Category Archives: Government

Amended Agenda For Bourbon County Commission Meeting Today

The county clerk’s office released an amended agenda for Nov. 29, along with several attachments, which can be seen below.

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: November 29, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley 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

Ashley Shelton Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Terry Sercer 2021 Audit

Approval of Accounts Payable

Ashley Shelton Emergency Management Position

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Attachments:2021 Communications with Management Letter

2021 Draft Audited Financial statements

2021 Audit Journal Entries

2021 Statement 1 and supporting schedules

 

 

From the auditor, an attachment:

BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

November 14, 2022

 

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA

PO Box 469

Fort Scott, Kansas  66701

 

This representation letter is provided in in connection with your audit of the financial statement of  Bourbon County, Kansas as of December 31, 2021 and for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statement, for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to whether the financial statement is presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with the regulatory basis of accounting as prescribed by the KMAAG (Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide).

 

Certain representations in this letter are described as being limited to matters that are material.  Items are considered material, regardless of size, if they involve an omission or misstatement of accounting information that, in light of surrounding circumstances, makes it probable that the judgment of a reasonable person relying on the information would be changed or influenced by the omission or misstatement.  An omission or misstatement that is monetarily small in amount could be considered material as a result of qualitative factors.

 

We confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, the following representations made to you during your audit.

 

Financial Statement

 

  1. We have fulfilled our responsibilities, as set out in the terms of the audit engagement letter dated May 5, 2022, including our responsibility for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement and for preparation of the supplementary information in accordance with the applicable criteria.

 

  1. The financial statement referred to above is fairly presented in conformity with the regulatory basis of accounting and includes all properly classified funds and other financial information of the government and all related municipal entities required by the regulatory basis of accounting to be included in the financial reporting entity.

 

  1. We acknowledge our responsibility for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of a financial statement that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

 

  1. We acknowledge our responsibility for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control to prevent and detect fraud.

 

  1. Significant assumptions we used in making accounting estimates are reasonable.

 

  1. Related party relationships and transactions, including revenues, expenditures/expenses, loans, transfers, leasing arrangements, and guarantees, and amounts from or payable to related parties have been appropriately accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory basis of accounting.

 

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA                                                       Page 2

Fort Scott, Kansas

 

 

  1. Adjustments or disclosures have been made for all events, including instances of noncompliance, subsequent to the date of the financial statements that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements or in the schedule of findings and questioned costs.

 

  1. All events subsequent to the date of the financial statement and for which the regulatory basis of accounting requires adjustment or disclosure have been adjusted or disclosed. No events, including instances of noncompliance, have occurred subsequent to the financial statement date and through the date of this letter that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the aforementioned financial statement or in the schedule of findings and questioned costs.

 

  1. The effects of all known actual or possible litigation, claims, and assessments have been accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the regulatory basis of accounting.

 

  1. Guarantees, whether written or oral, under which the County is contingently liable, if any, have been properly recorded or disclosed.

 

Information Provided

 

  1. We have provided you with:

 

  1. Access to all information, of which we are aware, that is relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement, such as records, documentation, and other matters and all audit or relevant monitoring reports, if any, received from funding sources.

 

  1. Additional information that you have requested from us for the purpose of the audit.

 

  1. Unrestricted access to persons within the entity from whom you determined it necessary to obtain audit evidence.

 

  1. Minutes of the meetings of the County Commission or summaries of actions or recent meetings for which minutes have not yet been prepared.

 

  1. All material transactions have been recorded in the accounting records and are reflected in the financial statement and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.

 

  1. We have disclosed to you the results of our assessment of the risk that the financial statement may be materially misstated as a result of fraud.

 

  1. We have no knowledge of any fraud or suspected fraud that affects the entity and involves:

 

  • Management,

 

  • Employees who have significant roles in internal control, or

 

  • Others where the fraud could have a material effect on the financial statement.

 

  1. We have no knowledge of any allegations of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity’s financial statement communicated by employees, former employees, regulators, or others.

 

 

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA                                                       Page 3

Fort Scott, Kansas

 

 

  1. We have no knowledge of instances of noncompliance or suspected noncompliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, or grant agreements, or abuse, whose effects should be considered when preparing financial statements.

 

  1. We have disclosed to you all known actual or possible litigation, claims, and assessments whose effects should be considered when preparing the financial statement.

