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Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Mika Milburn-Kee
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
May 12, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 05.05.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 05.09.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $58,537.22
b. Tax Roll Corrections
V. Old Business
a. Policy & Procedures
i. Workers Compensation – Beerbower
ii. Letterhead
iii. Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn
b. Separation of Public Works and Landfill Departments – Beerbower
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Ealyn Taylor – Animal Control
b. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
Future business that has been tabled in past meetings or planned for future meetings:
Public Hearing 05.19.25 5:35PM Vacation of Road
SEK Mental Health Budget
Juvenile Detention Budget
Office Restructuring Cost
Handbook: Personal Improvement Plan, Corrective Action Plan, Formal Written Notice,
Deviation Policy
Mission Statement (June 2nd)
Job Descriptions
Handbook Updated
Economic Development Direction
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to 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
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
~Grant Terminations Harm Mental Health Programs
and Response to Disease Outbreaks~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that the Trump administration’s abrupt unilateral termination of more than $33 million in health care and mental health service grants has forced the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to abolish 56 positions in vital health posts, leaving communities without access to critical services. This marks the first large-scale state employment dismissal initiated by the Trump administration’s cuts to congressionally authorized funds.
On Tuesday, March 25, the Trump administration notified KDHE and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) that six of the grants they administer were immediately terminated as of the previous day, Monday, March 24.
The mission of the grants and employees paid through that funding was to strengthen the state’s epidemiology and laboratory work, monitor and respond to disease outbreak, administer critical programs that provide vaccines for children, and address health disparities for underserved communities and rural Kansans. These actions also eliminated $7.4 million in funding that goes directly to local non-profits in Kansas.
After receiving notification that the grants were terminated, Governor Kelly called upon Attorney General Kobach to bring a case on behalf of Kansas to fight back against federal cuts to vital state health services. The attorney general declined.
“The Trump administration’s abrupt and unilateral funding cuts will have severe and immediate consequences for the health, safety, and quality of life of Kansans across the state, especially in rural areas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These cuts come when Kansas is in the midst of fighting two outbreaks — tuberculosis and measles — and has no additional resources to continue this work.”
The governor is committed to pushing back against the Trump administration’s harmful actions that impact Kansans and has directed the Department of Administration to take proactive steps to provide resources to those affected by the separations, including rapid response, outplacement services, and mental health assistance. The Kelly administration will continue to monitor federal actions taken and inform employees, partners, and stakeholders of any relevant developments in a timely manner.
###

Tennyson Creek Solar, a project of Doral Renewables LLC, has opened an office in downtown Fort Scott, at 109 S. Main Street.
“This move underscores the company’s ongoing investment in the region and its intent to remain a visible, responsive, and long-term partner in the community,” said Cliff Williams, vice president of development at Doral Renewables.
Marlon Merida has been named Local Outreach Coordinator.
“Marlon will serve as a direct link between the project and residents, answering questions, facilitating outreach events, and ensuring Tennyson Creek Solar stays actively engaged with the people of Bourbon County.”
“We’re honored to have someone with deep local ties like Marlon leading our community engagement,” said Williams. “From investing in student-led innovation to opening a local office, we’re here to listen, collaborate, and grow with Bourbon County.”
“He will be staffing the office, welcoming anyone in the community who would like to learn more about the project,” Williams said.
“Tennyson Creek Solar has received necessary approvals from Bourbon County to proceed with the project which will generate over $94.4 million in property taxes in total for all taxing districts over the life of the project,” he said.
“Donation agreements are also in place with Uniontown USD 235, Fort Scott USD 234, Fort Scott Community College, and CORE Community of Bourbon County,” he said.

“Coming from Southeast Kansas, I feel I’m very grateful to help with something that will bring many benefits to the community. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with community members,” said Merida, Local Outreach Coordinator, in a press release.
Merida earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in communication from Pittsburg State University. He was a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, Republican from Kansas, in 2024.
“Marlon recently attended the SunPowered Student Challenge, where he supported the Uniontown (High School) Lightspeed Eagles as they took top honors for their solar home project, ‘Curb Appeal’. His presence reflects Tennyson Creek Solar’s broader commitment to educational initiatives and youth development,” according to the press release.
“With these initiatives, Tennyson Creek Solar is not only building energy infrastructure, it’s building lasting relationships. From supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics , STEM, education to fostering transparent communication, the company continues to make strategic investments that aim to benefit Bourbon County for generations,” according to the press release.
Office hours are Mondays from 1-5 p.m., Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m., and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.
Phone: 620-687-5611. Email: [email protected]

The Tennyson Creek solar and storage project is being developed in southeastern Kansas. Once operational, it will generate 300 megawatts (MW) of clean and renewable electricity. This project will have a battery storage component of approximately 800 megawatt-hours (MWh) to enhance energy security and reliability. The Tennyson Creek project is within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) transmission system.

To view prior press releases from Tennyson Creek Solar and Doral Renewables:
Tennyson Creek Solar Donates to Uniontown Summer Ball
Doral Renewables Awards Grants to Bo.Co. Fire District #3 and Core Community
The Bourbon County Zoning Advisory Committee will hold public forums to inform residents of the proposal to add zoning in the County and to hear input from citizens. The first forum will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, at the Uniontown Community Center. Additional forums will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, at the Fulton Community Center and on Wednesday, May 21st, at Memorial Hall in Fort Scott. All forums will begin at 6:00 pm. We need and value your opinion, so every person who wishes to speak will be given 3 minutes to express your thoughts. All Bourbon County residents are encouraged to attend one of the forums; those dates again are May 14th at Uniontown, May 20th at Fulton and May 21st at Fort Scott.
Submitted by Mary Pemberton
First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 South Main
1/2 price garage sale
Friday, May 7th, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Mika Milburn-Kee
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
May 12, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 05.05.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 05.09.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $58,537.22
b. Tax Roll Corrections
V. Old Business
a. Policy & Procedures
i. Workers Compensation – Beerbower
ii. Letterhead
iii. Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn
b. Separation of Public Works and Landfill Departments – Beerbower
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Ealyn Taylor – Animal Control
b. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
Future business that has been tabled in past meetings or planned for future meetings:
Public Hearing 05.19.25 5:35PM Vacation of Road
SEK Mental Health Budget
Juvenile Detention Budget
Office Restructuring Cost
Handbook: Personal Improvement Plan, Corrective Action Plan, Formal Written Notice,
Deviation Policy
Mission Statement (June 2nd)
Job Descriptions
Handbook Updated
Economic Development Direction
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to 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
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
Personal Property Change Refund Tax Year Trucks Change Refund Tax Year
2307 245th Street, Fulton (32.54)$ 32.54$ 2023
2307 245th Street, Fulton (26.04)$ -$ 2024
901 S Margrave (69.26)$ -$ 2024
(127.84)$ 32.54$
Tax Roll Corrections for Personal Property, Special Assessments, and Trucks
05.12.25
To view the entire packet, which couldn’t be copy and pasted:

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed K-7 today to through traffic from U.S. 69 south to K-47 at Girard. Local traffic can still access the highway.
The K-7 closure was made to address safety concerns at the intersection of K-39 and K-7, which is undergoing reconstruction. Traffic is following a signed state detour on U.S. 69, K-47, K-3 and U.S. 54.
The intersection reconstruction is the first phase of tied K-7 pavement rehabilitation and widening projects in Bourbon and Crawford counties. KDOT awarded the K-7 construction contracts totaling $20.4 million to APAC-Kansas Inc., Shears Division, Hutchinson.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. People with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.