Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Special Uniontown City Council Meeting on August 14

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The Special Council Meeting on August 14, 2025 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting, Interim City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Purpose of meeting is to hire/appoint non-elected personnel.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to hire Haley Arnold for City Clerk position to start September 2, 2025 with 90 day probationary period

 

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 5:07PM

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Uniontown City Council Minutes of the Meeting On August 12

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The 2026 Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting on August 12, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Matt Kelly, Judy Cassidy, Haley Arnold, Leah Hall, Regan Bryant, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Treasurer/Interim City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

2026 Budget Hearing –no citizens in attendance.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt the 2026 Budget as presented

 

2026 Budget Hearing closed.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the July 2025 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $249,350.12, Receipts $26,400.57, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $26,745.44, Checking Account Closing Balance $245,981.25. Bank Statement Balance $254,478.97, including Checking Account Interest of $53.64, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,497.72, Reconciled Balance $245,981.25.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,287.32, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $22,987.37, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,153.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $352,409.35. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $424.17, and Utility CDs $1,273.42 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,697.59.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of July 2025, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  July Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00.  Net Loss for the month of July $3,368.87, Year-to-Date Net Loss $17,882.49.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $98,877.38 (73.4%), Expenditures $73,404.11 (48.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $20,424.04 (54.9%), Expenditures $32,494.65 (70.5%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $64,418.94 (52.0%), Expenditures $68,270.29 (42.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $100,366.09 (67.0%), Expenditures $153,430.62 (71.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,886.52 (53.5%), Expenditures $3,047.95 (42%).  The August 2025 payables to date in the amount of $38,721.19 were presented.  The invoices from KMGA and Johnson Vaughn, PA have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of July 8, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, July 19, 2025 Special Meeting, July 19, 2025 Budget Worksession, and July 21, 2025 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Profit & Loss by Class Report & Appropriations Report

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that letters will be sent to 201 Fulton St for tall grass/weeds (clerk will try to find an address), 101 Washington St has mowed but still needs to address backyard.  It was brought to his attention that 401 Sherman has tall grass/weeds in ditches and backyard and possible junk vehicles and 306 Hill St has a junk vehicle in driveway.  Letters will also be sent to those two addresses.  A vehicle has been parked on the easement in the 400 block of Washington St for quite some time now.  He will investigate.

 

Superintendent Rich informed the council the outlets for food trucks/vendors on the north side of the park are not working for food trucks.  Matt Kelly, Kelly Electric, was asked which ones are 50AMP and 30AMP.  He will check and mark them.  He came back later in the meeting and reported that there are no 50AMP.  He will present a quote to install two 50AMP near the breaker boxes.  He also left business cards to give to vendors if they are having trouble with the outlets.

Rich also reported that the grease gun for the gas valves is not working properly and the company we purchased from no longer works on them.  He presented a quote for a new gun and repair kit.  Interim Clerk Johnson reported that the current guns have been repaired in 2008, replaced with reconditioned ones in 2013, and repaired again in 2015.  Ervin asked about the warranty for a new gun.  Rich was unsure, but would check.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to buy a new Valtex 1400 Lubrication Gun 10M with hose and gauge for price quoted

 

Clerk Johnson reported a dog at large complaint received on 8/7 but complainant would not describe the dog or location of the incident.

Council was presented with the draft 2024 Audit.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to accept audit as presented.

 

She asked about fall citywide cleanup.  Cleanup will be August 25-28.  When order, ask if we order two dumpsters, could we get another if needed.  Since there is no billing to go out before cleanup, she will distribute flyers to Union Station, Post Office, and Union State Bank and post at City Hall and community bulletin board.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – someone painted “CLEAN DRAIN DRY” on fishing dock.  It was suggested that if may have been Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.  Interim Clerk Johnson will check with Don George, KDWPT biologist.

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilwoman Pritchett – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant – Treasurer Johnson received an email requesting clarification on the Amazon invoices breakdown between the different projects.

 

FEMA Flooding (DR4800) Project – Had a conference call with FEMA and DKEM on August 6.  FEMA will provide weekly updates on progress of project through the system.  Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD) on Project Rip Rap has been reviewed, signed and submitted.  There was discussion on going ahead with the ditch/culvert work on 2nd St.  Marbery was the low bid for all four components.  If he does not get all of them there will be a $750 mobilization charge added to his bid.  He is still the lowest bidder with the addition.  Council agreed to start the 2nd St ditch/culvert work with Marbery as the contractor.