 

  1. We have disclosed to you the identity of the entity’s related parties and all the related party relationships and transactions of which we are aware.

 

Government—specific

 

  1. There have been no communications from regulatory agencies concerning noncompliance with, or deficiencies in, financial reporting practices.

 

  1. We have taken timely and appropriate steps to remedy fraud, noncompliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements, or abuse that you have reported to us.

 

  1. We have a process to track the status of audit findings and recommendations.

 

  1. We have identified to you any previous audits, attestation engagements, and other studies related to the audit objectives and whether related recommendations have been implemented.

 

  1. We have provided our views on reported findings, conclusions, and recommendations, as well as our planned corrective actions, for the report.

 

  1. The County has no plans or intentions that may materially affect the carrying value or classification of the financial statement.

 

  1. We are responsible for compliance with the laws, regulations, and provisions of contracts and grant agreements applicable to us, including tax or debt limits and debt contracts; and we have identified and disclosed to you all laws, regulations and provisions of contracts and grant agreements that we believe have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts or other financial data significant to the audit objectives, including legal and contractual provisions for reporting specific activities in separate funds.

 

  1. We have identified and disclosed to you all instances that have occurred or are likely to have occurred, of fraud and noncompliance with provisions of laws and regulations that we believe have a material effect on the financial statements or other financial data significant to the audit objectives, and any other instances that warrant the attention of those charged with governance.

 

  1. We have identified and disclosed to you all instances, which have occurred or are likely to have occurred, of noncompliance with provisions of contracts and grant agreements that we believe have a material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts or other financial data significant to the audit objectives.

 

 

 

 

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA                                                     Page 4

Fort Scott, Kansas

 

 

  1. We have identified and disclosed to you all instances that have occurred or are likely to have occurred, of abuse that could be quantitatively or qualitatively material to the financial statements or other financial data significant to the audit objectives.

 

  1. There are no violations or possible violations of budget ordinances, laws and regulations (including those pertaining to adopting, approving, and amending budgets), provisions of contracts and grant agreements, tax or debt limits, and any related debt covenants whose effects should be considered for disclosure in the financial statements, or as a basis for recording a loss contingency, or for reporting on noncompliance.

 

  1. As part of your audit, you assisted with preparation of the financial statement and related notes and schedule of expenditures of federal awards. We have designated an individual with suitable skill, knowledge, or experience to oversee your services and have assumed all management responsibilities.  We have reviewed, approved, and accepted responsibility for the financial statement and related notes and schedule of expenditures of federal awards.

 

  1. The County has satisfactory title to all owned assets, and there are no liens or encumbrances on such assets nor has any asset been pledged as collateral except as disclosed in the financial statements.

 

  1. The County has complied with all aspects of contractual agreements that would have a material effect on the financial statement in the event of noncompliance.

 

  1. We have followed all applicable laws and regulations in adopting, approving, and amending budgets.

 

  1. The financial statement includes all related municipal entities, and properly disclose other related organizations.

 

  1. The financial statement properly classifies all funds and activities.

 

  1. Investments are properly valued.

 

  1. Expenses have been appropriately classified in the financial statement.

 

  1. Revenues are appropriately classified in the financial statement.

 

  1. Interfund, internal, and intra-entity activity and balances have been classified and reported.

 

  1. Deposits and investment securities are properly classified as to risk and are properly disclosed.

 

  1. We acknowledge our responsibility for the regulatory-required supplementary information (RRSI). The RRSI is measured and presented within prescribed guidelines and the methods of measurement and presentation have not changed from those used in the prior period.  We have disclosed to you any significant assumptions and interpretations underlying the measurement and presentation of the RRSI.

 

 

 

 

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA                                                     Page 5

Fort Scott, Kansas

 

 

  1. With respect to the Summary of Expenditures – Actual and Budget, Regulatory Basis, the Schedules of Receipts and Expenditures – Actual and Budget, Regulatory Basis, and the Schedule of Receipts and Disbursements, Agency Funds, Regulatory Basis (RRSI) and the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards:

 

  1. We acknowledge our responsibility for presenting the supplementary information in accordance with the regulatory basis of accounting, and we believe the Schedules are fairly presented in accordance with the regulatory basis of accounting. The methods of measurement and presentation of the Schedules have not changed from those used in the prior period, and we have disclosed to you any significant assumptions or interpretations underlying the measurement and presentation of the supplementary information.
  2. If the Regulatory-Required Supplemental Schedules are not presented with the audited financial statement, we will make the audited financial statement readily available to the intended users of the supplementary information no later than the date we issue the supplementary information and the auditor’s report thereon.

