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Category Archives: Government
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 30
August 30, 2022, Tuesday, 6:00 pm
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with three Commissioners and
the County Clerk present.
Susan Bancroft, Michael Hoyt, Bernita Hill, Patty Ropp, Shane Walker, Euna Blythe,
Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Debra Dawson, Matt Quick, Rachel Walker, Jackie Pruitt,
and Chase Turner were present for some or all of the meeting.
Susan began the meeting with an opportunity for people to ask questions regarding
Revenue Neutral Rate. The County is going to exceed the RNR as there are some
unfunded things due to increases on insurance and the other is for some things going
on upstairs with County Attorney and District Court. I talked with Commissioner
Harris about looking for an area we might be able to drop the levy that we had
proposed when I did the last budget. There is a way that we can but if we do this it
will be forever so that is one thing I want to drive home is that we are using some
sales tax dollars to maybe fund some operations and by doing that you can reduce
what you were proposing by 1.2 mils. We were proposing that we would do a 62.51
mil levy this would lower it to 61.25 and your RNR is 59.907. If you were to take this
recommendation we would have a reduction in the mil levy since 2019 of 5.36 mils.
Since 2019 you have levied for $114,000 more in property taxes to cover expenses.
We would take $150,000 going on until the sales tax falls off in 2035 to fund
operations in the jail and public safety. Once this sales tax is off the rolls you will
have to levy at that time for those expenses. This is a temporary fix if you want to
reduce the levy right now. Jim stated that if we were to have growth we could make
the sales tax up.
Clint Walker stated it doesn’t matter who is setting in the commission chairs and it’s
doesn’t matter who the county assessor is. It’s not his fault, they are bound by rules
and regulations that you will bring your property values up to 90% of what it’s worth.
It’s nice the mil levy went down, but anyone who looks at their tax bill will see that
they are paying more than last year. It’s hard to keep taxes down. Expenses have
gone through the roof.
Nelson stated if we go over the RNR, we will be cutting out $311,000 from the County
budget; if we didn’t, property taxes will go up. It’s up to the public to decide if they
are willing to let $311,000 be cut from the county budget; the less money the county
is levying to more money the people are keeping, but also services can be lost too.
A gentleman asked how much money is owed in back taxes and EMS bills. He stated if
you could collect that you might make up the $311,000. Things are getting more
expensive.
David Scharenberg – people’s income is not increasing. Would like taxes to not
increase so people can afford to live.
Clinton Walker – Other entities raise taxes not just one. If one lowers and others
raises taxes; taxes still go up.
Anne Dare – People should have attended the college and schools hearings. We need
x-amount of money cut from where? Or more funds somewhere.
Chase Turner, Deputy for Bourbon County employee but here as a citizen. I moved
from Frontenac to Bourbon County. When was the last time Bourbon County was
allowed to have economic growth that has impacted us? Clifton stated that the
commissioners are working on multi-year deals. He puts in 20 – 30 hours per week
that the public doesn’t see. Chase stated the negativity of the RNR process now is
clashing with the idea that we are trying to have economic development. I’m
concerned if we cave to the negativity in the temporary you’re going to torpedo the
growth in the future. Is the increase today, this year or for the next few years and
the things we are asking for worth it to sustain that growth and suffer in our taxes
today. I can’t answer that for everyone, but I just hope we can ask that question of
ourselves. Nelson stated that so many people think it’s the county and local
government to increase economic development to make us prosperous. I
fundamentally disagree with that. I believe it’s the county government job to enforce
laws and keep people safe but ultimately it’s the people. We have the freedom to
bring businesses in, make smart business decisions, wake up early and go to work and
if you can do that without being overly taxed and if you can do that without rules and
regulations that are hindering you, then maybe you can be more prosperous.
