The FSCC Board of Trustees will be holding a special board meeting on Thursday, Feburary 29 at 1:00 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center. After calling the meeting to order, the board will adjourn to executive session for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship. A majority of board members may be present at noon to tour student housing, but no business will be conducted during the tour.
TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation declaring the week of March 3-9, 2024, Kansas Talking Books Week. According to the proclamation, the federal Pratt-Smoot Act, enacted on March 3, 1931, established free library services for blind adults, administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) in the Library of Congress.
During Talking Books Week, the State Library of Kansas is celebrating services that Kansans with a print impairment can enjoy with a Talking Books account. Governor Kelly’s proclamation highlights the variety of more than 150,000 accessible reading materials and additional information services, including a new statewide sponsorship by the agency of NFB-Newsline. A service of the National Federation of the Blind, NFB-Newsline provides library patrons access to hundreds of newspapers, magazines, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more by phone, internet, an iOS app, and an Alexa skill.
The Director of the Talking Books Division Michael Lang noted, “we encourage our current and potential patrons to explore the variety of services offered and the options for customization available through Kansas Talking Books. We want every user to find their perfect fit of service to meet their needs.”
Talking Books Week programming will be shared on social media at facebook.com/kansas.
Kansas Talking Books, a division of the State Library of Kansas, proudly serves patrons who are blind, visually impaired, physically impaired, or otherwise print disabled in all 105 counties across the state with the assistance of outreach centers in Norton, Great Bend, and Iola. All services are provided at no cost to the patron. To learn more about services from the State Library’s Talking Books Division, call toll-free 1-800-362-0699 or visit kslib.info/Talking-Books.
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Washington, D.C. – The Biden Administration’s attempt to update the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has put millions of students’ financial futures in limbo. The failed rollout of the new FAFSA program and the mismanagement by the U.S. Department of Education has led to a nationwide delay on the 2023-2024 FAFSA applications.
Students seeking federal financial aid for higher education courses must complete the FAFSA paperwork to be eligible for the assistance. Unfortunately, the continued hiccups with the Education Departments FAFSA program has created widespread uncertainty for students, parents, and colleges going into the next school year.
“Repeated delays by the Department of Education in rolling out the new FAFSA application have left millions of students and schools in limbo for the upcoming school year,” said Senator Roger Marshall. “Right now, colleges continue to lack the essential data required to formulate financial aid offers, leading to significant uncertainty for students’ futures. The mismanagement within the Department of Education disproportionately affects first-generation and low-income college students, who are most reliant on assistance to pursue higher education. As a community college graduate myself, I understand the stress these students face from this mismanagement.”
To help students and families navigate this period of uncertainty, Senator Marshall has published a new FAFSA resource guide. The guide includes links and contact information for his office for further assistance.
FAFSA Resources for Students and Parents
Parents and prospective college students continue to struggle with completing the new FAFSA forms. Below are resources and best practices for the most common concerns and complaints.
If you have tried the resources below and cannot resolve your issue, please contact our office at (785) 829-9000 for additional assistance.
Filling out the FAFSA
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out
FAFSA Deadlines
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines
Renewing your FAFSA
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/renew
Correcting a current FAFSA Form
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct
IRS Data Retrieval Tool
https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-irs-drt
Completing the FAFSA without a contributor SSN
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/contributor-social-security-number
Understanding the Types of Student Aid
https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/types_of_aid/articles
Overview of the Student Aid Report
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct/sar-student-aid-report
Background:
February 20, 2024 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present in person with Commissioner Nelson Blythe attending via phone.
