Delegates are being sought for the Kansas Silvered Haired Legislature.
Delegates are being sought for the Kansas Silvered Haired Legislature.
The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is a unicameral (one-chambered) legislature composed of 125 representatives across the state. SHL delegates are 60 years or older and are elected from their county of residence.
SEK Area Agency on Aging is seeking candidates to serve a two-year term representing their county. SEKAAA covers a 9-county area: Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson.
The legislature provides an educational experience in the political process and provides an opportunity to identify priority concerns of Kansas’ older adults.
The SHL develops bills and resolutions which are presented to the Kansas Legislature and the governor as recommendations for state policy.
SHLs were created by Congress in 1969 when each state was encouraged to create a body of older adults who would identify issues important to older adults 60+ and educate their state legislatures about those issues.
The Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature was created by a 1982 Senate resolution. The website for Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature is www.Kansas-shl.org
“It is important that the voice of older Kansans is heard,” says Kathy Brennon, SEKAAA Executive Director, “there are constant changes that have an impact on individuals 60 and older that can be overlooked. It is important to have this group that is solely focused on issues that impact older Kansans.”
If anyone is interested in being a delegate, they can request an application packet by emailing [email protected] or calling 620-431-2980. Applications must be received by February 3, 2025. If more than one person is interested in a position an election will be held on February 21, 2025. The term is for two years. March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2027.
KS Food Tax Eliminated Effective Jan. 1 2025
Governor Kelly Announces
Food Sales Tax Completely Eliminated
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday announced that in 2025, Kansans are projected to save $156 million due to the reduction in the state sales tax rate from 2% to zero and the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, reducing the state sales tax on groceries from 2% to zero will save shoppers $13 million per month this year.
“The complete elimination of the state sales tax on food is a win for Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By axing the food tax once and for all, the average family of four will save $500 per year on groceries. I’m proud that we’ve put more money back into Kansans’ pockets thanks to this commonsense legislation.”
After working tirelessly to put the state on solid financial footing, in 2021 Governor Kelly called on the Kansas Legislature to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries as soon as possible. The Legislature ultimately passed legislation that gradually reduced the state sales tax on groceries over three years.
In 2023, the state sales tax rate on groceries went down from 6.5% to 4%, saving consumers $187.7 million per year. At the end of 2024, it was projected that shoppers saved nearly $570 million due to the reductions in the state sales tax rate on food and food ingredients during the two years the reduction has been in effect.
The state sales tax reduction applies to food, food ingredients, and certain prepared foods. When looking at a receipt, shoppers will see two tax rates, one for qualifying purchases and one for all other items.
The total elimination of the state sales tax on qualifying items went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
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KS Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by $66.7M
Governor Kelly Announces December
Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by $66.7M
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends December 2024 with total tax collections at $1.1 billion. That is $66.7 million, or 6.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections are up 8.1% from December 2023.
“As I’ve highlighted before, even though our state’s revenues are healthy, we must practice fiscal responsibility,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That is how we will continue to maintain economic growth and preserve our fiscal stability.”
Individual income tax collections were $451.5 million, $31.5 million or 7.5% above the estimate, and up 13.7% from December 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $275.4 million, $45.4 million or 19.7% above the estimate, and up 16.8% from December 2023.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $285.4 million, $13.6 million or 4.5% below the estimate, and down $17.0 million or 5.6% from December 2023.
Click here to view the December 2024 revenue numbers.
Kansas Health Officials Provide Update on Avian Flu That Public Risk Remains Low
TOPEKA – While the risk to the general public still remains very low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reminding Kansans to practice caution around wild birds and backyard poultry amid increasing reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus both nationally and within Kansas.
HPAI is primarily an infection of wild birds; however, in the ongoing outbreak beginning in early 2022, numerous animal species have been infected including domestic poultry, dairy cattle, wild carnivores like skunks and raccoons, and domestic cats. The virus is spread by migratory waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese.
“The public health risk of HPAI remains low,” KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said. “While there has been no person-to-person spread, KDHE is monitoring the situation carefully. We are working with people who have had flocks test positive and encourage the public to avoid contact with sick birds.”