Mary Pemberton: we understand the challenge of staying revenue neutral. It’s very
difficult when the price of everything you buys go up and you’re trying not to spend
any more money. One thing I noticed almost every department head that came up
and presented their budget, time after time I heard the statement “we didn’t budget
for raises, we only gave the 3%”. No one here asked or commented that a 3% raise is
a raise. If they gave 3% raises and didn’t increase their budget they obviously have
padding so to speak in their budget to begin with. Mary said she wanted to address
another statement that we can only control road & bridge and appraisers. You guys
have the budgeting authority; you set the budgets for all departments. You are
required by law to give them enough money to effectively operate their department
but what that means is that if you know the sheriff has the opportunity to cut $50,000
worth of fuel costs by buying in bulk. Take $50,000 out of their budget and say we
aren’t saying you have to buy it but we are not going to fund you not to. If they go
over their budget, I know that has some repercussions for you but it might be the only
way that people in the county will wake up and realize what’s going on and the
hostage holding that is occurring within some of the departments in their budgets
could lead to a recall or an election of someone different next time. Instead of the
way it works now when people go to the poll and they are very uninformed, most of
them, and they are just checking off a name they know. If they don’t know any of
the names, they just look to see who the incumbent is and they check that. People
need to be aware. Nelson stated it was explained to him that if the elected official
asks for something we have to give it. We give it by default then if we think it’s
unreasonable we have to go to a state hearing later and we may or may not win.
Michael Hoyt stated that Revenue Neutral is a very deceiving term. It sounds like a
good thing but it may not be.
Clifton made a motion to close the RNR hearing. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add Fire District #3 notice of hearing
to exceed Revenue Neutral Rate and budget hearing for Fire District #3 of Bourbon
County. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to open the RNR hearing for Fire District #3. Nelson seconded.
All approved.
Lou Howard requested a small budget increase that will raise our property taxes
$4.00/$100,000 home. We have no intentions of raising property taxes ever. Fire
District #3 covers 508 square miles of Bourbon County. We are Uniontown, Bronson,
Hiattville, Devon, Mapleton, Fulton and Redfield. Scott Township Fire Department
and Garland Fire Department are separate from us. We have 7 stations and 25
volunteers. We do our very best with tax dollars to provide gear and equipment but
this year it did exceed. Clifton stated speaking as a citizen, not a commissioner, that
he was a volunteer years ago and he remembered someone told him that we have to
spend this money or we won’t get it next year. I don’t know if that mind set is still
there. Clifton asked Lou to please stress that with her crew. Lou stated that they are
very careful until the end of the year and see where they are with fuel expenses and
then if there are funds remaining they look at what they have to have for the
following year. We are also first responders and EMT’s. Susan stated that there
proposed budget was $333,200. Last year it was $328,940. Clifton made a motion to
close the RNR and budget hearing for Fire District #3. Nelson seconded. All
approved.
Clifton made a motion to adopt resolution 12-22 a resolution for the County of
Bourbon, Kansas to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate.
Nelson seconded. Clifton clarified that we are not voting on the budget, this is a
resolution that has coming out of a senate bill that is absolute nonsense. All
approved. Clifton made a motion to adopt resolution 13-22 a resolution for the Fire
District #3, Bourbon County, Kansas, to levy a property tax rate to exceed the
Revenue Neutral Rate. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to add to the agenda the budget adoption of Fire District #3.
Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to adopt the budget of Fire
District #3 in Bourbon County. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from August 23, 2022. Nelson
seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey stated they completed asphalting in the Uniontown area last week and
have moved out to 215th starting at Indian and went south 1.2 miles and will make it
down to Grand and turn around and come back to finish that. Then we’ll look at
doing Grand from 39 to 39. Last Friday we had two big trees go down on 125th just
south of Mapleton. Got them cleaned up Friday night and roads back open. We
submitted two applications to the Off System Bridge Program; bridge #19.2Q-0
between 195th and 205th on Jayhawk; and the other is at 60th & Grand bridge 5.0S.9.
Bridge 518 on 215th was in the KOBIP program and I believe it has been submitted as
well. Eric stated the soybean permit has been signed and is in the mail. We can
proceed forward with building a pad for composting of soybeans. Eric stated that the
asphalt oil that they use has gone up $7,000 per load this year. Nelson asked about
working on a section of Yale Rd. between Mapleton and Hidden Valley Lake. Eric
stated that the section needs to be taken back to gravel and rework the base and
then repave it to do it right.