Mark McCoy, Jason Silvers, Patty Ropp, Michael Hoyt, Charles Gentry, Anne Dare, Elizabeth Nuss, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Michael Hoyt said he is working with schools to try to get 17-year-olds to register if they turn 18 before the election day.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, said it is ultimately the Commission’s decision to decide on ballot wording. Justin said he thinks there is a viable option in what they are presenting tonight and part of tonight’s discussion is if we don’t have an emergency room how do we handle EMS. Clifton asked if Nelson had the two questions that Justin handed out, so Justin took a picture and sent them to Nelson. Justin discussed the time to hold the election whether that be in April or May and the cost associated with holding a special election which is estimated at $7,000-$10,000. Jim asked Charles Gentry if he would like to comment. Charles said on the issue of timing it is listed at 5 years with the language stating upon termination and explained there are two options to terminate which is it can sunset at the end of 5 years or can be put back on the ballot to repeal the sales tax. Jim said he would hope in two or three years we would have an ER but if not we would need to buy additional ambulances. Wording options were discussed between the Commissioners. Jim said a May election would be better for the citizens who are forming a committee who have a lot of work to do with promoting. Clifton said he would like to clarify the Commissioners did not form a committee and that it was citizens who decided to form the committee. Charles Gentry stated if the election is moved to May, then the July 1st date when sales tax would begin would have to be changed. Justin said with the Chairman’s permission he would like to work with Clifton Beth and Charles Gentry on the issue of what to do with EMS if we do not get an emergency room. Jim asked if the election is going to be in May if we would have time to table this until next week. Justin said yes, but we need as much time as possible to allow the public to research and be informed. Nelson said the sooner we get this on the ballot the better and that he would like the language to state a sunset date and make sure people know we can end by vote before 5 years. Justin said he can amend the language and have ready for the Commissioners to vote at the next meeting. Clifton asked if we generate 1.5 million dollars with the sales tax but the emergency room only needed $700,00 do we guarantee them a profit by handing over 1.5 million? Jim stated he is not going to vote on handing a blank check to anybody. Clifton asked what you would do with the extra money? Jim suggested Justin go back and work with Charles and Clifton and stated he would like the question to be short, to the point, and honest because we don’t want to send mixed messages. Justin said he asked for Clifton to be the Commissioner involved as the healthcare liaison. Nelson asked if there was contact information for those involved on the committees for the public to reach out. Justin said he is not sure since the wording is not final.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, stated Susan Walker, CFO, is working on the additional pay for those who worked while the courthouse was closed during the ice storm. At the last meeting it was decided to pay public works, EMS, and Sheriff’s department employees who worked an additional 8 hours. Susan was unable to attend tonight’s meeting but wanted to make sure that this will be an additional 8 hours straight time regardless of the number of hours the employees worked and were paid time and a half for. It was agreed upon by the Commissioners that is how they would like the employees who physically worked that day to be paid.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, requested a 10-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include all three Commissioners, with Justin calling Nelson on his cell phone, and Justin Meeks for 10-minutes to return at 6:22. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:22 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to add another executive session. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to go back into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include all three Commissioners, with Justin calling Nelson on his cell phone, and Justin Meeks for 10-minutes to return at 6:34. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim and Clifton did not have any comments this evening. Nelson said a prayer during his Commission comments time.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:36. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
2-26-2024 Approved Date
February 12, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.
Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Charles Gentry, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-5-24, approval of payroll totaling $297,154.89, and approval of accounts payable totaling $810,179.43. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Michael Hoyt reminded everybody to register to vote before February 20th to be able to participate in the election in March. Michael said anybody who is going to turn 18 by election day can register to vote as well and the County Clerk confirmed this.
Trevor Jacobs, State Representative, called into the meeting to ask the Commissioners to support a resolution opposing the entry, transportation, employment, and settlement of illegal immigrants in Bourbon County. Nelson read the entire resolution and stated Wallace County, Kansas passed a similar resolution in the last few weeks. Trevor commended the Commissioners for entertaining the resolution. Nelson made a motion to pass resolution 04-24. Jim discussed the resolution stating he just received it and wanted to have the County Counselor review and wait until Clifton is back to vote on it. The motion died due to a lack of a second. Nelson said he sent the resolution to Justin about a week ago. Justin said it is not a contract and is not binding so it is up to the Commission if they would like to pass. Jim stated he would like to postpone until the next meeting so all three Commissioners have a chance to vote. Trevor asked to participate in the discussion at the next meeting.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented an application for utility construction for Chris Meech at 1997 195th Street to have electric ran under the road. Nelson made a motion to approve the permit and sign it. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric stated the storm this morning was crazy with an approximate 7-mile radius around Fort Scott having snow and slush on the roads. Eric said a crew went out to push the snow off the road. Eric said when the courthouse was closed due to the ice storm those who work at the courthouse were paid for 8 hours and asked that his crew get paid 8 hours in addition to what they were paid for working that day. Eric said it was a tough storm. Jim said it was discussed how the employees would be paid in the event of a courthouse closure a few weeks ago but agreed they had a tough job and that we ask a lot out of the crew. Jim said he was in favor of chasing and paying them 8 hours. Jim made a motion to change the policy and pay public works, EMS, and the Sheriff’s department employees who worked during the ice storm an additional 8 hours. Nelson discussed changing the decision and asked if employees will come back in the future and want more. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are clearing overburden at Blake Quarry for a blast. Jim asked how things were going at Shepard Quarry and Eric said they started out rough but are getting better. Eric said they are hauling rock as fast and best as they can. Nelson said he had a few people ask if they could grade Locust Road west of Redfield. Nelson said they were happy about the rock they received but it is wash boarded. Eric said the rock was put down when extremely muddy and that he would have a grader work on the road.
