Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – March 2, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM Location: 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS 66701

I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Prayer
IV. Approval of Agenda
- a. Approval of Minutes: 02.19.26 & 02.23.26
- b. Approval of Accounts Payable: 02.27.26 ($104,899.10)
V. Public Comments
VI. Executive Session
- K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) – Sick Leave Pool: Lora Holdridge
VII. Old Business
- a. Stronghold (IT Update)
- b. Baker Tilly – Ben Hart (Financial/Budgeting)
- c. Noise Resolution
- d. Salary Resolution
VIII. New Business
- a. Culvert Permit – Producers Coop
- b. LKM Membership
- c. Fire Hydrant at Lake Fort Scott
IX. Future Agenda Topics
X. Commissioner Comments
XI. Adjournment (Agenda details found on Page 1)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

Public Works Updates: Director Kenny Allen presented a purchase agreement for a new road grader through Foley Equipment CAT to replace an aging unit. The Commission authorized a 50% countywide discount for landfill vouchers to assist with city and county cleanup efforts. (Pages 3-4)
Infrastructure Projects: The Commission signed the second phase agreement for the Jayhawk Bridge project, a $1 million project where the county is responsible for a 10% match ($100,000). (Page 4)
IT & Security: Significant discussion occurred regarding the county’s IT infrastructure. The Commission passed a motion to “cease and desist” any independent IT improvements by individual offices until a unified path is decided. Stronghold announced the start of a Microsoft 365 baseline implementation to improve security scores. (Pages 6-7)
Noise Resolution: A revised 4-page resolution was presented, moving the measurement point for noise complaints to the complainant’s property line. (Page 7)
Personnel & Payroll: Longevity pay is being integrated into hourly wages starting the next payroll cycle. The Commission also introduced Lou Howard as the new Emergency Manager. (Pages 7-8)

Financial Reporting: Chairman Tran requested that accounts payable reports be sent to all directors and elected officials for review prior to meetings. He also mandated that invoices or receipts be attached to checks for verification. (Pages 10-11)
Landfill Logistics: Local waste haulers requested that the landfill remain open on certain holidays to prevent collection backups. The Commission agreed to further discuss holiday staffing and compensation. (Page 11)
System Access: A motion carried to provide read-only access to the CIC financial system for specific staff and the Sheriff to reduce information bottlenecks. (Page 11)
Public Safety Payroll: Sheriff Martin and Undersheriff Davidson raised concerns that the current “Pay Entry” system creates administrative burdens for deputies who cannot easily clock in while in the field or on call-outs. (Page 12)
Unclaimed Property: The county is investigating approximately 32 unclaimed property claims listed on the Kansas State Treasurer website belonging to various county departments. (Page 12)

The packet includes a detailed breakdown of open invoices totaling $104,899.10. Notable department totals include:

Landfill: $23,748.63 (Major expenses include MSW hauling to Allen County and fuel). (Pages 15-16)
Sheriff/Correctional: $22,624.45 (Includes nursing services, vehicle maintenance, and software support). (Page 18)
Road and Bridge: $16,710.62 (Page 18)
Appraisers: $460.49 (Page 14)
County Treasurer Motor Fund: $2,395.06 (Page 14)

(Full financial details and line-item descriptions can be found on Pages 14-31)