County Counselor Comments: No Comment
Chief Financial Officer Comments: No Comment
Chief Information Officer Comments: No Comment
Public Comment: Michael Hoyt quoted Clifton Beth from the newspaper. “People
need to show up” he said. He encouraged people to provide commissioners with input
regarding the budget. Beth talked about the limited number of people who attend
the meeting or were watching the livestream online. Michael continued with, please
consider how frustrating it is when 50% of the content of a meeting is coming where
we can’t hear you. It’s either made at the back door here or comments made from
the audience. So we need microphones up there, another podium over there. The
agenda this evening said to be here at 9:00am; but then we change it to 6:00pm. So
which is it 6:00pm or 9:00am? We get confused. Nobody shows up. Justin Meeks
stated that according to the Kansas Open Meetings Act does not require for the
meeting to be videoed. This is a service to tax payers. Shane Walker stated that
YouTube is a technology that we do not own or control. If you want me to record
these meetings and broadcast them to work 100% all the time it’s $60 – $70,000. We
are not going to raise taxes to do that. Michael read from a ballot from April 7, 2015
regarding the jail sales tax. Michael stated that the jail sales tax is set to end in two
years. Justin Meeks stated he and Mr. Hoyt have had discussions regarding this issue.
It is statutory. If the sales tax went up we could pay the jail off sooner, but we are
years away from this occurring. Michael Hoyt stated that we have paid on this for 8
years and the ending balance is still over 6 million dollars. Justin stated that the
bond goes out to 2035. Susan clarified that we refinanced the bond, so if we are
talking just about bonds, there is 5.2 million on the refunding part of it and $565,000
on a couple of certificates that it didn’t make sense to refinance and so those two
together is $5.7 million. What you have to understand about the debt service and
how it’s structured is you pay interest and you pay your principal at the end and it continues to get higher each year. Normally debt service you will pay higher at the
beginning and it will get lower or it stays relatively the same but this is structured so
that we are paying more as the years go on because I think the idea is that our sales
tax revenues will go up. Sometime after, I wasn’t here at that time, they must have
determined that the sales tax was going to generate enough money to buy additional
jail pod and equipment. This is not a bond. This is a lease purchase and there is still
$1.5 million owed on that. So when Michael says it is exceeding $6 million, the bonds
aren’t exceeding that, the bonds have been paid down but you still have total debt
service in excess of the $6 million because I think there were some pods and stuff
added after the fact. Michael stated that whether the sunset date is 2025 or 2035 we
should be very careful how we spend this money and not use it outside of the jail.
Susan stated the money is being used for public safety. It is being used for
equipment, cars and paying down the debt. Justin Meeks stated that there are two
different types of sales tax and how they are on the ballot. In this case it doesn’t
have the sunset, it’s open sales tax until the bond is paid off.
Commission Comment: Nelson stated that if the point of the conversation is that we
pay our debts off quicker if possible, I agree. Clifton stated last year we refinanced
the debt and was able to save about $100,000 per year.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Kansas: Technology Research Funding Available
Proof of Concept Applications Open through the End of September
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that Proof of Concept (POC) applications for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 are being accepted through Friday, September 30.
The POC program is a part of Kansas Innovation & Technology Enterprise (KITE) and is designed to fill a funding gap that impedes the progression of technology from research to the marketplace. POC funding acts as a bridge to commercialization and potential funding by angel or venture capital investors. The program aims to assist in:
- The establishment of promising new technology-based entrepreneurial ventures within the state; and
- The commercialization of inventions resulting from research conducted at Kansas public universities.
“I am thrilled that we are able to offer funding through the Proof of Concept program to help entrepreneurs develop new technologies,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is one of the four strategic pillars of the Framework for Growth. Through this program we make sure that innovative thinkers and doers can bring new ideas to fruition, creating new jobs and wealth that drive the Kansas economy.”
POC funding can assist in developing a project or product to the point where the entity can raise significant amounts of external capital. Typically, these awards will be used for commercial assessment and/or technology validation, such as advanced testing or prototype development.
Funding is available in two categories: For-profit Entity and Faculty Led. Applications for POC funding are accepted throughout the year and can be found here. The POC review committee meets on a quarterly basis to review proposals and make recommendations for funding in the two categories of applications. Award amounts can be between $5,000 and $25,000 per application. Recipients receiving awards for the application period ending September 30 will be made in early November.
For additional information, please contact Rachèll Rowand at Rachè[email protected].
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Fort Scot Airport Advisory Board Meets Sept. 7 at Noon
The Airport Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, September 7th, 12:00 p.m. at City Hall.
KS AG Advisory Boards Open to the Public on Sept. 15
MANHATTAN, Kansas — Several advisory boards which serve to guide the work of the Kansas Department of Agriculture will meet on Thursday, September 15, at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The meetings will be held on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, and are open to the public.
