In the June 9 meeting, Commissioners Mika Milburn and David Beerbower voted to create a Budget Advisory Committee to help with the budget process.
They are accepting letters of interest until June 16 per this document from the County Clerk’s office:
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners are accepting letters of interest for qualified individuals who would like to serve on The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners Budget Advisory Board. Letters of interest will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office, 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Qualifications and duties expected of board members can be found in the Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board which are on www.bourboncountyks.org and available in the County Clerk’s Office.
The bylaws are:
Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board
Article I: Name
The name of this body shall be: The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners Budget Advisory Board
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of the Budget Advisory Board is to:
• Review budget requests from county departments and elected officials.
• Assess revenue projections and spending priorities.
• Make written recommendations regarding the annual budget to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
• Promote transparency and public engagement in the budget process.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with Kansas budget law and other applicable statutes.
Article III: Authority
The Board operates in an advisory capacity and has no binding decision making authority. All recommendations are submitted to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners for consideration.
Article IV: Membership
Section 1: Composition
The Board shall consist of five (5) to nine (9) members, including the Chair. Members shall be appointed by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Section 2: Qualifications
Members must demonstrate relevant experience in budgeting, finance, accounting, public administration, or related fields. Each applicant shall submit a letter of interest and qualifications.
Section 3: Appointment and Term
Members shall serve two-year terms, renewable by reappointment. Initial appointments may be staggered to maintain continuity.
Section 4: Chair
A Chair shall be appointed by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners. The Chair shall preside over meetings, coordinate activities, and serve as the Board’s spokesperson.
Section 5: Compensation
Members shall serve without compensation.
Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board
Article V: Meetings
Section 1: Frequency
The Board shall meet as needed, at a minimum of 6 times annually, including during the formal budget development cycle.
Section 2: Public Access
All meetings shall be open to the public, with notice given in accordance with Kansas Open Meetings Act and applicable notice requirements.
Section 3: Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the currently appointed members.
Section 4: Voting
Recommendations of the Board shall be adopted by a majority vote of the members present.
Article VI: Duties and Responsibilities
The Budget Advisory Board shall:
• Receive and review departmental budget submissions.
• Assess short-term and long-term revenue forecasts and spending needs.
• Hold public meetings to gather community input.
• Ensure compliance with Kansas budget laws and procedures, including setting deadlines for:
o Public notices
o Public hearings
o Budget adoption
• Prepare a formal written report with budgetary findings and recommendations for submission
to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article VII: Reporting
The Board shall submit its final written budget report no later than July 14, in time for review and adoption by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article VIII: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article IX: Administrative Support
The County Clerk’s office may provide support, record keeping, and meeting logistics.
These bylaws were adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, KS on the 9th day of June, 2025.