is now through internal concurrence and I’m preparing it for the public notice.The public notice will be from June 30 through July 29.” We are moving forward with that.
Our Local Road Safety Program has scheduled a safety workshop here July 19thfrom 1pm–5pm.We haven’t actually decided on a location yet but they will have drawings, pictures, maps to show their recommendations from doing the study.We’ll let you know when a location has been determined.We are asphalting in Hiatville starting today.We are waiting on distributor truck it has a seal out of pump.Part should be here today.Jed Kello will be bringing the milling machine in on Friday. We will be milling Yale Road from 65th to the west entrance of the lake.Had a tree go down on Zinc and 245thand it was full of honey bees.Thanked the individual who tried to help us with their tractor.
Sink hole on 200thand Railroad tracks; it’s a concrete culvert the outlet side is blocked.Made contact with BNSF yesterday and they will be here Thursday and will dig it up and replace it.We temperaried the hole for the time being so the road could be opened up. Culvert crews are working on 215thgetting ready for asphalt.
We are scheduling a blast for Blake; the overburden has been removed for this area. With the new crusher may be able to run quite a bit of material that was left over before from being too big.We may not do as large a blast as originally planned.We completed phase 1 of training for crusher last week.They will have us run it for a month or two and take us to Nashville to the factory to train on-site there.We got a call last week that the 2007 F750 came available from Premier in KC.We went and looked at it; it has a cat c7 motor 28,000 actual miles.We went ahead and spoke for it.Has a little rust in the bed but we can plate that and be money ahead.Covid is back and are battling with that a little bit. Lynne complimented the job done on 145th.Eric stated that he was contacted by the Court System on Community Service and was asking Justin about a liability release form.Justin stated the waivers aren’t bullet proof.If someone gets hurt we could still be sued.Jim and Lynne both approved.Justin stated that we need to focus on the 9 trestle bridges.We have one near Yellowstone that is a problem.Another one in Commissioner Beth’s district that isn’t used anymore. With your permission we will take pictures of them and sell them or give away. Lynne made a motion to give Justin permission to sell or give away the 9 trestle bridges.Jim seconded. Both approved. Jarod Pollock, Chairman of Soil Conservation District, presented 2023 budget up; appreciate anything given by the county.We are requesting additional 8.5% from 2022 due to inflation. We have conservation day at Gunn Park; we have to push outreach.A lot of our dollars are spent on outreach to get our message out.We are very involved in the fair.We held a local work group in Bronson this year to get some information from landowners on research concerns.The last meeting we had a flyer sent out that NRCS is working with ADM on some grants for cover crops which are gaining some traction.Ronnie Brown thanked Mandy for her work. Ronnie said that times are uncertain and request for funds may change drastically in the future. Jarod, again, thanked Mandy and stated these funds help get her to training and meetings she needs. Deb Lust stated that we need to get the youth involved as early as possible.We involve them in as many activities as possible.We have to have our youth come back and be engaged in agriculture.There are a lot of programs for new farmers that available.
Jim made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for 7 minutes including 2 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft returning at 9:43am.Lynne seconded.Both approved.Jim made a motion to return to normal session at 9:45am with no action.Lynne seconded.Both approved.Jim made a motion to go back into executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for 10 minutes including 2 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks returning at 9:56am.Lynne seconded. Both approved.Jim made a motion to resume normal session at 9:57am with action.Lynne seconded.Both approved. Susan Bancroft requested executive session. Lynne made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for 7 minutes including 2 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks returning at 10:05am.Jim seconded.Both approved.Lynne made a motion to return to normal session in this room at 10:05am with action.Jim seconded.Both approved.Lynne made a motion to give Justin Meeks the authority to move forward with addendum to lease agreement with CHC to acquire property. Jim seconded. Both approved. Shane Walker–CIO: Not present Public Comment: Anne Dare asked what property referred to regarding CHC.Justin stated we can’t disclose, but there is land at the hospital campus that CHC owns and we’re trying to get it back into county name to move forward with other options. Anne thanked the commissioners for conducting the meetings with order, with respect; there are tough subjects that you tackle, not every meeting but a lot o fmeetings and you work really hard to communicate to the public and let us communicate. I wish there were other entities in town that felt that it was as important as you all do. Ashley thanked Anne Dare and Carol MacArthur for helping with election material destruction last week. Lynne made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 2 commisioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft and Rob Harrington for 5 minutes returning to this room at 10:14am. Jim seconded. Both approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session in this room at 10:16am with no action. Jim seconded. Both approved.
At 10:18am Jim made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. Both approved.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date: July 26, 2022 1stDistrict–Minutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING WILL BETUESDAY, JULY 26THIN THE COMMISSION ROOMAT CITY HALL BEGINNING AT6PM
Call to Order •Flag Salute •Approval of Minutes from previousmeeting •Eric Bailey–Road & Bridge Report •Justin Meeks–County Counselor Comment •Susan Bancroft–Chief Financial Officer Comment •Shane Walker–Chief Information Officer Comment •Public Comment •CommissionComment Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agencywhich would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
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