The boards which will meet on September 15 are:
Kansas Board of Agriculture
9:00 a.m. to noon
Kansas State Fair Administrative Office Boardroom
Contact: Brittney Grother, [email protected] or 785-564-6797
Kansas Board of Animal Health
9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Prairie Pavilion conference room
Contact: Justin Smith, [email protected] or 785-564-6601
Kansas Marketing Advisory Board
1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Kansas State Fair Administrative Office Boardroom
Contact: Russell Plaschka, [email protected] or 785-564-7466
State Conservation Commission
8:00 a.m. to noon
Cottonwood Court building: upstairs meeting room
Contact: Division of Conservation, [email protected] or 785-564-6620
The meetings are open to the public. Individuals who have questions about any of the meetings can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 785-564-6700 for more information.
Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.
Fort Scott Golf Advisory Boards Meets on Sept. 8
The Golf Course Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, September 8th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton. The meeting will take place in the clubhouse. This meeting is open to the public.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 6
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: September 6, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comments
FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of August 26
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 26, 2022 Special Meeting #13
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 26th, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Brad Matkin, Betty Breault, Devin Tally, and Susan Bancroft, Clete Hall, Rob Harrington Deb McCoy, Pete Allen, Grace Nolan Sweat, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.
CONSIDERATION:
Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution No. 33-2022 – City Manager shared with the Commission a spreadsheet on the amenities the City offers to citizens. He shared that the majority of these are losing money. He said that we need to manage our facilities better. The current revenue neutral rate is 45.222. The proposed revenue neutral rate is 46.756 which is an increase of 1.54 above the Revenue Neutral Rate.
Susan Bancroft informed the Commission she was hired by the Commission to assist in the budget process for 2023. She has over 20 years of experience in governmental accounting. She reminded the Commission that cash reserves are established for unforeseen emergencies and delays in funding. The City of Fort Scott’s Financial Policy which was adopted on May 19, 2020 states the following:
The Fort Scott City Commission understands it has a responsibility to maintain prudent financial operations to ensure stable City operations for the benefit of City residents and businesses. This policy is necessary in maintaining a prudent level of financial resources to protect against reducing service levels or raising taxes and fees due to temporary economic conditions or unforeseen one-time expenditures. Appropriate fund balance targets are expected to differ from city to city, based on each city’s specific circumstances. Factor to consider include the size of government, diversification of revenue, and volatility of revenue sources.
Unencumbered cash reserves are an important component in ensuring the overall financial health of a community, by giving the City cushion to meet contingency or cash flow timing needs. It is recommended that governments maintain a fund balance of no less that 5% to 15% of revenues or one or two months of operating expenditures.
Maintaining fund balances at a prescribed level involves two components: 1) Budgeted reserves; 2) Conservative budgeting ensuring revenues eceed expenditures.
Susan recommended that in order to avoid service disruptions that otherwise could arise from revenue shortfalls or unanticipated expenditures, business funds shall be managed by the Finance Director and Department Directors in such a way as to maintain a minimum unencumbers cash balance on the last day of each fiscal year to equal to at least 25% or three months of current fiscal year budgeted annual operating expenditures before any transfers out.
Pros and Cons to stay Revenue Neutral Rate for the City of Fort Scott:
Pros:
The City will not increase the amount of taxes levied from the previous year.
Cons:
No new revenue coming to the City to cover the increase in commodities/supplies.
No opportunity for employees to have raises without cutting cash reserves or services.
Already dropping reserves with changes that occurred in 2022 to retain employees and reducing reserves more to give raises in 2023 down below policy levels of three months operating.
Budgets need to be fluid to allow for unanticipated expenditures – such as disasters, change in administration, mandates, failing facilities, or retirees.
Susan shared a spreadsheet of budgeted 2022 expenses and changes during 2022. She said that the proposed budget amount of $2,255,064.00 would drop the mill levy by 1.756.
She also shared cash reserves amounts with the Commission. In 2021, there was $1,480,293 – Budgeted for 2022 is $1,313,333; 2022 with changes is $1,200,805; and proposed for 2023 is $1,071,750. She cautioned them on lowering the cash reserve amounts.
Susan informed the Commission that they have lowered their mill levy 2 ½ mills in the last two years. The County has lowered their mill levy 4 mills in the last two years.