Sheriff Bill Martin presented the Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification for the Chairman to sign. Sheriff Martin stated the agreement shows we haven’t received any money. Nelson made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the agreement. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Sheriff Martin stated several weeks ago a vehicle was totaled and we will receive $16,485 from KCAMP and he is here to ask for an additional $35,000 to purchase a replacement vehicle. The Sheriff said four bids were sent out and City State Bank responded with a bid for $37,119.00 but will actually end up being $35,619 due to the deductible being lower than he thought. Jim asked if the $35,000 is for one vehicle and asked if Susan found any money available so they didn’t have to finance. Sheriff Martin said he did not hear back from Susan. Nelson made a motion to allow the Sheriff to move forward with purchasing a vehicle either through a loan or by working with the CFO to see if we can purchase the vehicle outright. Jim added he would like the CFO to respond within 24 hours. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, stated last week he proposed several options for a sales tax to help fund healthcare. Justin read the two options and stated words are important as we can allow for additional EMS funding if we are unable to secure and emergency room. Jim stated he liked the wording of the second option, but the shortness of the first option. Justin stated the second option is more specific and gives a timeline and tells what happens if REH gets approved. There was discussion over wording and timelines and it was decided to work on the options and that they can hold a special meeting if needed when Clifton is available to vote on the final ballot language. Charles Gentry said those who are forming a committee will want to know ballot language as soon as possible due to the amount of work needed to promote the issue.
Justin Meeks requested a 7-minute executive session. Nelson made a motion to go into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks for 7-minutes to return at 6:28. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:28 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to go back into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks for 10-minutes to return at 6:40. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:40 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim did not have any comments tonight. Nelson said a prayer during his Commission comment section.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:41. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
2-26-2024 Approved Date
February 23, 2024
Turnaround is the halfway point of session. The days before turnaround, leadership schedules bills to be debated and brought to a vote. Thankfully, this year Senate leadership didn’t bring an extreme amount of bills above the line for debate. There were still too many bills to report in this update so below are some highlights. All bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org.
Property Rights would be protected from unfounded forfeiture and seizure if SB 458 becomes law. It passed the Senate 36 to 2. I voted Yes.
Eminent Domain allows government to take your property. A majority of senators, myself included, supported legislation that would remove the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks authority to use eminent domain to acquire land, water, or water rights. SB 417 passed 25 to 14.
Coal Fired Energy Plants in Kansas have announced closures, all except for one in western Kansas. Thankfully, none have closed. SB 455 would make it more difficult to close these plants by forcing certain conditions, such as requiring that another energy generating plant be in place before the coal plant could shut-down. I supported the bill that passed 29 to 8.
Protecting Patients’ Rights by establishing the Right to Health Freedom Act in SB 391 would limit isolation and allow patients to see their loved ones. It would permit the Secretary of Health and Environment to maintain a list of infectious or contagious diseases. However, they would not have the authority to enact rules and regulations. Local health officers (LHO) could recommend quarantines during a highly contagious or deadly disease outbreak. I voted Yes. The bill passed 23 to 17.
Privacy Protection in current law makes it illegal to record or photograph a person who is nude or in a state of undress when the recording device is hidden. SB 420 would make it a crime no matter if the device is hidden or not. It passed unanimously.
Military Drivers who qualify under the Even Exchange Program would not have to take a knowledge or a skills test to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if SB 462 becomes law. It passed unanimously.