 

  1. With respect to federal award programs:
    1. We are responsible for understanding and complying with and have complied with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), including requirements relating to preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.
    2. We acknowledge our responsibility for presenting the schedule of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA) and related notes in accordance with the requirements of Uniform Guidance, and we believe the SEFA, including its form and content, is fairly presented in accordance with Uniform Guidance.  The methods of measurement or presentation of the SEFA have not changed from those used in the prior period and we have disclosed to you any significant assumptions and interpretations underlying the measurement or presentation of the SEFA.
    3. If the SEFA is not presented with the audited financial statement, we will make the audited financial statement readily available to the intended users of the SEFA no later than the date we issue the SEFA and the auditor’s report thereon.
    4. We have identified and disclosed to you all of our government programs and related activities subject to Uniform Guidance compliance audit, and have included in the SEFA, expenditures made during the audit period for all awards provided by federal agencies in the form of federal awards, , federal cost-reimbursement contracts, loans, loan guarantees, property (including donated surplus property), cooperative agreements, interest subsidies, insurance, food commodities, direct appropriations, and other direct assistance.
    5. We are responsible for understanding and complying with, and have complied with, the requirements of laws, regulations, and the provisions of contracts and grant agreements related to each of our federal programs and have identified and disclosed to you the requirements of laws, regulations, and the provisions of contracts and grant agreements that are considered to have a direct and material effect on each major program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA                                                     Page 6

Fort Scott, Kansas

 

 

  1. We are responsible for establishing and maintaining, and have established and maintained, effective internal control over compliance requirements applicable to federal programs that provides reasonable assurance that we are managing our federal awards in compliance with laws, regulations, and the provisions of contracts and grant agreements that could have a material effect on our federal programs. We believe the internal control system is adequate and is functioning as intended.
  2. We have made available to you all contracts and grant agreements (including amendments, if any) and any other correspondence with federal agencies or pass-through entities relevant to federal programs and related activities.
  3. We have received no requests from a federal agency to audit one or more specific programs as a major program.
  4. We have complied with the direct and material compliance requirements (except for noncompliance disclosed to you), including when applicable, those set forth in the OMB Compliance Supplement, relating to federal awards and have identified and disclosed to you all amounts questioned and all known noncompliance with the direct and material compliance requirements of federal awards or confirm that there were no amounts questions and no known noncompliance with the direct and material compliance requirements of federal awards.
  5. We have disclosed any communications from grantors and pass-through entities concerning possible noncompliance with the direct and material compliance requirements, including communications received from the end of the period covered by the compliance audit to the date of the auditor’s report.
  6. We have disclosed to you the findings received and related corrective actions taken for previous audits, attestation engagements, and internal or external monitoring that directly related to the objectives of the compliance audit, including findings received and corrective actions taken from the end of the period covered by the compliance audit to the date of the auditor’s report.
  7. Amounts claimed or used for matching were determined in accordance with relevant guidelines in OMB’s Uniform Guidance (2 CFR part 200, subpart E) and OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, if applicable.
  8. We have disclosed to you our interpretation of compliance requirements that may have varying interpretations.
  9. We have made available to you all documentation related to compliance with the direct material compliance requirements, including information related to federal program financial reports and claims for advances and reimbursements.
  10. We have disclosed to you the nature of any subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period affecting noncompliance during the reporting period.
  11. There are no such known instances of noncompliance with direct and material compliance requirements that occurred subsequent to the period covered by the auditor’s report.
  12. No changes have been made in internal control over compliance or other factors that might significantly affect internal control, including any corrective action we have taken regarding significant deficiencies in internal control over compliance (including material weaknesses in internal control over compliance), have occurred subsequent to the date as of which compliance was audited.
  13. Federal program financial reports and claims for advances and reimbursements are supported by the books and records from which the financial statements have been prepared.