Susan asked the City Clerk to read the proposed resolution with the budget amount in it.
Diane Clay, City Clerk, read the following proposed resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 33-2022
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS REGARDING THE GOVERNING BODY’S INTENT TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX EXCEEDING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE.
WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for the City of Fort Scott was calculated as 45.222 mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott will require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on August 23rd, 2022 allowing all interested taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and,
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas having heard testimony, still finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS:
The Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate with a proposed mill levy not to exceed a mill levy that generates $2,255,260.00 in Ad Valorem Tax.
This Resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
ADOPTED this 26th day of August, 2022.
- Walker moved to approve the above stated resolution for Revenue Neutral and to keep it flat at 45.222. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION 33-2022 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS REGARDING THE GOVERNING BODY’S INTENT TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX EXCEEDING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE.
Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget – City Manager said that this notice of public hearing needs to be approved to be published in the local City newspaper. This reflects the 45.222 rate.
- Walker moved to approve to publish the notice for the 2023 Budget Public Hearing to be held on September 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE NOTICE FOR THE 2023 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
- Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) until 1:08 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney, and Rob Harrington. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
- Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 1:08 p.m. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the special meeting at 1:08 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 1:08 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC
City Clerk
FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of August 23
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 23, 2022 Special Meeting #12
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 23rd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Brad Matkin, Betty Breault, Devin Tally, and Susan Bancroft.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Public Hearing: 5:00 p.m. Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
- Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 5:00 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:00 P.M.
Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution No. 33-2022 – City Manager stated that this meeting is held to discuss the current Revenue Neutral Rate which is currently 45.222 to the proposed amount for 2023 in the amount of 46.756. This will keep the mill levy flat.
Comments were taken from the audience.
Betty Breault said that she is a taxpayer, and she believes that the taxpayers should have the right to vote for a tax. She believes that state, local, and county governments should be monitored to make sure that the taxpayer’s dollars are spent correctly. She said that if there has been misappropriation of funds that people that work in that position should be held responsible for their actions. She believes that the utility companies should be monitored also. Once again, she believes that the taxpayers should be allowed to vote for any tax increases.
- Jones moved to close the Public Hearing at 5:05 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:05 P.M.
Josh stated that he is not in favor of the Revenue Neutral Rate and the amount it is proposed. He said that not once has he heard a citizen say they moved from Fort Scott due to a pothole, but from the amount of taxes they have to pay. He mentioned that the payroll at the Golf Course has increased $90,000.00. He also about the sale of the First Source building and those funds. He said that there are other areas we can cut.
City Manager said that the First Source funds are being used for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. and the Land Bank funding.
Discussion was held regarding what was being paid to Bourbon County R.E.D.I.
Susan informed the Commission that they have cut about $100,000 since 2020. This was mostly from the Codes fund.
Susan said that the proposed budget needs to be published by September 3rd, 2022 which would allow for one more budget work session. She recommended that the Commission adopt the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution with the wording that the City of Fort Scott would not exceed the proposed mill levy of 46.756 mills.
Josh said that he has gone through the budget line item by line item. He asked if the others had done that. He believes we will have a bigger carryover than last year.
- Jones moved to not approve the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution. M. Wells seconded. J. Jones, M. Wells and K. Harrington voted in favor of not approving the resolution. T. Van Hoecke and S. Walker voted in favor of approving the resolution. Motion denied 3-2.
DENIED APPROVING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE RESOLUTION.
Commissioners decided to have a special meeting on Friday, August 26th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. to discuss the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution and the wording change, and the publication of the 2023 Budget Hearing Notice.
CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget – City Manager
- Harrington voted to table the publication of the 2023 Budget. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE PUBLICATION OF THE 2023 BUDGET AT THIS TIME.
Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S Main Street – Pizza Republic – City Clerk informed the Commission that the Design Review Board had verbally approved the signage for 17 S. Main Street.
- Wells moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S. Main Street. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR SIGNAGE AT 17 S. MAIN STREET – PIZZA REPUBLIC.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:30 p.m. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC
City Clerk
FS City Commission Minutes of Aug. 16
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 16th, 2022 Regular Meeting #17
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 16th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.
