At the end of his department update report to the Bourbon County Commission, Public Works Director Eric Bailey read his letter of resignation. Effective August 28, he will no longer be with Bourbon County. His assistant, Dustin Hall has also left the county’s employ.
“I just want to say publicly, ‘thank you, Dustin,” said Bailey. He also thanked Hall’s family for their sacrifice.
Bailey said he is committed to helping transfer the responsibility of his job to his replacement.
“With those two resignations, I am fearful for our public works department,” said Commissioner Mika Milburn.
Commissioner Samuel Tran said he is very sorry to see Eric and his wingman leaving. “I understand why they chose to leave. I’m not happy about it, but I understand,” he said.
Old Business
NRP Update
The commission voted to change the NRP from 10 years to five years for residential in the county. This does not affect the City of Fort Scott.
Budget Advisory Committee
Milburn moved to amend the bylaws for the BAC to say that a recommendation to increase the mil needs to be unanimous on the part of the committee.
Tran agreed and told BAC chairman, Greg Motley, “Based on the fact that your recommendation carries so much weight and it’s high-profile and we need your recommendation…I’m going to say ‘yes,’ it needs to be unanimous.”
The bylaw change passed unanimously.
Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
Michael Hoyt: Gave a copy of Rosenberg’s Rules, which is recommended by the Kansas Association of Counties to each of the commissioners, as well as copies of the US Constitution.
He also asked for clarification about the timeline of the changeover from 3 to 5 districts. He was also concerned about the township changes in District 3 going forward.
Greg Motley: On the Freeman Fort Scott Board of Directors, said that it was brought to his attention that the second quarter sales tax has not been paid to Freeman by the county. They are operating at a huge cost because they’ve already hired all the staff.
New Business
Commissioner roles and responsibilities
Commissioner Samuel Tran suggested the commissioners take on the role of liaisons to facilitate the commission’s helping of county department chairs. He offered to be the liaison for public works, suggesting Milburn for the departments housed in the courthouse, and Beerbower for emergency responders and sheriff’s department.
The goal would be for the commissioners to work to seek to understand what the department’s do and what the challenges are and be their voice in the commission. Commissioners would continue to help in all areas, but specify areas of focus.
“I’m agreeable to it,” said Beerbower. “I see the merits…”
“You wouldn’t be wasting your time if you drafted a proposal,” said Milburn.
Scott Township Appointment Recommendations
Jerry Johnson as Treasurer and Jeffrey Dailey as trustee for Scott Township were approved by the commission.
Enterprise Vehicle Leasing
Sheriff Bill Martin brought Kenneth Olson with Enterprise to talk to the commission about changing the way vehicle acquisition and maintenance is handled in the county.
Olson said that his company has the largest used vehicle inventory in the country and the largest dealer network in the country, which helps them in their work of getting vehicles for small to medium-sized government fleets.
At this time, the average age of Bourbon County sheriff’s cars is 2018. The current fleet cycle is 16 years, purchasing 2.7 vehicles per year. Olson’s company recommends a 5-year cycle, which he said would save the county in maintenance and fuel costs as well as reduce downtime. He recommended that the Sheriff’s Department lease 11 new vehicles.
“We know this is a big philosophy change,” from the 2.7 vehicles per year the county has been following, he said.
Sheriff Martin said that his department needs to create plans for vehicle replacement going forward.
“This is probably one of the best things that we’ve come up with,” said Martin. “I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”
Milburn expressed concern about having the money in the budget.
“The macro looks right…When it’s all said and done, it looks very, very good,” said Tran. H
Addressing the two other commissioners, Tran said, “Past commissioners have done what they’ve done. I refuse to do that. I refuse to have my decisions have these ramifications that are going to haunt us in the future.”
Greg Motley of the Budget Advisory Committee, said that leasing through Enterprise makes perfect sense as it has a built-in replacement plan. He offered to have the budget committee look at it and give their opinion.
“The commission has to avoid making decisions on how much money it’s going to cost them this month. You have to look at this program on a 4-6 year horizon and say ‘what’s it do over that period of time?'” said Motley. “We’ve got to start thinking long term for what’s best for the county and not what’s best for the county today or tomorrow.”
No decision was made.
Contractual services for payroll and benefits
Milburn said that a presenter will come on July 21st. The purpose is to provide continuity to the county, and to answer the Clerk’s office’s request to add another position to handle their workload in the next budget year, by taking this part of their job off their plate.
Beerbower said that if it will be beneficial to the county moving forward, he is in favor.
Commission Comments
Tran: He said that the county’s standards haven’t been clear and now “we have to form; you have the storm; then we’ll norm, and then perform…that’s how you build a team.” He said the county is in a storm now. He wants to find a way to give everyone who serves the county what they need to do their jobs well.
Milburn: “I’m not pleased with the current decisions that we are having to make on such short notice; however, I will not continue down this path to deficit,” she said of the budget-making process. Spending will be evaluated by the budget committee and the commission to find a way forward that is least abrasive to the citizens of Bourbon County.