 

 

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs P.A.                                                     Page 7

Fort Scott, Kansas

 

 

  1. The copies of federal program financial reports provided you are true copies of the reports submitted, or electronically transmitted, to the respective federal agency or pass-through entity, as applicable.
  2. We have charged costs to federal awards in accordance with applicable cost principles.
  3. We are responsible for and have accurately prepared the summary schedule of prior audit findings to include all findings required to be included by the Uniform Guidance, and we have provided you with all information on the status of the follow-up on prior audit findings by federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities, including all management decisions.
  4. We are responsible for and have accurately prepared the auditee section of the Data Collection Form as required by the Uniform Guidance.
  5. We are responsible for taking corrective action on each audit finding of the compliance audit and have developed a corrective action plan that meets the requirements of the Uniform Guidance.

 

 

 

Signed:                                                             

County Clerk

 

 

Signed:                                                             

County Treasurer

 

 

Signed:                                                             

Chairman – County Commission

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 29

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: November 29, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley 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

Ashley Shelton Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Approval of Accounts Payable

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter


Congratulating Kansas Suppliers for Historic Launch of NASA’s Artemis I
Early Wednesday morning, NASA’s Artemis I launched from the Kennedy Space Center. I want to congratulate NASA and the suppliers across Kansas that helped make this mission a success. As the top appropriator for NASA, I have spent the last several years traveling to NASA suppliers across Kansas and the nation that have spent years working to advance the Artemis Mission. I also had the opportunity to host then-NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in Kansas in 2018 and 2019. Earlier this summer, I hosted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in Kansas. To see the successful launch from the Kennedy Space Center was humbling knowing the dedication and talent that was years in the making to reach this accomplishment. Sixteen suppliers across Kansas helped make this mission a success and many more will be involved in the years to come.

This week marked a new era for our nation’s space program. I look forward to continuing to support this important mission and to see firsthand the benefits that will stem from this new exciting era of space exploration.

For the full list of Kansas suppliers that contributed to the Artemis I mission, click here.

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Meeting with Harvesters
On Thursday, I met with Karen Siebert, an advocacy and public policy advisor for Harvesters–The Community Food Network and Association of Kansas Food Banks. We discussed the increased need for food assistance as many individuals in our communities are facing food insecurity. As inflation continues to climb higher, the rising cost of food creates an increased burden on many Kansas families. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations, I have supported investments in federal nutrition programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to provide food and basic commodities to help those in need.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to thank those who are volunteering or donating items to a local food bank. If you are able, I encourage Kansans to donate food to help those in need this Thanksgiving. To find a local food bank in Kansas, click here.

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Veterans’ Affairs Hearing on PACT Act Implementation
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing with witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the implementation of the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act. The PACT Act is the largest expansion of veterans’ health care and benefits in the VA’s history. As the VA works to fulfill this legislation’s promise to deliver long-overdue care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans, from those exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam to those exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is essential that Congress makes certain the VA is following the law and connecting the right veterans with the right care and benefits at the right time.

I remain concerned about the operational impact this legislation could have on the VA and will continue to work with the department, and my colleagues in Congress, to make certain that the VA is making full use of all the tools at its disposal to best serve veterans – both those enrolling for care or applying for benefits for the first time and those already in the system, as well as their survivors.

I encourage veterans and survivors in Kansas who think they may be eligible for care or benefits to call 1-800MyVA411 or visit www.va.gov/PACT to connect with people who can provide assistance in enrolling in VA care or filing a claim for benefits.

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Meeting with General Rainey
This week, I met with General Joseph Rainey, the new commander of Army Futures Command. General Rainey was previously the Commanding General of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, and I appreciated the opportunity to see him again and speak with him about this new role. We discussed his new position at Army Futures Command – a command with the mission of helping the Army modernize and field the Army of 2030. We also spoke about how Kansas can continue to help the Army meet its modernization priorities.

I look forward to working with General Rainey in this mission. I also look forward to him joining me in Kansas to witness firsthand the collaboration that exists between industry, academic and the Department of Defense to highlight the opportunities for innovation and partnership in our great state. Thank you to General Rainey for his work in this important mission.

Making Certain Kansans Have Access to Broadband Services
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft of new broadband deployment maps that show where broadband coverage exists in the U.S. and where it does not. This is an important first step to identifying where federal resources are most needed and is the result of years of work between Congress and the FCC. In 2019, I sponsored the Broadband DATA Act, which required the FCC to create accurate maps using data from broadband providers and required the FCC to implement a process by which consumers and other stakeholders could challenge the accuracy of the maps.