INVOCATION: Tim Van Hoecke, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jason Pickert, Lisa Lewis, Peter Earles, John Hayes, Ben Cole, Steve Anthony, Sarah Maike, Pete Allen, Michael Hoyt, Shayne Johnston, Terry Sercer, Rob Harrington, Braley Harrington, Peter Brackett, Lori Brackett, James Brackett, Kevin Allen, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Steve Anthony and Ben Cole – Special Olympics Golf Tournament – Mayor Katie Harrington presented Steve Anthony, Ben Cole, and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department with a Certificate of Recognition for their involvement in the Special Olympics Golf Fundraiser which was held recently. There has been over $100,000 raised for this worthy cause in the last several years.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:
Josh Jones asked that the School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding be added to New Business as #5. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADD THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO NEW BUSINESS AS ITEM #5.
- Wells asked that Amended Ordinance No. 3617 be added under Old Business as Item #2. This was approved at the last meeting but the legal description was incorrect. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADD AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 3617 UNDER OLD BUSINESS AS ITEM #2.
CONSENT AGENDA:
City Clerk informed the Commission that Item F is not ready for approval yet.
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 2nd, 2022 and postponed meeting of August 4th, 2022.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1318-A totaling $459,765.60.
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.
Plan Review – GO Car Wash $ 288.00
City Engineer (April) $4,120.00
City Engineer (July) $4,120.00
Phase II Design -Wastewater $15,417.50
South Industrial Park Waterline Project $ 5,116.55
Sanitary Sewer Project $13,330.00
Cooper Street Inspection $5,202.00
TOTAL $47,594.05
- Request to pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. (July) – $455.00
- Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – $2,200.00 – Rehabilitate Runway & Taxiway Project Engineering
- July financials
- Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of Item F – July financials. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
John Hayes – Mr. Hayes said he had a couple of items to bring up. His first item was Williams Street. He has been told that from the Fort Scott Middle School to 18th Street it is divided between the City and the County. The road is very rough and needs repaired. He also said that streetlights need installed there and asked for at the minimum of four (4) streetlights as it is very dark.
His next concern was the railroad crossings at 6th, 10th, and 15th Street. These crossings are very rough and need repaired. He said that there is 1” to 2” from the asphalt to the track and they need repaired. He mentioned the Quiet Zone that was done on Wall Street and said that was an industrial area and it should have been placed in a residential area. He also believes that it is not necessary for the trains to blow their horns all times during the night.
Commissioners told Mr. Hayes that it up to the railroad and not the City.
Sarah Maike – Ms. Maike said that she has been poor all of her life. She knows what it is to rob Peter to pay Paul. She said that a vast majority of citizens are not happy with the City’s infrastructure. She stated that the amount of money the City takes in we should have streets of gold, our water turned to wine, and our sewer should smell like roses. She challenged the Commission to find more money for infrastructure but not raise taxes.
Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said that he wished Chief Shelton was here tonight and he wanted to thank him for the way he handled a bad situation at the last work session when an unruly citizen came into the lobby. He stated that the Chief had taken part of a de-escalation Crisis Intervention Team Training and urged all City police officers and County Sheriff officers to take part of this training. He thanked Chief Shelton for his quick thinking that night.
Pete Allen – Mr. Allen reminded the City Commission of their commitment to the Standards and Specifications that were adopted on December 18th, 2018. He reminded them to make sure that the City crews were following these specifications when repairing streets and waterlines. He asked if the street by Old Faithful was open yet.
City Manager said that it is not open yet.
Shayne Johnston – Mr. Johnston said that he wanted to share the Lake Advisory Board’s thoughts from their recent meeting last Saturday morning.
The board recommended that an ordinance be drawn up regarding the sale of lake lots and the specifications for the lots. He asked that the Bathymetric study be completed on water quality and that the funding for this study be placed into the City budget and the Lake fund not used for it.
Old Business:
- Consideration of Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618 – City Manager informed the Commission that he had made the requested changes to the ordinance –
- Consideration of amended Ordinance No. 3617 – Change of zoning ordinance for the property at 12th and Clark Streets –
Appearances:
Kelly Perry – Perry’s Pork Rinds – Request of use of City parking area – Motorcycle Poker Run – 9/10/2022 – Kelly Perry was not present, so this will be placed on the September 6th, 2022 agenda.
