Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda
April 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Prayer IV. Introductions V. Approval of Agenda VI. Approval of Minutes 04.13.26 VII. Approval of Accounts Payable 04.15.26 ($6,590.70), 04.16.26 ($345.96), 04.17.26 ($286,279.61) VIII. Hay Bid Opening 5:35 PM IX. Department Updates
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Jennifer Hawkins X. Public Comments XI. Old Business
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Planning Commission – Milburn
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Juvenile Detention – Sheriff/Angie Eads
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Vacation & Sick Leave Resolution – Beerbower
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Meeting Resolution – Milburn-Kee XII. New Business
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Kanren 2025 Invoice
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Maintenance Supervision XIII. Future Agenda Topics
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Audit Presentation 05.04.26 XIV. Commission Comments XV. Adjournment
Information Packet Summary
Approval of Minutes and Financials (Page 2-3) The commission reviewed minutes from March 31 and April 6, 2026. Accounts payable totaling $445,485.34, tax corrections, and February 2026 financials were all approved unanimously.
Public Comments and Economic Updates (Page 3)
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Forensic Audit Request: Micheal Bryant requested the commission revisit the forensic audit of the Sheriff’s Department, citing a lack of documentation and inaccurate information provided previously.
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Economic Development: Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin reported the sale of the Value Merchandisers building (expected to bring up to 350 jobs over three years) and the Timken building (expected to bring 200 jobs).
Legislative and Technology Updates (Page 4)
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Legislative Report: Senator Tim Shallenberger provided updates on state bills affecting county operations and noted that he receives more inquiries from Bourbon County than his other two counties combined.
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IT Infrastructure: Stronghold Data reported that county systems are stable. Current projects include network segmentation and preparing for the mandatory Windows 11 transition by 2027.
Emergency Services Sales Tax (Page 4) The oversight committee reported that 2025 sales tax receipts totaled over $705,000. These funds were successfully directed to the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital for emergency room services as intended.
Payroll and Personnel Policy Disputes (Pages 4-6) A significant portion of the meeting involved approximately 40 county employees addressing the commission regarding payroll and leave policies.
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Policy Concerns: County Clerk Susan Walker highlighted that 21 employees had their hire dates changed in the system without notice, affecting retirement and benefit calculations.
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Employee Testimony: Several employees expressed frustration over losing years of service credit and being locked out of viewing their own leave balances.
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Commission Action: The commission voted to restore employee access to view and manage their time entries and leave balances.
Juvenile Detention Membership (Pages 6-7) Michael Walden, Director of the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention Center, urged the county to maintain its membership. He warned that upcoming legislative changes (House Bill 2329) will likely increase admissions and stay lengths, potentially overwhelming state facilities.
Old and New Business (Pages 7-8)
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Equipment Auction: The commission is waiting for final confirmation from contractors before proceeding with an auction for remaining building equipment.
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Special Improvement District: A proposed $135,018 project for 190th Street was tabled until June to assess county equipment capacity.
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Meeting Schedule: A proposal to move to bi-weekly formal meetings with alternating work sessions is under review.
Accounts Payable Detail (Pages 10-20) The packet includes a full breakdown of invoices by department. Notable entries include card services for training expenses, fuel, and supplies for the Sheriff’s department, as well as payroll clearing accounts for employee benefits and taxes.