Many areas of Kansas still do not have access to basic broadband services, a modern necessity for business, education and health care. Next year, the final version of these maps will be used to allocate broadband deployment funding, so it is critical these maps are accurate. I encourage Kansans to review their home and business locations to ensure accurate information is displayed, to make certain the federal government is efficiently and effectively providing resources to connect people in our state.

Meeting with Kansas Soybean Commission
Thank you to members of the Kansas Soybean Commission for meeting with me this week to discuss issues impacting Kansas agriculture and the renewable fuels industry. During our meeting we spoke about the importance of the biodiesel tax credit for the soybean industry as well as the Renewable Fuel Standard and the importance of continuing to support sustainable growth in clean fuels.

I want to thank Kansas Soybean Association CEO Kaleb Little of Topeka, Kansas Soybean Association Director of Field Services Dennis Hupe of Topeka, Dennis Gruenbacher of Andale and Bob Haselwood of Berryton for meeting with me and for their updates regarding this vital industry for our state.

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Finland Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting
On Thursday, I met with members of the Finland Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss shared concerns regarding European security, focusing on Russian aggression in Ukraine. They were grateful for America’s ongoing support, and I appreciated knowing their belief that Europeans can and should be doing more to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. It is important for our allies to turn that belief into reality. It also is important for Finland to be approved by Hungary and Turkey to join NATO. The Senate voted overwhelmingly this past summer to welcome Finland and Sweden into the alliance. The Finnish people have long been reliable partners to the United States, and bringing them into the NATO alliance will serve to deter further Russian aggression. I want to thank my colleagues Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Jon Tester of Montana for their work to make this conversation possible.

Banking Committee Hearing
During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday, I questioned the Federal Insurance Deposit Commission (FDIC) Acting Chairman Marty Gruenberg regarding his decision to roll back banks’ supervisory appeals process without public notice or comment. Providing a fair and effective supervisory examination process for banks is essential to maintaining a healthy and transparent financial system. I also questioned him on certain regulatory conditions that hurt community banks’ ability to access funding from Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), which provide crucial liquidity for the housing market. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to work towards the fair supervision of banks and sustaining the liquidity of the FHLBs.

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Meeting with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board Nominees
I had the opportunity to meet with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board nominees Travis Hill and Jonathan McKernan on Thursday. We discussed the current challenges facing our financial system and how federal regulators can best supervise financial institutions. These well-qualified nominees will bring balance to the FDIC board, and I am confident in their ability to lead the FDIC’s mission to maintain stability and public confidence in our nation’s banks.

Meeting with OxyChem
On Thursday, I met with OxyChem President Neil Ackerman to discuss the company’s plans for modernizing its chemical manufacturing facilities in Wichita. I appreciate OxyChem’s continued commitment to investing in the Wichita area. During this meeting, we also discussed working with nearby colleges to provide technical support and training programs to create a pipeline of high-skilled labor and local talent to the industry. I am committed to supporting these investments in the Wichita area’s manufacturing sector, and I look forward to working alongside OxyChem in this goal.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,
Jerry

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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789
Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Fax: (202) 228-6966
Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259

Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025

Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284

Bourbon County Commission Meets At Noon Today at the Empress Event Center

Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

 

 

Date: November 22, 2022 

1st District-Nelson Blythe                                                                  

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                       

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                               

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton 

 

 

 

A work session with the county and city commissioners will be held at noon today at the Empress Event Center. Multiple topics will be discussed but no action will be taken. This meeting is open to the public.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 22

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: November 22, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley 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

Approval of Accounts Payable

Courtney Goucher Itemized Receipts

Section 1 Handbook Discussion of Approval

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Public Comment

Commission Comment

 

The attachment is the handbook:
Section 1 Handbook

FSCC Board of Trustees Agenda For Nov. 21

11.21.22 Consent Agenda(1)

Please note that the location is different than usual.  Nurse pinning is being held in Ellis right before when we would usually meet, so we’ll have dinner and the meeting in the Fine Arts Center meeting rooms directly after pinning.

November 21, 2022
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on
Monday, November 21, 2022. The meeting will be held in Ellis Fine Arts Center meeting
rooms at Fort Scott Community College.