Terry Sercer – 2021 Audit Presentation – Terry Sercer, Auditor, Diehl, Banwart & Bolton C.P.A., informed the Commission that he is with Diehl, Banwart & Bolton, CPA. He said he wanted to hit a couple of important parts of the audit. The audit financial statements are verified that receipts and expenditures are accurate. They look at the utility billings and ordinances and make sure what is being charged is correct. They look at payroll and verify that is correct also. He said that their firm has done the audit for the City for the past 37 years. There were no disagreements with City management. He said that it is a pleasure to work with the City.
Moved to approve the 2021 Audit. Seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED 2021 AUDIT.
Public Hearing – None
New Business:
- D.O.T. Project U-2455-01 – Approval of Grant Agreement – $949,000.00 – Horton Street Project – City Manager informed the Commission that this is the official grant document for Horton Street that needs approved.
Moved to approve Grant Number 208-22, Project Number U-2455-01, Horton Street Project in the amount of $949,000.00 between Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Fort Scott. Seconded. All voted aye.
approved Grant Number 208-22, Project Number U-2455-01, Horton Street Project in the amount of $949,000.00 between Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Fort Scott.
- Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3619 – Standard Traffic Ordinance – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that the Standard Traffic Ordinance book is updated annually. This enables the Police Officers to write citations.
moved to approve Ordinance Number 3619, the Standard Traffic Ordinance. seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NUMBER 3619 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.
- Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3620 – Uniform Public Offense Code – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that this ordinance adopts the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas cities and will allow the Fort Scott Municipal Court to prosecute misdemeanors. There are a few violations that will still be prosecuted in District Court and those are repealed in this ordinance.
moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3620 – the Uniform Public Offense Code. seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3620 ADDING SECTION 10.05 REGULATING PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES, 38TH EDITION, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS, CHANGES, AND ADDITIONS, PRESCRIBING ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS AND PROVIDING CERTAIN PENALTIES.
- Discussion of Credit Card fees for customers – City Manager informed the Commission that the City pays approximately $3,000 in credit card fees.
Tim informed the City Manager that there is a Kansas Statute 16-A-2403 that has to be complied with and asked if it referred to cities also.
City Manager will into this.
This will be tabled until the September 6th, 2022 meeting.
- School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding between City of Fort Scott and USD #234 – City Manager said that this agreement allows for two school resource officers within the USD 234 school district. The school district will reimburse the City of Fort Scott a total of $90,000 for the year 2022-2023. Approval of this agreement was recommended.
- Wells moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Fort Scott and USD #234 for two School Resource Officers. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT AND USD #234 FOR TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.
Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments: City Manager commented on the following:
League of Kansas Municipalities KOMA/KORA Training – August 31st, 2022 – Virtual Training – Kelley said that this begins at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31st. He asked the Commission to notify them if they could attend.
Cape Seal Preparation – City Manager informed them that the City crews are preparing surfaces for the upcoming Cape Seal project.
Old Faithful Project – City Manager said that the street will be repaired in the near future.
17th & Eddy – City Manager said that the contractor hit a snag and that the City crew will need to video the line. There could be a possible change order.
Lake parking area – City Manager said that the City crew is getting this area prepared with gravel.
CIP Project – City Manager said that we will have to replace water lines with the same in kind lines that are currently there and go through K.D.H.E.
Human Resources – City Manager said that he and the Human Resource Director, Brad Matkin, are working with City directors to work more efficiently and be accountable.
- Director Comments: None
- Engineering Firm Comments: None
- Commissioners Reports and Comments:
- Wells – Matthew praised God for allowing Brad to be back at City Hall working. He is a great asset to the City of Fort Scott.
Matthew asked about cables at Lake Fort Scott parking area. He asked that Doug Guns be present at the next meeting to answer questions at the Lake. He also stated that he was at the Lake Advisory Board meeting and they would like to move forward with the Bathymetric Study and reach out to K-State, Pitt Sate, or K.U. to assist with it. He would like to see a City ordinance drawn up on the sale of Lake lots and go over this at the next meeting.
- Van Hoecke – Tim said that the City crews are doing a great job preparing for the Cape Seal project. He did ask that they use safety glasses and gloves when working.
Tim asked for an update on 2nd Street by the Courthouse.
Tim said that he attended the recent Care to Share fundraiser that was held on National in front of Sharky’s. It was well attended and thanked all who organized it.
- Jones – Josh stated that he was glad to have Brad back in the office also.
Josh asked that the City Manager look at the roads at the Lake and who is responsible for what.