Fall migration of wild birds increased in November and December, resulting in additional exposure to HPAI and thus an increase in cases in domestic poultry in Kansas. Since Dec. 3, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has identified HPAI in six non-commercial backyard flocks and two commercial flocks.
Since this virus can infect humans who come in close contact with sick or dead birds and other infected animals, KDHE, in coordination with local health departments, monitors all exposed individuals for symptoms of influenza-like illness. While no human cases have been identified in Kansas, 66 cases of HPAI have been confirmed in humans in the United States in 2024. Those cases are nearly all from exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows, and no known human-to-human spread has occurred.
Current information regarding HPAI in animals in Kansas can be found at KDA Avian Influenza.
Most of the infections in humans the U.S. have been mild and primarily present as red, itchy eyes, but there is the potential for more severe illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. For more information on keeping yourself healthy while handling poultry, visit CDC Avian Influenza.
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12/30/2024 Bourbon County Commissioner Meeting
Commission approves map making five commissioner districts of Bourbon County.
The meeting opened with a full audience.
Dustin Lewis spoke to the commission regarding a potential housing unit Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He expressed a desire to build a 20-30 2000 sq. ft. single home housing development. He said they were looking for right location to bring it into the area in the next year. He was not asking county for anything at this time.
Commissioner Harris said he was very excited about this opportunity and asked if there was anything the county to do to help. Nothing needed at this time.
A Legacy property MOU was also discussed. Commissioner Clifton Beth said, “We need development.”
The property under discussion is located near the hospital, and has a call back on it and the county must release it in order for Legacy to develop said property. Commissioners Beth and Harris said that Legacy has fulfilled it’s contract in light of the call back on the lots near the hospital. Wisenhunt said he’s never seen the contract. Beth read out some information from the MOU stating, “Lots one and two are transferred to KRI, already. Lot five would be transferred back to Bourbon County for EMS services.” Legacy will provide the quit claim deed to the county for filing before the year end. Legacy paid for the survey for lot 5.
Beth said, “I would like to see the land developed…Maybe this would be one that they could do.”
A citizen requested that the commission to wait to release the call backs on the 11 acres directly south of the hospital until Freeman opens the hospital in June to be sure Legacy has fulfilled their contract with the county. Beth expressed concern over losing the housing project to Crawford County.
Wisenhunt expressed his belief that it will take time to create the development, anyway and waiting until June isn’t a big deal.
Harris suggested tabling it for a week. Wisenhunt offered to do some research.
Kaety Bowers spoke to the commission as Republican County Chair, thanking Harris and Beth for their service and wishing Wisenhunt a successful completion of his term.
She then spoke “as a concerned citizen of Bourbon County.” She expressed desire to start the year off in a positive manner, then asked the commission to alleviate concerns she’s heard for a number of citizens by signing an affidavit, which she offered to read. Harris immediately asked for a week to review it. Bowers said, “perfect.” Upon looking over the document, Harris said, “I take this as an insult.”
“I apologize. It’s not meant that way,” she replied, reiterating that her intention is to be positive and not to tarnish anyone’s reputation. Harris expressed that any of his constituents could talk to him directly if they have questions. He asked where the Democrat Party chair was. Bowers said she had not been able to get a hold of him or her.
Beth agreed with Harris and asked why no one came to him directly with questions.
Harris said his reputation was tarnished when people lied about him in the newspaper and on Facebook.
Beth laughed at the idea that Facebook would be the place for him to answer questions.
Wisenhunt weighed in, addressing Beth: “First of all, there’s been several people stand at that podium and ask you questions, and you get exactly like that, Clifton. You are the most disrespectful commissioner I’ve seen in ANY committee meeting. I will sign it for you, Kaety, because I’m ___________ honest.” Citizen’s in attendance clapped at the end of his remarks.
“My intent with this was just to give you guys a chance in a public form,” said Bowers.
Beth and Wisenhunt began an argument about accusations of dishonesty and disrespect. Harris intervened and stopped the argument to continue the meeting.
Next, Mark McCoy with Bourbon County REDI addressed the commission regarding funds for work REDI had done in 2024.
