There will be a meeting of the Fort Scott Land Bank held on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. This meeting will be held to continue the discussion on the policies of the Land Bank. There will be a majority of the City Commissioners present, but no City Commission business will be conducted.
Category Archives: Government
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Feb.14
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: February 14th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
10:00-Commissioners to attend jail meeting
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
KDOT Plans in FY2020
During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz to announce the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) plans to invest $160 million in revenue that is included in the Governor’s FY 2020 budget for transportation.
With the $160 million in FY 2020, KDOT will:
- Increase the highway preservation investment from $350 – $400 million
- Move forward with four delayed T-WORKS projects (including the U.S. 169 modernization project in Anderson County; for details click the link below)
- Reinstate the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program
- Implement a new cost-share program for state/local partnerships
- Enhance its safety program • Increase City Connecting Link maintenance payments
- Increase funding for modal programs (e.g., transit, aviation, rail and bike/pedestrian)
For further information please go to this link:
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 8, 2019
Effort to Stop Growing Government: As a result of 2017 the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many states, including Kansas, will have to change their tax laws in order to avoid a state tax increase. The Senate passed legislation last year dealing with the issue but it failed in the House. This year the Senate has again picked up the banner in an attempt to pass legislation as quickly as possible so that some taxpayers will not have to file amended returns and to keep the money where it was intended – with the taxpayer. Currently, individual taxpayers cannot itemize on their Kansas tax return unless they itemize on their Federal tax return. Senate Bill (SB) 22 will allow individual taxpayers an option to itemize, which could impact your 2018 taxes since the bill is retro-active. Unfortunately, the bill only allows 50% of medical and mortgage deductions for tax-year 2018. It increases to 75% in tax-year 2019 and to 100% in tax-year 2020. SB 22 also addresses corporate money that has been earned offshore, allowing the money to come to Kansas with no Kansas income tax owed. Most corporations are tax savvy and if Kansas does nothing the money will most likely go elsewhere. The Senate passed SB 22 on a vote of 26 to 14. I voted Yes. The bill must pass the House and not be vetoed by the Governor to become law.
Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS): Senate Bill (SB) 9 will require Kansas to pay the KPERS fund on-time, which will save the State money. It passed the Senate unanimously. Hopefully, the House and the Governor will act quickly so that SB 9 becomes law.
Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Recognized in the Senate and House for serving Kansans for 100 years. KFB is a grassroots organization that promotes agriculture, education, community, and rural life. It was a pleasure to have KFB President Felts and many others in the Capitol to celebrate.
Hunting and Fishing Fees: Last week I mentioned SB 50, a bill Wildlife and Parks requested to increase almost all hunting and fishing fees by 50% and some 100%. It was announced the bill will not get out of committee. It would be nice to say the issue is dead but that just isn’t the case. However, it does appear it will not get traction this year.
Debt: School bonding debt for new buildings and maintenance of buildings has increased from $5.7 billion to $6.4 in less than three years. From 2008 to 2018 it has increased over $2.6 billion. There has been an attempt to address the continued increase in bonding debt to no avail.
As of June 30, | Statewide School District Indebtedness | Annual Change | |
2008 | 3,777,562,130 | ||
2009 | 4,459,650,707 | 682,088,577 | |
2010 | 4,602,634,429 | 142,983,722 | |
2011 | 4,483,953,136 | -118,681,293 | |
2012 | 4,476,413,399 | -7,539,737 | |
2013 | 4,659,624,797 | 183,211,398 | |
2014 | 5,281,919,283 | 622,294,486 | |
2015 | 5,623,047,441 | 341,128,158 | |
2016 | 5,790,934,088 | 167,886,647 | |
2017 | 6,089,382,797 | 298,448,709 | |
2018 | 6,416,193,352 | 326,810,555 | |
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Emergency Staffing Needed At El Dorado Correctional Facility
KDOC enacts measures to alleviate staffing shortages at El Dorado Correctional Facility
An emergency staffing situation at the El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) has prompted the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) to offer additional pay to hire temporary staff to provide relief.
“This morning I declared an emergency for the El Dorado Correctional Facility due to severe and prolonged staff shortages in the uniformed ranks. Gov. Kelly convened a meeting of legislative leadership this morning in order to brief them on the situation,” said Secretary of Corrections Roger Werholtz. “I am encouraged by the concern expressed by everyone for our employees and the desire to work together to find solutions to this crisis.”