Josh thanked Destry Brown and the City Manager for the USD 234 School Resource Officer agreement.
- Walker – Shane updated the Commission on 2nd Street by the Courthouse. They are sending their part out for bid in the near future.
City Manager said once the County part is done, the City will repair the street.
Shane also thanked Destry Brown for the school resource officer agreement with the City.
Shane said that he was representing Frank Halsey and asked for the camping area at Gunn Park to be shut down on September 17th and 18th for the Marmaton Massacre event.
- Jones moved to shut off the camping area at Gunn Park on September 17th and 18th for the Marmaton Massacre Event. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO SHUT OFF THE CAMPING AREA AT GUNN PARK ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AND 18TH FOR THE MARMATON MASSACRE EVENT.
- Harrington – Katie wished the best of luck to all the students as well as college students going back to school this week.
Katie also said that she is glad that Brad is back.
- City Attorney Reports and Comments: Bob Farmer, City Attorney said that he had been questioned about a City Commission no longer residing in the City limits. He said that is simply not true. There is a misconception that if you move somehow, you are off the Commission. It depends on the circumstances. You have to be a qualified elector, and to be a qualified elector, you have to be a resident of the City. That Commissioner owns a residence in the City and is going through a family related situation. It is frequent that people change residences. He is waiting for the resident to be able to be moved into. There is no violation.
Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
Adjournment:
- Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:31 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
FS City Commission Agenda for Sept. 6
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
6:00 P.M.
- Roll Call:
- Jones T. Van Hoecke S. Walker M. Wells K. Harrington
- Flag Salute:
- Invocation: Led by:
- Consent Agenda:
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 16th, 2022, special meetings of August 23rd, 2022 and August 26th, 2022.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1319-A totaling $1,451,219.60.
- Consideration to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $1,064.90 – Engineering – Phase II Dam Improvements
- Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – 17th & Eddy Project – $55,879.92
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.
City Engineer (August) $4,120.00
Phase II Design -Wastewater $13,080.00
South Industrial Park Waterline Project $ 8,940.00
Sanitary Sewer Project $20,100.00
Cooper Street Inspection $ 827.25
Horton Street Project $9,050.00
TOTAL $56,117.25
- July financials
- Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
- Old Business:
- Discussion of credit cards fees for customers
- Appearances: Jessica Sager – CDL – Overview of Services
Shane Wood – Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board items
Travis Sawyer – Request to use Riverfront Park – Haunted Trail
Hayride – October 15th, 2022
- Public Hearing: None
- New Business:
- Consideration of Demolition Bid – 623 Short Street
- Consideration of Demolition Bid – 220 S. Judson Street
- Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments:
- AG Engineering Agreement – Lake Fort Scott Dam Modification Project
- Lake Fort Scott Parking Expansion
- Leak Detection Agreement – Westrum Leak Detection
- Consideration of Removal of Special Assessments – 736 S. Heylman
- Discussion of Parking Meters in Downtown District
- Commissioners Reports and Comments:
- Director Comments:
Dave Bruner – ISO Rating
- Engineering Firm Comments:
- City Attorney Reports and Comments:
- Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
Shane Walker & Tim Van Hoecke – Executive Session
XII. Adjournment:
August Kansas Tax Receipts More Than Last August
Kansas Total August Tax Receipts $23.5 Million More Than August 2021
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that Kansas’ August total tax receipts were $652.5 million. Those receipts were $11.2 million more than the estimate and $23.5 million, or 3.7%, more than August 2021.
“It is because of strong revenues and fiscal responsibility that we have been able to cut property and grocery taxes, strengthen infrastructure, fund law enforcement, and fully fund public education,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “For the 25th consecutive month, we have met or exceeded the revenue estimate, showing that we are providing businesses a stable economic environment to grow and succeed.”
Individual income tax collections were $307.3 million, or 2.4%, more than the estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $15.5 million, or 3.1%, more than the estimate.
August retail sales tax collections were $239.6 million, or 1.9%, greater than the estimate. This amount is also $13.1 million, or 5.8%, greater than August 2021. Compensating use tax collections were $63.3 million, which is $1.7 million less than the estimate, but 8.2%, or $4.8 million, greater than August 2021. When viewed in the aggregate, sales and compensating use tax receipts are $17.9 million, or 6.3%, greater than August 2021.
Click here to view the tax receipts spreadsheet for August.