Senate Sub for HB 2247 had several provisions in the bill dealing with the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) and the Kansas Mortgage Business Act (KMBA). The UCCC has only been adopted by 11 states since established in 1952. Kansas is one of the eleven. By adopting updated UCCC, consumers will see a credit card surcharge on receipts. It has been against the law for businesses to charge this fee. Colorado’s version will limit the surcharge to 2%. Kansas will not have a limit. The bill would allow creditors after 10 days and written notice to collect a late payment and also charge reasonable cost of collection. If you don’t voluntarily pay, it appears a creditor can take possession. They cannot enter “a dwelling” or use “force”. Does that mean they can access your bank account? Another section of the bill would restrict financial examinations from “open records, subpoena and discovery or admissible in evidence in any private civil action” until July 1, 2030. Why? There are more questions than answers with the bill so I voted No. It passed 33 to 6.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
…
The Regular Council Meeting on February 13, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
Clerk Johnson reported that Shane Kober requested speed bumps in front of his residence. After discussion, Council does not wish to put speed bumps on Sherman Street. Clerk was asked to advise him to follow up with the Sheriff’s department for information on how to proceed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $235,479.20, Receipts $85,918.56, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $24,988.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,383.58. Bank Statement Balance $293,816.11, including Checking Account Interest of $54.56, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $432.53, Reconciled Balance $293,383.58. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,482.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $54.56, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $54.56. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of January $57,904.38, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,904.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $8,044.20 (6.5%), Expenditures $6,943.58 (4.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,715.90 (7.3%), Expenditures $2,136.25 (5.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $17,162.10 (11.7%), Expenditures $10,531.03 (5.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $52,382.78 (31.9%), Expenditures $8,403.32 (4.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The February 2024 payables to date in the amount of $36,872.84 were presented.
Clerk Johnson explained the new report for current payables and the difference between the two presented. She asked the council which report they preferred – Claims Report by Department, by Fund was chosen.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.
Clerk Johnson reported several notifications of insurance renewal conditional provisions from EMC.
Website hosting price increase of $2.50/month.
Municipal Court Clerks conference is March 1, in Wichita. She will not attend this year.
CCMFOA Conference is March 20-22, in Manhattan. She will not attend this year.
CDL storm siren maintenance agreement should renew in March. She will have a new agreement for action at next meeting.
gWorks was used for accounts payable this month and end of month procedures will be done on gWorks. She has a training on Thursday for bank reconciliation, deposits, and reports. She will then get all deposits for the month entered, process penalties, and mail delinquent notices.
Bourbon County Job Fair is February 22. She asked if they wanted a booth to try to recruit a clerk and maintenance worker. Not at this time.
She did order a 2024 labor law poster.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – wished to recognize Clerk Johnson and thank her for all her work in the software conversion.
Councilwoman Esslinger – absent
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – the school contacted the City to see if they could stage rock on the right of way for the walking trail project. The rock is being hauled by the county. He told them yes. Superintendent Rich stated that there is a gas main just south of the sidewalk by the medical clinic. Mayor Jurgensen also asked Rich to get fescue and seed the ditches that were worked on Third St.
OLD BUSINESS
Rabies Clinic – tentatively scheduled for March 23, 1:30-3:00PM.
Mayor Jurgensen asked if the Council wanted to reskin the warehouse and put in the ramp and rollup doors to use as public works building. We will need to determine specs and request bids for the metal siding/roof, the ramp and rollup doors, and the installation.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:47PM
Clerk Johnson called in at 8:22, open meeting resumed at 8:47.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to call a special meeting on February 27, 2024, 6:30PM for the purpose of executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:48PM
February 5, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Teri Hulsey, Jon Lowery, and Charles Gentry were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-5-24, approval of accounts payable totaling $8,671.45, and approval of December financials. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
There were no public comments.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the culvert approval report for January and the January fuel report. Eric said they are obtaining a DWR permit to replace four culverts near 130th Street and Kansas Road. The culvert gave way last month and is currently down to a one lane road. Eric said they are working with an engineer to determine culvert size and quantity for the location near 225th Street and Tomahawk Road that was discussed at last week’s meeting. Once the engineers have determined the information Eric will then have to obtain a DWR permit for the location. Eric said the Blackberry Transmission line project will begin clearing brush later this month. The majority of the clearing will be on private property, however; there will be some done in the county right-of-way. They worked on getting gravel on the roads last week and will be back out tomorrow after the rain. Eric said they will be having an MSHA refresher course at the Public Works building on Thursday. Nelson said Vance Eden with USD 235 contacted him and had 50 loads of gravel donated for their walking trail project and asked if the county would be able to haul it. Nelson said the school couldn’t pay us but could let us fuel up at their tanks. Justin Meeks said the county would need to obtain a waiver of liability and Eric is going to work on that.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked if the Commissioners were planning on having a meeting on February 19 since the courthouse would be closed for Presidents Day. The Commissioners decided there would not be a meeting held on the 19th.
