Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Commerce Announces $4.1M Available in Tax Credits Program

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $4.1 million in tax credits once again will be made available under the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP).

CSP assists private nonprofit organizations and public healthcare entities undertaking major capital campaigns for projects involving:

  • Community service, including childcare
  • Non-governmental crime prevention
  • Youth apprenticeship and technical training
  • Healthcare services

Under this program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions towards approved projects. Organizations are chosen through a competitive selection process.

“CSP tax credits help a wide variety of community-led projects come to fruition,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The program benefits organizations and donors alike as they collaboratively work to improve their hometowns by supporting projects that positively impact a community’s overall economic health and quality of life.”

Proposed projects should be unique or one-time in nature and create lasting value for charitable organizations. For example, projects might include a capital campaign, major equipment purchase, major renovation, capacity building, etc.

The application window is open from March 1 through April 30, 2024. Applicants may request up to $200,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas (less than 15,000 population) are eligible for a 70 percent credit. Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a 50 percent credit.

If your organization is interested in applying for the CSP program, the Department of Commerce invites you to an introductory webinar at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 1. Registration is required. For more information and to register, click here.

For questions regarding CSP Tax Credits, visit the Commerce website here or contact Community Development Specialist Sara Bloom here or at (785) 506-9278.

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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Fort Scott Community College, Government

Fort Scott Community College Trustees Meet On February 29

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The FSCC Board of Trustees will be holding a special board meeting on Thursday, February 29 at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in Burris Hall.  The recently updated technology is not yet ready to carry a livestream, so the meeting will not be streamed.  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.

 

Area News, Government, Health Care

Health Advisory, Safety Tips for Prescribed Fire Season in Flint Hills

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TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned by prescribed fire, especially within the Flint Hills.

Prescribed fire is a tool used by landowners and managers to help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce the air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool in early March, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke and air quality impacts to downwind areas. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“We are entering the 14th year that we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air, said. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources, such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include: burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

  • Healthy people limiting or avoiding strenuous outdoor
  • Vulnerable people should remain
  • Keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe

For more information about the prescribed burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions and the smoke modeling tool, please visit The Kansas Flint Hill Smoke Management Website.

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Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Meet February 29 For A Special Meeting

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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.

 

Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Kansans encouraged to celebrate Talking Books Week, March 3rd-9th

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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.talking.books.service. Special events during the week will include an online patron open forum with division staff on Wednesday and a roadshow event at the Emporia Public Library on Thursday.

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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Government, Youth

Senator Marshall Offers Assistance for Students Struggling with FAFSA Application Failures

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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:

  • Senator Marshall recently met with college presidents in the Kansas City and Wichita areas to discuss ongoing concerns with the new FAFSA form and how the Administration’s delays are impacting the college’s ability to help potential students.
  • Earlier this month, the Senator joined Republican colleagues in a press conference highlighting the U.S. Department of Education’s mismanagement of the new online FAFSA form.
  • Senator Marshall co-sponsored the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would reinstate an exemption on the FAFSA form for family farms and small businesses, allowing them not to count assets towards financial aid. The Education Department removed the exemption in the most recent FAFSA. Assets will be counted on FAFSA applications for the 2024-2025 school year if left unchanged.
  • In January, the Senator joined 28 colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Education (DOE) demanding answers and solutions to ongoing issues with the FAFSA form.

 

 

Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission on February 20

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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

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of February 12

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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

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

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

 

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Bourbon County, Government

Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on February 13

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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:

  • Minutes of January 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

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

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission Meeting on February 5

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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, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for February 26

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

February 26, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes 2/12/2024 and 2/20/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $293,310.56
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $327,719.27
  1. Public Comments
  2. Trevor Jacobs
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Matt Quick, County Appraiser- Property Evaluations
  • Healthcare Sales Tax Ballot Language
  1. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. EMS Outstanding Receivables
    2. Funding for Totaled Vehicle
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Appointment of Non-Lawyer Member to 6th District Judicial Nominating Commission
    2. 2023 Inventory Approval
    3. KCAMP Building Replacement Coverage
    4. Bridges out of Poverty Workshop
    5. Presidential Preference Primary Election
    6. Hay Bids
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

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.