 

Sidewalk Project – Rogers & Sons started on August 5.  Mayor Jurgensen said the cost to break up & haul off concrete slab on 210 Sherman is $2,000 and he authorized that addition to project.

 

Park Electric (south side) – lines have been laid but outlets have not been installed.  Joe George volunteered to smooth dirt and seed the excavation area.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by ­­­­­­­­Ervin, Second by ­­­­­­­Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants and conduct interviews for non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 10:40PM

 

Cassidy called in at 8:30PM, out at 8:35PM, Arnold called in at 8:36PM, out at 8:59PM, Hall called in at 9:00PM, out at 9:11PM, Bryant called in at 9:12PM, out at 9:43PM, Johnson called in at 9:52PM, out at 10:15PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 10:40PM.  No action from executive session.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 10:40PM

Art, Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum receives Kansas Arts Commission Public Art and Murals Grant

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Fort Scott, Kan. Aug. 20, 2025 – The Gordon Parks Museum has been awarded a $6,874 grant from the
Kansas Arts Commission Public Art and Murals Grant Program.
For the 2025–2026 grant cycle, the Kansas Arts Commission distributed $1 million in funding to 108 recipients
across 35 Kansas counties.

These funds support a wide range of creative initiatives, including museums, arts
education, music, dance, visual arts, professional and community theater, creative writing, murals, and other
cultural projects.

“We are very thankful for this kind gift from the Kansas Arts Commission grant,” said Kirk Sharp, executive
director of The Gordon Parks Museum.

The awarded funds will support the creation of a Gordon Parks Mural on the Wilder House building, located at
Wall and Main Streets in downtown Fort Scott. The mural will be designed and painted by Cbabi Bayoc, an
internationally recognized visual artist and illustrator based in St. Louis, Missouri. Bayoc is also the artist
behind the First Kansas Colored Infantry Mural, completed in 2023 on the north downtown building at 9 South
Main Street, near Skubitz Plaza, facing the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Funding for Kansas Arts Commission grants is provided by the Kansas Legislature and the National
Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, please contact The Gordon Parks Museum at (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850 or by email at
[email protected].
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Obituary

Obituary of Lory Ann Woods

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It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our loved one, Lory Ann Woods.  Lory passed from this world on Sunday August 17, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri.

Lory was born, February 27, 1956, in Kansas City, Kansas to Loretta May (Downing) Neal and William Frederick Neal.

Lory learned to ride horses at a young age and loved horses and the outdoors; she often spoke of her adventures riding. She enjoyed playing cards, specifically spades. Lory also loved to read, especially Western novels.  Zane Gray was one of her favorite authors.  She enjoyed watching Western movies and TV shows.  It didn’t matter if she had seen it before.  She enjoyed every minute of it.  She enjoyed going to stock car races with her family nearly every weekend in the Summer.  Each year the family spent time at both the Kansas State Fair and Missouri State Fair taking in the events that each had to offer. Lory especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and loved them so very much. Lory opened her home to others and was like mom to many and provided a safe place for them to stay.  Lory loved to be surrounded by family and friends and would often host gatherings to be enjoyed by everyone.

Lory is preceded in death by her spouse, Homer Lee Woods, her parents, Loretta May (Downing) Neal, her father, William Frederick Neal, sisters, Lola May Neal and Dorothy Lee Wallace and brother, William Frederick Neal.

Lory is survived by sons, Rollo Woods, Anthony Woods (Darrean), Sisters, Mary McKinley (Tony), Billie Nation (Brent), Carol Cox (Bill), Grandchildren, Maxtin McCurley, Kamiya Woods, Anthony Woods, Zyir Woods, Zeno Bost and Zeke Bost and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 23trd at the Cheney Witt Chapel The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Lory Woods Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Schools, Submitted

USD 234 Shares Update on Mill Levy

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The following was submitted by USD234 regarding the mill levy.

USD 234 Shares Update on Mill Levy

Fort Scott USD 234 would like to share the answers to questions that have recently arisen about the district’s mill levy and property taxes.

First, it’s important to understand how the budget process works. The Board of Education meets with the district administrators in the spring as we begin the process of building the budget. The Board provides the administration direction as to how they want the budget prepared after reviewing the needs of the district and input from the administration. Typically, the Board directs us to keep the tax rate flat or to reduce or be lower than the previous year. The administration then works on the budget preparation through the months of June and July in partnership with the Bourbon County Clerk and Appraiser, who sets assessed property valuations we use to build the budget. We present a draft of the budget to the Board of Education for feedback in August with the final presentation and budget hearing in September.

Another common question is about the Recreation Commission and Buck Run Community Center. The Recreation Commission is a separate entity from the USD 234 school district. They operate under their own board, budget, set their tax rate, and have their own budget hearing independent from the school district. 

What’s Happening with USD 234’s Mill Levy?

Good news! The district’s tax rate will actually be slightly lower this year. Here’s a look at the numbers:

Fund 2024-25 Actual 2025-26 Proposed Difference
General       20.000   20.000       0.000
Supplemental General         14.895     14.891     -0.104
Capital Outlay           7.896       8.000     +0.004
Bond & Interest           9.669       9.757     +0.088
Total         52.660     52.648     -0.012

Even though USD 234 will technically “exceed revenue neutral” because of rising property valuations in the county and State aid, the actual tax rate is going down slightly. Over the last 10 years, the district tax rate has remained stable, dropping just over 1 mill during that time period.

Why does the district choose not to be Revenue Neutral?

Each year, the Kansas Department of Education determines the percentage of state aid the district will receive based on the poverty level in the district. That number changes yearly. This year, we will receive between 65% and 69% of our funding for the supplemental general, bond and interest, and capital outlay funds from the State. That leaves only 31% to 35% of those budget totals to be funded locally. Our state aid percentage has gone up each year, which brings additional dollars into the district from other parts of the State. This was part of the equalization lawsuit that went through the courts years ago.

Why was there a discrepancy between what the County sent to taxpayers and the actual budget being published by the district?

Some of the confusion comes from the Notice of Proposed Property Tax report that Bourbon County recently mailed to taxpayers. Those numbers were based on early estimates and don’t always match what the district actually adopts. We are required to provide the County Clerk with our estimates very early in the budget building process, creating a discrepancy between the proposed and the actual budget numbers.

Here’s how the county’s estimates compared with USD 234’s proposed levy:

Fund County Estimate USD 234 Proposed Difference
General   20.000     20.000     0.000
Supplemental General   17.001     14.891   -2.110
Capital Outlay     8.000       8.000     0.000
Bond & Interest     9.757       9.757     0.000
Total   54.758     52.648   -2.110

As can be seen, the original estimates were a little higher than what USD 234 is actually proposing to the Board of Education.

Clearing Up Misinformation

The District appreciates the taxpayers and the funding they provide for our students’ education. Because of the funding provided to the district, the District is able to provide high quality teachers, staff, and resources to prepare every student with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful beyond high school. The district welcomes any questions you may have about our budget or anything else concerning the school district. Should you have any questions, please contact:

Area News, Health Care

NRMC welcomes Dr. Smith home to serve the community

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Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Colby Smith back to Nevada.  Dr. Smith will be joining the staff at Nevada Medical Clinic.  He is board certified in Family Medicine and proud to return home as a Nevada High School alumnus.  Dr. Smith will begin seeing patients in September.

Dr. Smith cares for patients of all ages & offers services including:

  • Acute or Chronic Illness Care
  • Blood Pressure & Diabetes Management
  • Preventive Care & Routine Exams
  • Well Child Exams
  • Wellness & Health Education
  • Work, School & Sports Physicals

 

Dr. Smith’s office is located within Nevada Medical Clinic, 900 S Adams.  He is accepting new patients.  Appointments can be made by calling 417-667-6015.

 

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
NRMC is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital providing comprehensive health care services.  Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties including ear, nose & throat, family practice, general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, pain management, pediatrics, psychiatry and wound care services. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in cardiology, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, pulmonology and urology.

NRMC is centrally located between Kansas City and Joplin along the I-49 corridor.

 

 

 

Opinion

Letter To The Editor: Deb McCoy

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OUTSTANDING PROPERTY TAXES VS. TAX ABATEMENTS

AND HOW IT IS AFFECTING OUR COMMUNITY

Deb McCoy

Look what is happening in our small community. As of the 2020 Census, the total population of the incorporated cities in Bourbon County was 8,464, and 5,896 live in unincorporated communities and rural regions, making our total population of Bourbon County 14,360.

As citizens, we need to be held accountable for the actions that we are responsible for. Without taxes, our City and County Government cannot provide the essential services and infrastructure in our community. They primarily fund: Public Schools, Public Safety to support police and fire protection, Roads and Infrastructure contribute to the maintenance and construction of roads and public transportation, and Community Services that include local health and social service programs, libraries, parks, recreational facilities, and other community amenities. Overall, Property taxes are a crucial source of revenue for local governments, enabling them to provide essential services and to maintain the infrastructure of our community.

“Most Americans do not like doing or paying their income taxes, but every year about 85% of them will voluntarily pay the full amount of the taxes they owe. Even so, the IRS estimates that the United States loses over $400 billion of revenue each year because people fail to file their taxes, underreport their income or underpay the amount of taxes they owe.” (4/11/2024 “The Conversation” by Michele Frank)

The recent Legal Notice printout of Bourbon County 2024 outstanding taxes totals of $1,355,870.93.  The following figures are outstanding taxes from 2017 through 2023 that were received from our treasurer’s office:

2017 – $70,123.81

2018 –$80,569.78

2019 –$89,831.45

2020 – $94,115.88

2021 – $159,182.00

2022 – $316,810.93

2023 – $500,321.48

Another Program that gives residents tax breaks is The Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Rebate Commercial or Residential Program.  This program is a partnership between the City and County, with the City responsible for promoting revitalization and development. To qualify the property must be located within the contiguous city limits of the City of Fort Scott, Conform to the City of Fort Scott’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan & Zoning Ordinance, Conform to all applicable building codes, rules & regulation in effect at the time the improvement are made and for the length of the term of the rebate., and be up to date on all property tax & special assessment payments. The following list from 2015 through 2025 breaks down the annual rebates on taxes that were given in Bourbon County through the County Appraiser’s Office:

2015 – $822,736

2016 – $3,328,018

2017 – $4,817,118

2018 – $108,850

2019 – $425,832

2020 – $1,985,078

2021 – $2,754,027

2022 – $1,097,830

2023 – $4,816,782

2024 – $6,927,358

2025 – $5,466,190

The total amount of taxes that are unpaid or rebated in our community for 2024/2025 is $6,822,060.93.

The questions on whether cities should have caps on the number of grants awarded is complex and subjective and perhaps, we as a city and a county should consider caps on tax rebate incentives to ensure they are used effectively and equitably and based on community needs. It’s essential to consider the economic impact of these grants on local communities, as well as the need for flexibility in grant allocation. Ultimately, the decision of our local government should be based on a thorough assessment of the specific circumstances and needs. The purpose of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program was intended to encourage reinvestment and improvement of areas of decline or areas of architectural or historical significance within the community, per K.S.A. 12-17.114. Are we following these requirements and who is monitoring the program to ensure that we are within the purpose and factual findings of this program? These programs are enticing, but have we overextended our means to the point that we cannot meet the basic needs of our essential services and to maintain the infrastructure of our community without imposing additional sales taxes?

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Is Hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church on August 21

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Trinity Lutheran Church
Thursday, August 21st

8am

2824 S. Horton St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, 2824 S. Horton St., this Thursday, August 21st, at 8am. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Trinity Lutheran Church, a dedicated congregation of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), has faithfully served the Fort Scott community since 1863. Since 1989, the congregation has gathered at 2824 S. Horton St., providing a welcoming place for worship and fellowship.

Committed to nurturing families and faith, Trinity supports Precious Lambs Preschool, a Christ-centered early education ministry that celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2024

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Click HERE to visit the

Trinity Lutheran Church Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Precious Lambs Preschool Facebook Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County

Cost of Bourbon County Employee Benefits in 2024

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The cost of employee benefits in 2024 for Bourbon County has come up frequently in recent discussions about the county budget. Generally, the number has been given at around $4,000,000 for about 100 employees.

In paperwork from the county, the actual amount budgeted for 2024 was $4,379,580, but the amount actually spent in 2024 was $3,942,848.

While those numbers are correct in the sense that they represent the amount that shows up on the accounting document, the roughly $4 million amount includes money that is deducted from the employee’s paycheck for various benefits. For example, if an employee’s family is being covered by county health insurance, the employee is responsible for a portion of those premiums, but the amount the employee reimburses still shows up as outflow under the Health line item.

In 2024, $1,490,497.44 was deposited into the employee benefits account as “Reimbursed Expenditure” from employee salary deductions, which covered employee contributions for benefits. These deductions include various types of insurance that the employee can choose to pay for, as well as money funding health savings accounts or flexible spending arrangements.

So to get a better idea of how much of the money being payed out in employee benefits is actually being paid by the county and not the employees, the amount that is being paid by employee payroll deductions needs to be subtracted from the amount flowing out of that account. The total employee benefit expenditures minus the amount reimbursed via payroll deductions come to $2,452,351.46.

With approximately 100 employees, this would bring the average spent per person on county employee benefits closer to the $24,000 range, rather than the $40,000 range, as it might appear at first glance.

Bourbon County Local News