5:00 p.m. Dinner in Ellis Fine Arts Center meeting rooms at the conclusion of Nurse
Pinning, followed by regular board meeting at approximately, but not before,
5:30 p.m.

THE AGENDA

5:00 DINNER

5:30 ROLL CALL, 3

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

CALL TO ORDER, 4

A. Comments from the Chair, 4

B. Comments from the Public, 4

C. Audit Report – Terry Sercer

CONSENT AGENDA, 5

A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on October 17, 2022, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5

ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 67
REPORTS, 70
A. Administrative Updates, 71
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 88
ADJOURNMENT, 89
1

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
November 21, 2022: Board Meeting

November 23-25, 2022: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed

December 12, 2022: Board Meeting

December 15, 2022 – January 4, 2023: Christmas Break, Campus Closed

January 16, 2023: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Campus Closed

January 23, 2023: Board Meeting

February 20, 2023: Board Meeting

March 13 – 17, 2023: Spring Break, Campus Closed

March 20, 2023: Board Meeting

March 24, 2023: Aggie Day

April 7, 2023: Good Friday, Campus Closed

April 17, 2023: Board Meeting

May 13, 2023: Graduation

May 15, 2023: Board Meeting

June 19, 2023: Board Meeting

Sincerely,

John Bartelsmeyer, Chair

Alysia Johnston, President

FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer

_____ Jim Fewins

_____ Dave Elliott

_____ Kirk Hart

_____ Bryan Holt

_____ Robert Nelson
3

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

C. AUDIT REPORT – TERRY SERCER
4

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on October
17, 2022.

C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS

Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Separations

a) Janet Fancher, VP of Student Services, effective December 31, 2022

b) Lillie Grubb, Director of Financial Aid, effective December 31, 2022

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.

BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____

DISCUSSION:

VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins

Hart Holt Nelson
5

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
October 17, 2022

PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson

ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff

Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.

NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS: New employees Cali Griffin, Kaylena Andersen, Jaelen Milus, Tyler
Long, Shane Kern, Michael Clark, Tommy Myers, Deborah Hyland, Kaley Binford, and Jared Dorsey introduced
themselves.

ASSESSMENT UPDATE: Sonia Gugnani and Adam Borth updated the Board on FSCC’s assessment practices.

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

A. A motion was by made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
esthetician program and support submission of the program to the Kansas Board of Regents.

B. A motion was by made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid
from Rouse Sheet Metal, Inc. for the Arnold Arena HVAC project with the stipulation that once the
electrical expenses are added, the total project does not exceed $200,000.

C. A motion was by made by Holt, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
purchase of a replacement network switch and additional expansion modules from CDW-G.

A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to rescind the previous
motion and approval for CDW bid.

D. A motion was by made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by a 4-0 vote to appoint Bryan Holt as
FSCC’s representative to Bourbon County REDI. Holt abstained.

REPORTS:

ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Workforce Development,
Instruction, Finance and Operations, Athletics, Student Affairs, Student Services, and the President.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:20 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.

Chairman Clerk
6

7

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Nov. 1

November 1, 2022, Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the County
Clerk present.
Matt Quick, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Patricia Ropp, and Rob Harrington were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting. Nelson seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to approve minutes from the special meeting. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Eric Bailey presented new culvert paperwork. Commissioners signed. Eric also presented monthly fuel report. Eric stated they are asphalting on 195th and will be there all week. Eric
stated the 6422 asphalt oil price came down to 690 per ton from 755. We had to buy 300 tons of sand to be able to finish. Eric stated Hall Bros came last week and started with the Onyx. We
started on 235th on Soldier coming south. Hope to be done by the end of the week. Eric stated they purchased the 96 International 4900 Utility Service Truck for a price of $21,500. Eric
stated they got 215th and Range taken care of last week where we put down the dust control we got that tore up, regraveled and recompacted. Culvert crew is out ditching in the southeast part
of the county. Eric stated that when they put out cones and barricades it is for public safety. I know it’s an inconvenience but when you go around you are putting yourself and the workers in
danger.