Harris said that after looking at the budget, he doesn’t see any funds for them. He suggested that REDI regroup and start a new relationship with the new commission.
Wisenhunt: “I agree that we need economic development in our county. I think, money-wise, right now it’s a bad time. I would like to see REDI regroup, come back together and maybe start letting us know at least monthly what we’re working on, working towards, so we can get you the help from the County Commission if need be. We can reach out and get the community more involved in it.”
McCoy mentioned that communication between the county and the city should probably increase for successful of economic development. “Without everybody working together, it’s never going to happen.”
Justin Meeks, in his final acts as county counselor, reported that he hand-delivered the original Freeman agreements to Patrina Richards, general counsel for Freeman, and she expects to have them back by Jan. 3. “Once those are done, I think everything on the county’s end will be satisfied and we’ll be good to go down the road…. I’m excited to have them here. I think it will be good.”
Redistricting talk was the final agenda item. Commissioner Harris invited the citizen’s committee members to pull up a chair. He indicated that the maps had been available for viewing in the foyer before the meeting. Everyone then took about 6 minutes to look go to the foyer and look over the maps during the meeting.
Clifton Beth preferred map Number 2, as did the rest of the commission and those members of the committee that Harris heard from. Harris made the motion to accept Map 2, and the commission voted unanimously to do so.
Wisenhunt then made motion to adopt the resolution 15 for 2024 establishing commission districts for Bourbon County changing the number of commission districts from 3 to 5, per the vote of Nov. 5, 2024.
There was not further discussion from the audience or commission and the motion carried.
Another motion to create a special election on or before April 15, 2025 to fill the new districts was also carried unanimously.
Commission comments wrapped up the meeting. First, Wisenhunt apologized for his attitude and losing his cool earlier in the meeting. Next, Jim Harris mentioned, regarding his response to Katie Bower’s affidavit, “Please don’t question my integrity, my honestly, and my love for Jesus Christ. I’m going to walk away in a week with a good conscience.”
New 2025 Programs From Fort Scott Recreation
The Fort Scott Recreation offers events throughout the year to help individuals stay physically fit.
This month, January 2025, the following classes are offered: yoga/pilates, Get Fit Stay Fit, Soul Fusion, Stretch Class, youth indoor soccer, Tiger Kids Cheer, Taekwondo, and The Biggest Loser Competition.
To view the current program calendar:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxTZvzJEhnGPh9epiPGl4uaMrowKiA9e/view
Recreation Director Lucas Kelley provided a list of all the new programs coming this year:
Youth Track (starts in March) Pre-K-6th Grade
Stretch Class: January 13th – February 28th 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga/Pilates January 13th – February 28th 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
All-Star Weekend Challenge: Contestants pick winners for the three National Basketball Association All-Star Events.
BRCC hours are Monday through Friday from 5 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Saturday 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. May through September, and
Sunday from noon to 5 P.M.
Recreation office hours are 8 A.M. – 5 P.M
Saturday 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. May through September, and
Sunday from noon to 5 P.M.
Recreation office hours are 8 A.M. – 5 P.M
For successful programs, it is critical for
participants to sign up by the deadline, according to the website.
Classes may be canceled if there are not enough
registrants and the decision to cancel programs will
be made shortly after the deadline.
There are fee assistance and scholarship programs available for those who need them.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy our programs! according to the website. “Based on the needs of the individual or family size,
collected from the information that is provided,
scholarships may be available. Just ask our staff
for additional information.”
“Our policy is to provide customer satisfaction and to
refund payment for services which do not meet
customer’s expectations. If by the second program
day, you are not happy with a program or have
conflicts, a credit will be issued,” according to the website.
“In the case of inclement weather and program
cancellations, register for Textcaster, listen to
KOMB FM (103.9), visit our website at
brcc.recdesk.com or call (620)-223-0386.
Managers will be notified if games are canceled, according to the website.
Lucas Kelley is the Recreation Director, Dave Fly is the Program Supervisor and Katie Chipman is the Office Manager at Buck Run Community Center, 735 S, Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.