Justin Meeks discussed the healthcare sales tax information that would be placed on a ballot to allow the public to vote on. Justin said Susan has been helping with this and the matter can be on the ballot in April. The wording was discussed with Justin reading examples from Allen County and Vernon County. After discussion of the different wording choices Jim said he would like to move forward and have it cover the worst-case scenario. Clifton said 1.5 million is a long way from starting a hospital but would help to entice an entity. Clifton stated that due to the mile restriction there are only two entities right now who could operate an emergency room in Bourbon County and that is Nevada Regional Medical Center and Via Christi. Jim said they’ve talked for months about subsidizing healthcare and he said somebody has to do it but he isn’t in support of raising real estate taxes. There was lengthy discussion on the wording options for the ballot and Justin asked to work with Charles Gentry on a few ballot options and bring back to the Commissioners. Anne Dare asked if we might be getting the cart before the horse by putting this to a vote and collecting the money and we might never be able to get a license. Clifton said that could potentially be the case but you have to have the carrot to offer as an enticement. Michael Hoyt asked if you could pass a sales tax that has a trigger such as we won’t collect sales tax until we have an emergency room. Clifton said we could use the money for other things in healthcare such as purchasing another ambulance and hiring additional EMT’s. Justin stated we had an ER when many businesses came in and due to their insurance, they need an ER close by.
Justin Meeks passed out a letter of support for Bourbon County REDI for the Commissioners to review. Nelson said his opinion is he doesn’t have a problem with either people or organizations and he wasn’t here when it was worked on so he doesn’t know who to support. Clifton said there was some confusion and the state was contacting the wrong organization. Jim said he respects Nelson’s vote but his vote is for Bourbon County REDI to represent Bourbon County at the state. Jim made a motion to accent the letter as written to support Bourbon County REDI and send to different organizations including Department of Commerce, KWORKS, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Patterson Foundation, Pittsburg State Work Force Development and to allow Justin to add additional organizations if needed. Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson abstained. The motion passed 2-1.
Justin asked for a 10-minute executive session for attorney client privilege dealing with contracts and possible litigation.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under 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. The session will include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:55. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:56 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to have a conversation with another party and write a letter if needed for breach of contract that could cost the county millions. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jim said he would like to see a quick turn around on this.
Jim thanked REDI and Legacy Health for hosting the announcement earlier and welcomed KRI for coming to Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Clifton said some people are scared of mental health and said they will not be dropping people with severe mental issues on the streets and encouraged people to get the facts before they speak. Nelson said since he has been here, he has been impressed with Eric and Dustin and they always have issues that are brought to their attention fixed quickly. Nelson also held a prayer during his Commission comment time.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:02. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
2-12-2024 Approved Date
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
February 26, 2024 5:30 p.m.
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
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.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body 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.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced a total of $75,000 is available for a new round of Rural Mural and Public Art program funding. The program helps rural communities design engaging new art that improves the local aesthetic – making the community more appealing not only for those who live there but for potential new businesses and residents as well.
Grants up to $7,500 are available for eligible communities, which also is the total amount any one county can receive. The Office of Rural Prosperity program requires a 1:1 match, with 25% being a cash match unless the community has fewer than 1,000 residents. For those communities, matching support can be 100% in-kind services, including volunteer labor, materials and supplies, equipment, etc.
“Murals and creative projects invite new businesses and residents to celebrate Kansas as their home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our holistic approach to economic development includes dedicating resources that enhance the physical attractiveness of communities, which helps encourage new investment.”
Awards will be given to communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. Murals can beautify community gathering spaces, elevate tourist attractions, and offer a welcoming message for visitors. Communities are encouraged to utilize the 11-week application period to complete community engagement conversations about what the art should reflect.
“Over the past three years, we have supported the creation of more than 75 murals and public art pieces in rural communities across Kansas,” Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said. “These art pieces support economic growth, instill pride and create community excitement for residents and visitors who have viewed the murals throughout the state.”
Applicant communities should identify their muralist, art location and design concept by May 10, 2024, the application due date. Murals and public art must be completed by December 31, 2024. Click here for more details. There also will be a webinar at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 28. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes March 6. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
February 20, 2024 5:30 p.m.
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
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.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body 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.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