The declaration allows the department flexibility in rostering and hiring staff. The usual staff of 316 full-time equivalents has been depleted and is down by 86 full-time equivalent people, which is forcing them to consistently work excessive amounts of overtime to cover vacant shifts.
“This is a very short-term solution to an immediate problem,” Werholtz said.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Feb.12
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 12th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
10:00-10:30-Bill Martin-Budgets
10:30-11:00-Jody Hoener-Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
1:00-ABC Trails Meeting
2:00-2:15-Matt Godinez-SEK Regional Planning Committee
3:30-4:00-David Neville-Generator Discussion
Senator Hilderband’s Weekly Newsletter Feb. 8
City of Fort Scott Closed For President’s Day
The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, February 18th, 2019 in observance of the President’s Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019.
The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, February 16th, 2019 for the President’s Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Flags Half-Staff In Honor of John Dingell
Governor Laura Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rep. John Dingell
In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on February 9, 2019, in honor of former Rep. John David Dingell Jr, the longest-serving Member of Congress in American history.
“Representative Dingell had a remarkable career – one dedicated to public service and improving the lives of the people of Michigan and our country,” said Kelly. “My deepest condolences are with his family, friends and loved ones. May we honor his legacy of service by finding ways to give back in our own communities.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.
Governor Makes Early Childhood Education A Priority
Governor Laura Kelly prioritizes revitalization of early childhood education efforts in Kansas
Governor appoints new Executive Director, Chair of Kansas Children’s Cabinet
Governor Laura Kelly today once again highlighted her commitment to expanding early childhood programing in Kansas and reinvigorating the efforts of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. Kelly appointed former Rep. Melissa Rooker as the new executive director and Kim Moore as new chair of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.
“I worked closely with Rep. Rooker for many years and know her to be a steadfast advocate for Kansas children and families with a depth of knowledge on the issues impacting our children,” said Kelly. “She shares my commitment to expanding and improving early childhood opportunities across the state. I look forward to her leadership as we stimulate innovation and partnership surrounding early childhood programs.”
Rooker served in the Kansas House of Representatives for six years where she took a leadership role in education and early childhood issues. She was heavily involved in restoring critical funding for K-12 public schools. Rooker also fought for increased funding for early childhood education after years of neglect to Kansas’ prized early childhood programs.
“I’m honored to lead this work and help implement the governor’s vision for improving the health and well-being of our children and families,” said Rooker. “Early childhood programs are critical to the development and success of Kansas children. I’m eager to build on our progress by bringing new ideas and energy to the discussion.”
Kim Moore served as the president of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund in Hutchinson for over thirty years. In that role, Moore developed multiple-year grant making initiatives in diverse health fields including adverse childhood experiences, children’s emotional and social health, oral health, and child care generally. His efforts leveraged both public and private funds to enhance programs directed towards the health of young children and their families.
“I’m pleased to have Kim Moore engaged as chair of the Children’s Cabinet,” said Kelly. “He has broad experience in the area of advocacy and philanthropy to benefit the communities of Kansas. His commitment to improving the lives of our youngest Kansans and his partnership with other philanthropies make him the right choice to chair the Kansas Children’s Cabinet.”
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that high quality early intervention and support can have on children and families across the state of Kansas,” said Moore. “I look forward to working with the governor, Rep. Rooker, and the other members of the Children’s Cabinet to make sure all children in Kansas are safe, healthy and have the opportunity to succeed.”
The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund is directed by state statute to fund and evaluate key children’s programs across the state. For more information, visit kschildrenscabinet.org.
Bourbon County Courthouse NOT Closed, Employees Given Options
The Commissioners held a special meeting at 9 a.m. Feb. 7 to discuss the weather conditions.
Following discussion the following motion was made:
Commissioner Lynne Oharah made a motion not to close the Bourbon County Courthouse. If an employee doesn’t work, vacation time or take unpaid time off can be taken.
Commissioner Nick Ruhl seconded and the motion passed.
Bourbon County Commission Emergency Meeting Feb. 7 at 9 a.m.
There will be an emergency meeting today, Feb. 7 at 9 a.m. at the Bourbon County Commission room at the courthouse.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the weather conditions.