The Mission of the Fort Scott Recreation Commission (FSRC) is to promote the development of a healthy and productive life for the citizens who reside in the USD #234 School District through broad-based recreational opportunities, according to its website.
This is done by:
- Providing a positive atmosphere for people and children that is fun and enjoyable.
- Encouraging participation, not the winning and losing aspect of activities.
- Providing a variety of programs for all ages, stages and abilities.
- Remaining cooperative and open to all community input for additional recreational programming.
- Recognizing the valuable contributions of community volunteerism.
- Offering training to coaches and officials so that they are better prepared.
- Encouraging positive reinforcement from coaches, officials, parents and to all that participate.
The Fort Scott Recreation Commission is comprised of Tammy Hill, Susan Marbery, Stewart Gulager, Adam Lancaster, and Dillon Duffy.
The following opportunities are provided to the community:
Buck Run Community Center/ Fisher Park , Located at 735 Scott Ave.
Which has the following: Fitness Rooms, Gymnasium, Kitchen, Indoor Basketball Court, Shuffle Board, Baseball Fields, Softball Fields, Tennis Courts, Outdoor Basketball Court, Swimming, Facility Rentals for Meetings, Parties, etc., Bathrooms and Playground Area. For Information Contact Buck Run at 620-223-0386.
Gunn Park
Located at Park Avenue 2
Lakes, Fishing, Shelter Houses, Tent & RV Camping, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables, Disc Golf and Playground Area. For Rental Information Contact City Hall at 620-223– 0550.
Lake Fort Scott
Located at Rt. 5 South of Fort Scott
Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Shelter Houses, Picnic Tables. For Information contact City Hall at 620-223-0550.
Bridal Veil Park
Located at West 2nd Street
Shelter House, Picnic Tables, Soccer Field, and Playground Area.
Lions Park
Located at West 18th Street
Baseball Field and Bathrooms.
Lincoln School Walking Trail
Located at West 18th Street
Walking, Running, Fishing, Picnic Tables.
Kiwanis Soccer Field
Located at 2108 Horton
Soccer Fields.
Betty Ruth Willard Fields/Ty Cullor Field
Located at 2108 Horton
Softball Fields, Baseball Field, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables and Playground Area.
Fort Scott Community College
Located at 2108 Horton
Gymnasium, Indoor Basketball, Tennis Courts, Volleyball, and Racquetball Court.
Ellis Park
Located at 12th & Williams
Softball Fields, Baseball Fields, Soccer Fields, Sand Volleyball, Basketball Court, Walking Trail, Shelter House, Picnic Tables, and Bathrooms.
3rd Street Park
Located at 3rd & Hill
Softball & Baseball Field, Shelter House, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables, Outdoor Basketball Court and Playground Area.
Nelson Park
Located at the corner of Grant & Elm Street
Playground Area and Walking Trail.
James Tedesco Memorial Skate Park
Located at 4th & Scott Street Skate Park
The park is for public use by skateboarders, rollerblades, scooters and more. Helmets are not required but suggested and benches and trashcans are provided for anyone who would like to enjoy watching the skaters perform.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 2, 2025
With possible exceptions, state courts to close Jan. 9 for national day of mourning
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Governor Kelly Announces Day of Mourning in Honor of Former President Jimmy Carter
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday announced she has signed Executive Order 24-05 declaring Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, as a Day of Mourning in honor of Former President Jimmy Carter and ordering that State of Kansas offices be closed. This coincides with the National Day of Mourning declared by President Joe Biden. State offices will reopen and resume normal operations on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
In addition to the Day of Mourning, Governor Kelly on Monday directed flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Jan. 28, 2025.
Executive Order 24-05 can be found here.
Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2024 for Kansas
TOPEKA – As 2024 comes to an end, Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday highlighted some of the key successes from the second year of her second term.
“I am proud of all my administration has accomplished throughout this year,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By working with the Legislature, our state agencies, stakeholders, and Kansans from across the state, we were able to reach new heights in 2024. I look forward to carrying this momentum into 2025 as we continue striving to make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Bipartisanship: In 2024, Governor Laura Kelly signed 103 bipartisan bills into law, including legislation that:
- Creates the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, transforming how Kansas prepares educators to teach reading and better equips students with the literacy tools they need to succeed.
- Comprehensively updates Kansas’ workers compensation system, increasing the caps on workers compensation benefits and adding a cost-of-living adjustment to those caps beginning in July 2027.
- Establishes the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) as an independent state agency and codifies the position of the Child Advocate as the independent head of the OCA, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Education: This year, Governor Kelly fully funded K-12 education for the sixth year in a row, while making the largest single-year investment in higher education in Kansas history. The budget Governor Kelly signed invested $1.3 billion to support postsecondary institutions’ efforts to drive workforce development and lower costs for Kansas students. Additionally, Governor Kelly secured $75 million to put Kansas on the path to fully funding special education.
Tax Relief: In June, Governor Kelly signed into law a comprehensive tax relief package that responsibly cuts Kansans taxes while preserving the state’s long-term fiscal health. Senate Bill 1 provides Kansans with nearly $2 billion in tax cuts over the next 5 years, including increasing the residential property tax exemption from $42,000 to $75,000, eliminating state taxes on Social Security income, and increasing the standard deduction and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
Water: The budget Governor Kelly signed this year continues Kansas’ historic $35M yearly investment in water infrastructure, conservation, and quality programs across Kansas. It also pledged an additional $16M specifically for drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects in communities of less than 1,000. This funding is essential to ensuring our small, rural communities have access to a clean and reliable water supply for years to come.
Throughout 2024, the Kelly Administration and the Kansas Water Authority hosted two rounds of water Local Consult meetings to get feedback directly from Kansans on how to best implement short- and long-term solutions to Kansas’ water issues. Over these 14 meetings across the state, more than 1,000 Kansans participated and shared their input. Recommendations from these input sessions, including starting an independent evaluation cycle for water programs and building regional project pipelines to help ensure a multigenerational water supply for Kansans, will be implemented starting this fiscal year.
Early Childhood: Today, there are more licensed child care slots than ever recorded in Kansas history. Now, there are 1,200 more child care slots than Kansas had at this time last year, creating more opportunities for children to thrive and for the economy to grow. Governor Kelly also delivered $18 million over the next 3 years in expanded tax credits to reduce the cost of child care for working families.
In September, Governor Kelly announced Kansas will cover the state licensing, background check, and fingerprinting fees for child care providers seeking initial licensure or licensure renewal through 2025 or until available funds are expended, easing the financial burden for new providers and alleviating costs for our existing providers.
Economic Development: In 2024 alone, the Kelly administration attracted 266 committed economic development projects, totaling more than $3.4 billion in new business investment into the state and creating and retaining more than 5,100 jobs.
Infrastructure and Broadband: During Fiscal Year 2024, the Kansas Department of Transportation repaired 1,740 miles of roads and 136 bridges, building stronger and safer infrastructure so Kansans can smoothly travel the state.
To address the digital divide and increase all Kansans’ access to high-speed internet, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) deployed a total of $16.8 million throughout 2024. This funding will enhance infrastructure and expand access to public Wi-Fi and connected devices, creating more opportunities for Kansans to thrive in the digital era.
Unemployment Insurance System: In November, Governor Kelly and the Kansas Department of Labor launched a new online system for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Previously, the UI system had not been updated since it was established in the late 1970s. The launch of the Unemployment Insurance Technology Enhancement project is a win for Kansas because it demonstrates the state’s dedication to responsive and effective workforce support.
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Minutes from the Bourbon County Commission Meeting on December 23
December 23, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Heather Ethridge, Deb McCoy, Mike Wunderly, Tim Emerson, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Marita Meech, Elizabeth Meech, and Kaety Bowers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 12-19-2024 and approval of November financials. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Heather Ethridge, President of West Plains and Centerville Cemeteries stated she has a problem with the cemetery plot deeds. Heather stated they have several deeds that have not been registered with the county and that she doesn’t need them filed, only scanned in. Heather said the Register of Deeds office informed her it would cost $23.00 per deed to file. Heather asked for the fees to be waived. Clifton said we would have to waive for all cemeteries and questioned if it was a state requirement to charge the fee. Brandon stated Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, text him and said it is a state statute that requires them to charge the fee. Jim suggested letting them talk to the Register of Deeds office and putting the matter back on the agenda in two weeks.
Deb McCoy asked the Commissioners if we follow state guidelines for the abatement process as she was informed that Bourbon County doesn’t have any policies or procedures in place. Deb stated that Legacy Healthcare notarized their abatement application in March 2024 and chose the exemption reason of KSA 79-201b which is for hospitals. Deb stated they have not been operating as a hospital and questioned why they were allowed to use that exemption and who knew about the application as she does not remember it being discussed in open meeting. Deb asked if the Commissioners would do the same with the lots that Legacy broke off from the original parcel that the county donated to them in 2022. Jim stated it is hard to explain how helpful Legacy was with getting KRI and Freeman here and that the state forgave the tax dollars.
Anne Dare said she did some digging in her documents and that BEDCO hired Rob Harrington in 2021 and the name of the organization was changed to REDI. Anne expressed her concerns regarding the amount of county funds that were being spent so quickly at the end of the year. Anne stated she has not filed a KORA request yet but questioned where the spending for this year is in relation to the past few years at the end of year. Anne said she received a report through a KORA request for the amount that Bourbon County has paid to REDI and it is $630,000 total and she implored the Commissioners not to fund REDI and if they do to have a written contract going forward. Anne stated she wished the Sheriff could use the in person in house for budget help instead of paying $34,000 for a financial advisor. Anne said she remembers when the survey for the lot behind the EMS building was approved in open session and she requested the invoice for the services and was informed that Bourbon County has not received an invoice. Anne closed her statement urging the Commissioners to be careful with tax dollars.
Michael Hoyt said he would speak later about the redistricting and said that he thought there was some confusion about him circulating a petition and leading the redistricting committee and asked why it was a bad thing.
Pete Owenby asked if REDI requested the $75,000 during budget time. Clifton stated they put the money for REDI in a contingency fund along with the soil conservation district. Pete asked if we had a contract with REDI and Jim stated no, it was just a verbal vote for funding. Pete asked if the City of Fort Scott or USD 234 were supporting REDI. Jim stated he was unaware of anybody supporting REDI.
Kelly Perry stated she is a small business owner in Bronson. Kelly said that there is an organization at Kansas State University that could redistrict the maps and possibly save some tax dollars. Kelly stated she does not think that funding should be spent on REDI. Kelly stated that REDI is a 501(c)(3) and that due to their stated charitable purposes she does not think it allows them to bill us for economic development. Kelly stated she served on the REDI board and that she had to sign an NDA but suggested looking at their by-laws and charters as well as looking into if they are legally able to bill us for economic development. Kelly stated she tries to be non-biased and to be good to people while not being self-serving and that she has not spoken out due to the fear of backlash. Kelly stated if anybody had any questions to reach out to her.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated he has a utility permit application for Dale Jackson for 160th Street south of Wagon Road. Eric said a few years ago the utilities were run but were not in conduit and now is asking to redo and put the utilities in conduit. Brandon asked if they would bore or trench the road. Eric said they would trench the gravel road and that Mr. Jackson owns the parcels on both sides of the road. Brandon made a motion to give Dale Jackson a utility permit for 160th Street south of Wagon road for utilities across the road since both parcels are his. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked to amend the agenda to speak about an invoice. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow the County Clerk to speak. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer stated she received an invoice this afternoon from KWORCC who is our workers compensation insurance. Jennifer explained that the way we are billed is an estimated premiums amount is sent at the beginning of the year then our account is audited and any additional premiums will be billed. Jennifer stated the estimated premiums invoice for 2025 is $111,375.00 which is $27,488.00 more than last year. Jennifer stated the additional premiums over the last few years have been anywhere from $6,000 to over $21,000. Jennifer said the total amount of premiums paid to KWORCC in 2024 was $92,443.00, so during the budget process a total of $110,000 was budgeted for 2025. Jennifer stated she wanted the Commissioners to be aware of the increased amount due.
Jim asked if the Commissioners had any questions regarding the Freeman agreements that were passed out during last week’s meeting. Clifton made a motion to accept the MOU and to allow the Chairman to sign it with Freeman of Fort Scott. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jim said he would sign the agreement and told the County Clerk that Justin would like a copy. Jim said they went over the equipment list with Dr. Nichols, Justin, and Freeman and that it is listed in the equipment agreement handed out last week. Brandon made a motion to approve the equipment list agreement with Freeman of Fort Scott and to allow the Chairman to sign it. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Jim said he needs to amend the agenda to talk about a letter that Freeman needs for the IRS. It was determined that the letter would fall under Freeman agreements, so the agenda was not amended. Brandon asked if the letter is for their tax exemption. Jim said the letter states that Freeman intends to be operation by 6-1-25 and Clifton added it says funding is contingent upon the 6-1-25 date. Clifton made a motion to approve the letter Freeman needs for the IRS and to allow Chairman Harris to sign it. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Sheriff Bill Martin was back with Ben Hart from Baker Tilly. Jim asked the other Commissioners if they had any questions after the discussion at last week’s meeting. Jim said that Susan sent them reports that showed the County Counselor had $21,800 left in his budget, there is $64,000 in the courthouse maintenance fund, and $50,000 in the Commission contingency fund. Brandon said he doesn’t know why we need to pay for two bookkeepers. Jim said that next year the CFO position will go away. Bill asked Ben Hart to explain the reasoning. Mr. Hart said there are two ways of looking at budget numbers and that he would handle things a different way and will have input from the elected official. Mr. Hart said that the levy for the Sheriff’s budget has gone down the last few years even though operations go up. Jim said that County Counselor Meeks has informed him that Bill can enter into a contract without the Commission’s approval. Clifton made a motion to transfer $36,000 to Sheriff Martin out of the Commission contingency fund by the end of business tomorrow. Jim asked Clifton to add to his motion that if for some reason that money has been moved to take it out of the building maintenance fund as well as the counselor fund. Clifton added “that if the money is mysteriously missing then that money be taken out of the building maintenance fund to transfer to Sheriff Martin to pay Baker Tilly for services and/or the county counselor fund.” Brandon said he had a question. Jim stated he had a motion and Clifton added “ so, anyway $36,000 transferred to Sherrif Martin not out of his accounts out of the accounts I stated so that he can hire Baker Tilly to assist him in 2025, by the end of business day tomorrow.” Jim asked if the contract will be December to December? Ben Hart stated that was correct. Jim seconded the motion. Brandon questioned why the amount requested this week was $36,000 when last week it was stated $34,000? Mr. Hart said the agreement you have has never changed it is $3,000 per month. Brandon opposed the motion. The motion passed 2-1.
Jim requested a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three Commissioners and Patty Love and will return at 6:32. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:32 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim said he had a contractor call today and they want to be on the agenda next week for a possible housing development for. Jim handed out an MOU for the other Commissioners to review for next week and said it pertains to the possible opportunity for some new housing south of town. Jim said it is estimated 20 to 25 houses and that the company will be here next week to do a presentation. Samuel Tran asked if the name of the company could be released and Jim stated it is Middle Water LLC out of Overland Park.
Michael Hoyt said he received letters of interest for those who wish to be on the redistricting committee. Mr. Hoyt gave the list of names to the Commissioner and said he would like to step back from the committee. Clifton said that SAM will do the redistricting and present the Commissioners with three maps for them to choose from. Jim said he would like the committee to get together for the redistricting. Brandon asked why not do it all at once have the committee present when the maps are given next Monday then open it up to the public. Kay Tran asked if the public would be allowed to speak and Jim said yes, they would. Pete Owenby asked what the state statute outlines for the process. Brandon said it is the Commissioner’s decision and then it will be sent to the state to file the new map. Jim said he is confident that they can make a decision next week. Brandon read the list of names provided by Michael Hoyt and they are: Kelly Perry, Jim Sackett, and Ron Miller for district one, Josh Jones, Don and Jean Tucker, and Pete Allen for district two, and JD Handly for district 3. Kaety Bowers asked to be added to the list.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:42. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________,Commissioner
Selena Williams, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
12-30-2024 Approved Date