Clifton made a motion to approve accounts payable. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion for Chairman Harris to sign the natural gas lock-in from Blue Mark Energy. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Justin Meeks requested an executive session liability issues. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-43 l 9(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or
agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship related to contracts including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft, and Rob Harrington for 7 minutes
returning at 9: 19 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Justin gave an update on the tax sale including discussion on the land bank. Justin stated $10,000 from the money the County pays for the tax sale will be used for a part-time position
with the land bank and this person would help with the tax sale. Jim reiterated that this would be no new money and this person would be considered staff for the land bank and the $10,000 from
Justin Meeks is taking his private practice he pays for sales tax, would take that person and put them in land bank position with a shared city between city and county. Clifton stated the last
city commission meeting he watched it appeared not sure how land bank is even funded. You can’t have shared service with something not here. Justin stated the money is going to that position. It is still county tax sale help. Clifton stated he would be ok with it for one year then would like to revisit. If they are buying up whole blocks I’m not in favor of that. Tax dollars to something that should be self-funded but never is. Justin stated this person would use a county
office to work on tax sale. Justin stated he appreciates Lora’s office and Patty’s office for their help with the tax sales.


Susan stated that longevity will move forward. She suggested doing this on November 18th
One to four years would get $100 each and five years and up would be same as before. Susan presented information on Area Agency on Aging. She had a letter from Deb Needleman, and she can come talk to the commissioners if they would like. Susan stated there are five or six areas on appropriations that she has pulled statutes. There are three appropriations that are optional but still want Justin to review and make certain.

Susan stated that she sent to each of the
commissioners a presentation from Mary Pemberton on the transient guest tax. I talked with the Kansas Dept of Revenue and I sent that to yoμ as well and what we would need to do to proceed
with that. If the county wants to have a transient guest tax, they can join the city or have your own outside the city limits. Jim stated he thinks we need to pass it or quit talking about it.
Nelson stated he is against it. Jim asked him why. Nelson stated that it’s additional taxes that the establishments will have to raise their rates to cover it or eat the cost. Jim stated he travels a
lot. I pay it everywhere I go. Susan stated the maximum amount you can do in the county is 2% or you can do a charter ordinance and go above that. Clifton stated he is not in favor of 2% taxes
if we could do one for the whole county that might be something to consider. The city’s is 6% and generates around $150,000 per year. Those dollars can only be used to promote overnight
stays. You are marketing your community with those dollars. The city is already marketing things out in the county. Jim stated there is not enough revenue in the county to worry about it
right now. Jim also stated that he wants this to be as fair to everyone as possible. It was decided to pass for now and possibly revisit in the future.

Susan stated that they are still releasing
information on the Opioid Settlement Fund and she will stay educated on it and if something comes up that might fit I’ll present it to the commissioners. Susan requested an executive
session for job performance and duties. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75- 4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their
privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Terri Hulsey, and Jon Lowry for five minutes returning here at 9:51 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton
made a motion to return to normal session at 9:52 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved.

Clifton asked that we look at where we are banking. Clifton asked for permission for Susan to look at
what our options are. Jim stated that we should probably look at that every year. Susan stated it would be better to look at it every three years. It is a strain on the Treasurer and Clerk’s office to
move funds. Susan said she will work with Treasurer and Clerk’s office.


Shane Walker- CIO: Shane stated that he and Eric got a couple of antennas from Purple Wave from the state which saved us about $20,000. It will get us the one we needed at Tomahawk and
the other at the landfill and then we’ll have another 60 foot one for whatever. I think we may put it at the asphalt plant and get them back into our system. Shane asked for an executive session
for security. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would
jeopardize such security measures including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker for five minutes returning here at 10:02 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Clifton made a motion to adopt the Bourbon County Kansas Electronic Information Acceptable Use Policy. It is our electronics, computers, IT all of the above. It will become part of the
handbook and will be effective today, if approved. Nelson seconded. All approved.


Public Comment: No Comment


Commission Comment: Clifton made a motion to add an executive session. Nelson seconded.
All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(l) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their privacy for 15 minutes
returning at 10:25 a.m. including three commissioners, Rob Harrington and Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to return to normal session
with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect
their privacy for ten minutes including three commissioners, Rob Harrington and Justin Meeks returning here at 10:37 a.m. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to
normal session at 10:37 a.m. with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) job description and performance to discuss
personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for seven minutes returning at 10:45 a.m. Nelson seconded.
All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Nelson seconded. All approved. Commissioners discussed having another night meeting and agreed
upon December 20th at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse.
At 10:49 a.m., Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Nelson seconded. All approved.
ATTEST:
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk