Opinion

Kansas vs. Missouri

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

 

I have written much about how Bourbon County compares with other SEK counties, and we come out looking pretty good. What about Vernon County, Missouri? Every morning, we get quite an influx of commuters that cross the state line for work, taking advantage of their low property tax rates and Kansas income tax rates. It is worth looking at the newly issued U.S. Census data to see how we stack up.

Vernon County (VC) is quite a bit larger than Bourbon County (BB) in geography and population, by about 30% in area and 37% in the number of residents. In the last 10 years, VC contracted by 6.9% to 19,707 people; BB lost 5.4% of our population, which now sits at 14,360. The residents of VC represent less diversity than BB at 93.6% white versus 89.7%. BB has more people over 65 and under the age of 18, while VC has a slightly higher percentage of female residents.

Housing is an interesting contrast. The average value of a home in VC is $98,300 compared to $82,700 in BB; interestingly, the average monthly cost to own a home in VC is $152 lower than in BB. One can only assume that while a VC resident pays more for their mortgage, they pay a much lower price for real estate taxes. Monthly rental costs were about the same, but VC had 11 building permits issued in 2020 compared to one in BB (not all new constructions have required permitting). As I discussed in a previous column, VC has a decided housing advantage.

Business activity statistics are about the same, but one noticeable negative trend was pronounced in BB; in recent years, we lost 8.6% of our workforce compared to 2.2% for VC. While retail is stronger in VC, BB has a decided manufacturing edge. Computers in households and households with broadband access are at much higher percentages in VC.

While personal income statistics are similar in both counties, and both counties rank above the national average in poverty statistics, the numbers are worse for VC: 17.1% compared to 15.6%. Also higher than the national average is the number of individuals without health insurance in the two counties; that percentage is 15.5% for VC, 10.8% for BB.

The similarities between the two counties are striking, but VC has a decided advantage where it counts: housing. This is strongly indicated by building permits, home prices, lower monthly cost of home ownership, retail sales, and workforce retention.

What can we do? We cannot close the gap all at once, but we can chip away at the factors that exacerbate the difference. Lowering real estate taxes, incentivizing new construction, improving our infrastructure, and facilitating broadband access over time will help.

Economic development is a multi-front challenge because of stiff competitors like VC, so we have to keep making progress on all fields of the battle.

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS Commission for Sept. 7

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
6:00 P.M.

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Sergeant Bill Downey, Fort Scott Police Department

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes:

Regular meeting of July 20th, 2021

Special meeting minutes of July 16th, 2021 at 11:15 a.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 16th, 2021 at 7:20 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 16th, 2021 at 8:30 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 19th, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 21st, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 22nd, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 23rd, 2021 at 8:00 p.m.

Regular meeting of August 3rd, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of August 5th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of August 10th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Regular meeting of August 17th, 2021

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1295-A totaling $2,361,232.55.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Signage – Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market – Recommend approval by Design Review Board

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations – 20 S. Scott – Replacement of in-kind and alterations to current structure – Recommend approval by Design Review Board

  1. Request to Pay #1 – Owenby Masonry & Associates – Eagle Block and CDL Building – 14,625.00

  1. Engineering Firm Update:

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. Public Hearings:

6:00 p.m. Neutral Rate and Proposed Tax Rate Public Hearing

6:10 p.m. 2022 Budget Public Hearing

6:15 p.m. Resolution 22-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 114 S. Barbee Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 23-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 619 S. Ransom Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 24-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 323 S. Hill Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 25-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 14 S. Margrave Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 26-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 510 S. Heylman Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 27-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 28-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 29-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main Street

6:15 p.m. Application for CDBG Funds – Sanitary Sewer System Improvements for the purpose of considering an application for CDBG funds on behalf of the City.

6:30 p.m. Performance Public Hearing Notice for CDBG CV Funds for the purpose of evaluating the performance of Grant No. 20-CV-022 which was for Economic Development and Micro Grants.

  1. Old Business:

    1. Resolution No. 21-2021 – Resolution establishing a restricted fund account for proceeds from real estate property sales at Lake Fort Scott from the sale of four (4) lots

  1. Appearances:

Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I.

Tom Robertson & Tom Havron – Ty Cullor Field Discussion

C.H. Felt – Closure of street behind V.F.W. Post #1165 for September 11th, 2021 event

Alison Leach – Monarch Habitat for Gunn Park

  1. Finance Director Update:

    1. Change of billing for Lake Fort Scott residents from the 15th of each month to the 22nd of each month effective December 2021 billing

    2. K.D.O.T. Cost Share Application Submittal

  1. Interim City Manager Update:

  1. New Business:

    1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations to Windows – 6 N. Main – Design Review Board did NOT recommend approval of this submission

    2. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement

Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure – Exception, and Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception

    1. Consideration to pay – J R Radell – 3rd Street Ballpark Project

    2. Consideration to pay – Skitch’s Hauling – 3rd Street Ballpark Project

    3. Consideration to bid – Sewer CIPP

    4. Consideration to Bid – River Intake Project – Phase II

    5. Consideration of bid – Cooper Street

    6. Consideration of bid – Horton Street

    7. Consideration of Earles Engineering Proposal – 17th Street & Eddy Drainage Improvements – $28,800

    8. Consideration to purchase police cars from Kansas Highway Patrol

    9. Consideration of allocation to Bourbon County C.A.S.A. of the 6th Judicial District

    10. Discussion of removal of military bridge

    11. Approval of $20.00 towards City employee health insurance starting October 1st, 2021

    12. Consideration of appointment of David Stewart to the Lake Advisory Board

    13. Discussion of minimum bid requirements – one single family dwelling per lot

    14. Discussion of four Lake Fort Scott properties for sale

    15. Discussion of First Source Building for sale

    16. City Manager Search Update

XIII. Reports and Comments:

a) Commissioners Reports and Comments:

b) City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XV. Adjournment:

Opinion

What’s in a name? By Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

The name you’re given at birth is extremely important because you’re stuck with it all your life, and some people actually live up to their name. (Nabal means “fool” and that’s what he was according to the Book of 1 Samuel 25:3.) Back in 1990, we asked our daughter Mariam what she thought we should name her soon-to-be baby brother. She quickly replied, “Moses.” Although that’s a great name, we didn’t think that would be the best choice for our family. So, we compromised and named him Aaron because he was Moses‘ younger brother in the Old Testament.

As you’ll recall, Moses was dragging his feet and pretty-much arguing with God when He spoke to him from the burning bush. God needed Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, but he kept hem-hawing around. Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ’The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ’What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:13, 14 NKJV).

I AM is still I AM. I don’t care how big your box is, you can’t put God in it. It doesn’t matter how big your problem is, God is bigger. Several years ago I finally figured out God’s I AM name. When my Dad died unexpectedly in 2012, I found myself without a father. What a jolt — I needed my Dad! Shortly after that experience I heard in my heart, “I AM your Dad. Whatever you need, I‘m it.” “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18 CEB). I understood that I had God’s permission to fill in the blank and then He would fill it with Himself.

“Long as I’ve Got King Jesus,” recorded by Brian Free & Assurance, is a song that really preaches to me. A portion of the lyrics describe some of the names of Jesus: “He’s a burden bearer, He’s a heavy-load sharer, He’ll be your bridge over water. He‘ll be your friend when you‘re friendless, He‘ll be your mother when you‘re motherless, He‘ll be your comfort when you‘re lonely. He’s the Lily of the Valley, and the Bright Morning Star, He’s the sweet Rose of Sharon, and the Great I AM.” John the Revelator wrote, “’I am the Alpha and the Omega — the beginning and the end,’ says the Lord God. ‘I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come — the Almighty One‘” (Revelation 1:8 NLT).

Let I AM prove in your own life what He proved for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God didn’t prevent them from being tossed into the fiery furnace, but He sure kept them from being charred. They went through the fire without even smelling like smoked ribs. I AM was walking around in the fire with them! God says, “Listen to me…I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:3,4 NLT).

The Key: I AM is still I AM so get your pen and fill in the blank. I AM your ___________.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 – No Increase in Mill Rate for 2021-22

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The USD 234 Board of Education recently adopted resolutions aimed to not increase a tax burden on local residents.
Gina Shelton, USD234 Business Manager, said during a recent presentation to the board that two resolutions were needed to move forward with funding for the school district.
Resolution 21-07 was to adopt LOB Percentage.
“This resolution has no impact on the property tax,” Shelton said.  “This resolution is required as we are adopting the state average in our Local Option Budget.  This allows us to budget up to 31% of our general fund in our LOB fund, maximizing the state aid we receive.”
The second was Resolution 21-08 which regards exceeding a revenue-neutral rate.
“The 2021-22 budget was built by keeping the mill rate flat for USD 234,” Shelton said.  “The school district is not revenue neutral for property tax purposes because the assessed valuation increased and therefore the total amount of property tax collected is more than the prior year.”
“What is important for our community to understand is that the 20 mills assessed for the USD 2324 General Fund is set by statute and those funds are sent directly to the State of Kansas,” she said.  “Then that 20 mills is put with other sources of Kansas revenue and then distributed back out to school districts in the form of enrollment-based funding.”
“The 20 mills that are assessed for our general fund are set by statute,” she said. “As the assessed valuation increased, the only way for the school district to remain revenue neutral would have been to decrease the mill rates in the other funds. We have four funds that we levy taxes in – General, LOB, Capital Outlay, and the Bond.”
“Because the assessed valuations increased district-wide, even though our mill rate isn’t changing, the amount of taxes being assessed are more,” Shelton said. “The assessed valuations are set by the county, not the school district.”
  “For 2021-22, for each $1 raised locally in the general fund, the district receives $8.67 in state aid,” Shelton said.  “Because that 20 mills is set by statute, we would have had to reduce the mills in other funds to be revenue-neutral. This would have impacted our ability to fund our student’s educational needs, capital outlay needs, and our bond payment schedule.”
“The budget is built and driven by the board’s mission and areas of focus – which all center around kids,” she said.
Shelton said the  district’s 2021-22 budget is made up of:
State Revenue – 76%
Federal Revenue – 12%
Property Tax – 12%
Obituary

Obituary of Maxine Smith

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Maxine Louise (Lockwood) Kinney Smith, 96, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away August 27, 2021, at Country Place Senior Living in Fort Scott. She was born September 18, 1924, in Bourbon County, Kansas, to George and Mildred Lockwood of Godfrey, Kansas. Maxine and Harley P. Kinney, Jr., were married on June 8, 1946. Maxine and Harley lived and raised a family in Fort Scott until Harley’s untimely death on September 29, 1974. During their years together, Maxine and Harley enjoyed many activities, including extended family gatherings and cookouts, camping trips, square dancing, bowling, and long road-trip vacations. They were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott.

On April 30, 1990, Maxine married an old high school friend, Charles Smith. Maxine and Charlie spent many happy years together, enjoying their retirement years in Fort Scott and taking occasional sightseeing tours. Charlie passed away in September 2020.

Maxine loved to tell the story of her lifelong dream of being a schoolteacher. She often related how, as a small child, she would line up chairs in the farmhouse where she was raised, put dolls in the chairs and pretend to teach a class. Being a schoolteacher was her passion. She taught for 36 years and was very proud of her career.

Maxine graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1941. She continued her education at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg (today’s Pittsburg State University). In 1942, at the age of only 17 and without a college degree, she began her first teaching job in a one-room schoolhouse, Star School in rural Bourbon County, where her duties included building the fire in the wood stove to heat the building, preparing lunches, sweeping the floors and teaching the students from first through eighth grades. From 1944 through 1947 she taught at Godfrey School. In 1946, after completing two years of the “College Course,” Maxine was awarded a “Life Certificate to Teach in the Public Schools of Kansas” by The Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg.

After Harley returned from service in World War II, Maxine and Harley were married and lived briefly in the Kansas City area, where Maxine worked for Hall Brothers and at the Hercules Army Ammunition Plant. During their time in the Kansas City area, their daughter Judy was born in 1949. The couple returned to Fort Scott in 1952. Their second child, Doug, was born in Fort Scott in 1953.

After returning to Fort Scott, Maxine resumed her teaching career, once again teaching at Star School and then at Hiattville School. In 1960 she began a long career in the Fort Scott school system, beginning as a sixth-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School. In 1961, after many years of summer and night classes, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg. She continued her education, and in 1966 received her Master of Science degree. From 1961 through 1983 she taught ninth grade English at Fort Scott Junior High. When the Fort Scott schools realigned into a middle school system in 1983, Maxine moved to Fort Scott High School, where she continued to teach English until her retirement in June 1987.

Maxine and Charlie were active in Fort Scott community affairs throughout their retirement years. They were faithful and active members of the First Presbyterian Church, where Maxine served in many different roles over the years. Maxine loved spending time with her grandchildren and entertaining them in her home.

Survivors include her daughter Judy Hunter and husband Bill, son Doug Kinney and wife Lynn, grandson Scott Hunter and wife Kendra, granddaughter Erin Stroble and husband Kyle, granddaughter Shawn Kinney, great-grandsons Max Hunter and Matthew Stroble, great-granddaughters Mary Grace Hunter, Ryleigh Kinney-Hall and Josie Kinney, Maxine’s brother Murray Lockwood and wife Norma, five nieces and nephews, stepchildren David Smith, Dennis Smith and wife Carol and family, and Sandra Bowzer and husband Greg and family. Maxine was preceded in death by her first husband Harley Kinney, her second husband Charles Smith, parents George and Mildred Lockwood, sister Carol Thompson, sister Dorothy Lockwood and in-laws Harley and Kate Kinney, Ruth Kinney Hamm Creighton and Harold Thompson.

Funeral services will be held at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas, on Saturday, September 4, 2021, beginning at 12:00 PM. There will be a private burial service for family at a later date. Maxine will be interred with Harley Kinney in Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations to the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford Street, Fort Scott, KS., 66701. Contributions may also be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary Of Margie Majors

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Margie Nell Majors, 90, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday September 1, 2021, at A Country Place in Fort Scott. She was born March 3, 1931, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Norman Curtis and Edna May (Gunsaullus) Bowers. She married Billy Joe Majors on March 4, 1950, in Fort Scott. He preceded her in death May 6, 2016.

Margie graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1948, and she was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Margie was the first female paper carrier for the Tribune, and she played piano in a band called Bob Hart and the Heartbeats. She worked for thirty-seven years at the Bourbon County Courthouse as Deputy County Clerk, Correctional Center Secretary, and Tag Office Clerk, from which she retired.

Margie is survived by her children, Bruce Majors and Carol, of Fort Scott, Cindy Majors Hiatt and Randy, of Joplin, Missouri; three grandchildren, Trevor Majors and wife Amy, Travis Majors and wife Jessica, and Brian Hiatt; six great-grandchildren, Gavin Majors and wife Kaylee, Tayton Majors, Lindsay Majors, Gabbi Majors, Ali Majors, and Luke Majors; and one great-great-grandchild due in January. In addition to her husband Billy, Margie was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Dale Bowers.

Rev. Chris Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Opinion

What Do Frogs and Potlucks Have in Common by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

David, Henry and Alan, three little boys, were visiting their grandparents. David went over to his grandfather and asked, “Can you make a sound like a frog? His grandfather, being a little cranky, replied, “No David, I don’t really want to make the sound of a frog right now.”

Next, Henry went over to his grandfather and asked, “Papa, will you please make a sound like a frog?” Once again, his grandfather said, “No Henry, not now. I don’t really want to do that. I’m in a grumpy mood. Maybe later.”

Lastly, Alan went over to him and said, “Papa, oh please, please, please will you make a sound like a frog?”

“Why do all of you boys want me to make a sound like a frog?” their grandfather asked. David replied, with a hopeful look on his face, “Well Grandpa, Mommy told us that when YOU croak, we get to go to Disney World!

We all know that our children grow up to model what is modeled for them. They need to be taught the power of their words.

Unfortunately, sometimes these little ones receive conflicting messages. When our three sons were young, the church we attended held monthly potluck dinners. The line formed with the eldest members first, so you can imagine my surprise when I looked up and saw my four and five-year olds at the head of the line. Although I was holding their infant brother, I managed to pull the two away from the crowd and told them that the first would be last and the last first. (And yes, I probably should have done a little more explaining.)

You can imagine my shock at the next potluck when Adam ran to the head of the line and grabbed a plate. Not a little embarrassed, I yanked him aside and asked if he remembered what I had told him at the last church social.

With a confused look, he answered, “You said the first will be last, so I went first so I’d really be last. What did I do wrong?” I would like to tell you that that was the last time my words did not reflect Christlikeness, but that is far from the truth.

Sometimes our words do not produce the outcome we desire.

Sometimes, like the three boys with their grandfather, too many words can have disastrous results.

Other times, like my time at the potluck, not enough words can lead to misunderstandings.

James 3:5 reminds us of the importance of speaking with wisdom: The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. Perhaps that’s what my friend had in mind when she bought a plaque for me that read “Keep an arm around my shoulder, Lord, and a hand over my mouth.” That prayer could keep a lot of people out of trouble. Trust me. I know.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

September is the Time to Renovate Fescue Lawns

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

I think this is the third summer in a row that we have had above normal rainfall. Our lawn movers haven’t stopped running! Fescue lawns did not really go dormant during the summer and the crabgrass didn’t slow down either. You might be surprised at how much of your lawn is actually crabgrass and not fescue. If you are thinking about renovating your lawn, September is the time to do it. Renovating doesn’t have to be done by plowing under the current turf and starting from scratch. Instead, lawns can be thickened up by overseeding.

To start the overseeding process, mow the grass short (1-1.5 inches) and remove the clippings. This will make it easier to get good seed-soil contact and increase the amount of light that will reach the young seedlings. The success of overseeding is dependant on good seed-soil contact. Thatch can prevent the seed from reaching the soil and germinating. If the thatch layer is ¾ inch or more, use a sod cutter to remove it. A power rake can also be used to reduce a thatch layer.

Next, the soil should be prepared for the seed. Holes must be made into the soil for the seeds to fall into. A verticut machine can be used. It has solid vertical blades that can be set to cut furrows into the soil. Another option is to use a core aerator. This machine will punch holes into the soil and deposit the cores on the surface of the ground. Each hole will produce an excellent environment for seed germination and growth. Machines to do such work can often be rented, so check around.

Fertilizer should then be applied at the rate suggested by a soil test or a starter fertilizer should be used at the rate suggested on the bag.

Seeding is the next step. For overseeding, use half the amount needed compared to seeding bare ground. For tall fescue, the normal rate for bare seeding is 6 to 8 pounds per 1000 square feet so the overseeding rate would be 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. You don’t necessarily have to overseed with the same variety you planted before. The quality of a lawn by can be raised by overseeding with a fescue variety that has better growth habits. Many stores carry blends of several newer high-quality tall fescues.

Finally, water everything in and then keep the seedbed constantly moist for rapid germination. Frequent light waterings are better than deeper, infrequent watering as the seedlings become established.

Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer again 4 to 6 weeks after seeding to keep plants growing well and to build up food reserves.

On a side note, many homeowners often want to overseed bare spots under trees, but have minimal luck. The turf will sprout as fall progresses and will get established by winter. It continues to look good going into spring. However, the next summer it begins to die out again – despite any care it is given.

In many cases, this is due to too much shade or the type of turf planted isn’t a good fit for the location. Tall fescue is the only widely used lawn turf in Kansas that can survive some shade. All other cool and warm season turfs need more sunlight.

Instead of establishing grass under trees, consider underplanting the tree with shade tolerant ornamental plants. Examples include ground covers such as vinca minor vines, Boston ivy or liriope, or plants such as hostas or hardy ferns.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 24

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August 24, 2021                                             Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a 2022 budget session, all three Commissioners and the County Clerk were present.

 

Susan Bancroft was also present.

 

Due to COVID precautions, the meeting was closed to the public, but broadcast on YouTube.

 

Susan presented the Commissioners with a revised 2022 budget; she said the cost for all the department’s budgets + a 3% increase for non-elected personnel and benefits – costs the County $5+ million.  She said this figure also includes filling two vacant positions.  She was able to get the 2022 budget down to 62.5 mills, the RNR rate is 62.13; she said this was accomplished by using $250,000 of the Windmill money and by using ARPA funds (the County received $1.4 million in ARPA funds in 2021 and will receive the same in 2022, this money must be allocated by 2025).  She discussed the public safety budget and said she was budgeting to put them on a schedule to replace two vehicles each year.  She budgeted for all increases requested.  Susan said she would present final numbers to the Commissioners on August 25th.  She budgeted approximately $350,000 for contingency expenses.  The RNR hearing will be September 7th and the budget hearing will be September 14th. Some departments requested increases to their budget; Jim questioned what they had budgeted the increases for; Susan reviewed the budgeted increases with the Commissioners.  She discussed the turnover in the correctional center; she said this was due to pay and said they needed to look at restructuring this.  Lynne discussed the holidays taken off, he said most of these holidays are the same as most businesses take off; Susan said the paid holidays off help offset the lower wages.  The Commissioners thanked Susan for her work on the budget.

 

At 9:41, Clifton made a motion to close the budget work session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 25, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 18

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August 18, 2021                                             Wednesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting) Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, Brian Allen, Jimmy Kemmerer and Rob Harrington.

 

Due to COVID; the meeting was closed to the public, but broadcast on YouTube.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey reported they have been asphalting on Eagle Road, but they had to stop due to a leak in the oil distributor; he said this is getting fixed and once the 2.7 miles are completed on 250th they will move to 125th.

 

They are crushing today.

 

Eric said the oil line came off of the motor on the Freightliner, he said they are waiting on the oil line to get this fixed, but the part has been delayed.  He said they are also waiting on the parts for the Mack truck.

 

They are putting tubes in near Garland, on State Line Road.  They are also working near the wood top bridge at Victor and 265th.

 

They are ditching and putting a tube in at 245th & Wagon Road.

 

Eric said they completed training on the CIC software last week and will now be tracking signs and bridges with the software.  They may start using the timeclock and said employees would clock in with their phone or on a computer, Jim questioned what they would do for employees if they didn’t have a phone or computer; Eric said they would cross that path when they come to it.

 

Eric said they have four mowers out mowing in the County.  Lynne said they needed to mow on Range between 105th-125th.

 

Eric said that State Tractor and Equipment brought a mini dozer for the County to try, Eric invited the Commissioners to come see this work.

 

Windmill update: Eric said they are working on 60th between Birch and Cavalry.  He said there is one windmill up in Crawford County and said we should start to see them in Bourbon County in the next few weeks.

 

Jim Harris said that last year there were 44 bridges that needed replaced or shut down; Jim said he would get Eric this list if he needs to, but asked for a status on the bridges.

 

KWORCC annual voting delegate; the KWORCC meeting will be October 18, Jim said unless the COVID conditions change he would not be attending the meeting, Lynne said he wasn’t going to put his life on hold.  Clifton made a motion that Chairman Oharah be the voting delegate for Bourbon County and that he be the alternate voting delegate, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to approve the cereal malt beverage license for KC Mart at 2191 Soldier Road, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance and job function, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:32, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Matt Quick, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft).  At 9:32, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Mary Pemberton (on the phone) discussed a topic she brought up a three weeks ago regarding County employees pay and benefits: Mary went over an email that she had sent to the Commissioners, she discussed benefits & time off for County employees and said the average employee gets 8 weeks off per year and said more employees are needed to cover all this time off.  Some of the County employees work a 35-hour work week; Mary suggested everyone work a standard workweek of 40 hours, she said this would result in a savings that could be passed on to the employees. She suggested modifying the vacation to 2 weeks/year and to allow time to be carried over and eliminate the use it or lose it policy.  She suggested changing the 13 County holidays to 8 or 10, changing the sick days to 3/year and make short term disability available, changing the pay scale, suggested discontinuing the longevity bonus and replacing it with an efficiency bonus.  She said by making these changes it would increase efficiency, reduce turnover and increase morale. Lynne said the only employees working 35 hours a week are a few offices at the Courthouse.  Lynne said a 35-hour workweek was offered years ago in lieu of a pay raise, he said they would need to question employees to see if they are willing to work 40 hours. Mary discussed fuel savings the Sheriff plans to start using and said all departments should be doing this.  Mary asked the Commissioner’s to use the PILOT money to lower the mill levy and not create any new spending with this money.  Lynne said so far $125,000 of this money has been used for economic development.

 

Jim Harris had scheduled an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, but made a motion to amend the agenda to cancel the executive session until another person can be here, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

County Counselor: Justin said the sewer service agreement had been reviewed by Mr. Farmer and said that he, Susan and Mr. Farmer would meet soon to finalize this, he said he hoped this would be done in approximately 45 days.

 

Justin said the tax sale is moving forward and said he Patty and Lora would be looking at the properties on the list.  He said they are doing well with collections regarding the tax sale.  Justin said personal service is impossible on a lot of the properties.

 

Justin said he had talked to the title company regarding the parcel on Main Street; he said it should be done soon and said the following would occur… the MOU would be waived, the property would be given to the County and then go to the new owner and then the money would go to pay the note off.

 

Justin read parts of an article from USA today where areas close to us were encouraging people to move to their area by offering incentives to move there.

 

Justin said he thought some of the PILOT money should be used to cut the mill levy.

 

Susan Bancroft: Susan gave the Commissioners a condensed version of the rules and regulations for the ARPA funds.  She said $800,000 had been delegated for healthcare (hospital feasibility study) and $200,000 delegated for broadband.  She said it is possible that wages for the Sheriff’s office could be paid with this money; Lynne said this may be a way to offset some of the expenses in the Sheriff’s office and said this money could be used to support public health, mental health and housing.  Lynne said the County has $400,000 left for this year’s allotment of the ARPA money.

 

The Commissioners will have a 2022 budget work session on Tuesday, August 24th at 9:00 am.

 

Susan said she had scheduled 8 different meetings with insurance brokers and consultants wanting to quote the County insurance.  Currently the County is insured through the State Health Plan – and if the County were to sign a contract to continue the County will be locked into this contract for 3 years or get out of the contract by paying a penalty of 2 ½% of the premiums for every month left on the contract.  Susan said the State will not release the claims experience, she said due to this, the companies wanting to quote will not bid a price, but will present a policy.  Lynne said he was torn on this matter since the County spends so much on health insurance premiums.  Susan said the company Captive might work; Clifton said the County is already in a captive program with the State and said they would be just going from one to another.  Jim said several employees had asked him not to change insurance companies; he said the premiums are high, but said there are so many unknowns. Jim said this is a benefit that is great for our employees.  Clifton said he wasn’t a fan of being locked into a contract for 3 years; Susan questioned Justin if there would be anyway for the County to use a specific Statute to get out of this contract if there were financial concerns.  Jim suggested with Susan’s help, over the next 3 years they consider a self-funded option for the health insurance.  The meeting had to be temporarily suspended due to a technical difficulty.  Lynne suggested the process be started earlier for deciding on insurance, he said if the County went to self-funding, we would need a savings for the insurance.  Lynne and Jim both suggested the County stays where we are insured at and work towards a self-funded plan in the future. Lynne said the County could sign the contract and start the process next year, Clifton said the timing is bad and said there are things that could happen in the future.  Lynne made a motion to stay with the current Healthcare provider – the State, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

The Commissioners asked Kendell to check on getting insurance for the underground diesel storage tank at the hospital; Kendell told them she would.

 

Susan said she had been working on the 2022 budget and with the changes she has made the levy is currently flat.

 

Commissioner Comment: Lynne said Mary Pemberton mentioned that the County should be using a discounted fuel program; Lynne said that Public Works has been doing this for a long time and said some other departments have used this, he encouraged all the departments to use this.  Jim agreed and said this is a good way to save money.

 

Clifton made a motion that all three of the Commissioners be able to attend if they choose the 30 X 30 meeting on August 25th @ 6:30 at the Sale Barn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 10:45, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 25, 2021, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 25

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August 25, 2021                                             Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from last Tuesday’s meeting and the budget work session meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to approve the following culvert permits: one at 1851 Solder and one at 2122 Jayhawk, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Eric presented the following completed culvert applications: one for 130th and Arrowhead and one for 2286 Poplar.

 

Regarding the asphalt machine: Eric said they are waiting to get the distributor back as well as a rubber boot.

 

Jim asked Eric to look at Jayhawk Road to the tracks on 230th.

 

Eric said that 235th is going to have to have chip and seal work done.  Lynne said his priority is 125th and 120th.

 

Jim said he had asked Van Keppel what caused the road damage on 230th; they said this was a result of the work of the Blow Knox paver.

 

Eric said they will be crushing at the Beth Quarry next week and will be working 4-10 hour days and 1-8 hour day.

 

Eric said last week they installed 11 culverts; one of which was at 265th & Victory and said that bridge there is now open.  He said they used the mini excavator as well as the backhoe to do this.  Eric questioned if they wanted to go out for bid for the mini-excavator, Lynne said the mini could speed up the culvert installations.  Jim said he didn’t support the mini excavator and said the one they had been using isn’t what he would call a mini, he said it is a big excavator.  Jim said he would support a used mini.  Clifton questioned what it would hurt to go out for bid, Jim said it is a lot of work to go out for bid if they aren’t sure if they are going to buy a machine.  After a lot of discussion, they tabled this conversation until next week.  Lynne said he would like to come watch the mini work.

 

Eric said they dug on Eagle Road in Garland; he said there is some sub base failure there.

 

They replaced the tube at 267th & Eagle.

 

The Commissioners previously approved Eric bidding on a truck on Purple Wave, but Eric reported that the mileage was actually 684,000.  Jim made a motion to skip this equipment because of the mileage, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Windmill update: Eric said the 1st windmill went up yesterday in Bourbon County – located at 20th & Birch.

 

Bourbon County Health Insurance Contract; this  is a 3 year contract, Jim said by signing this and with Susan’s help this would give them some time and he hoped next spring they could study a self funded plan.  The Commissioners didn’t like that this was a 3 year commitment.  Jim made a motion to sign the SEHP contract effective 1/1/2022 to remain in the State pool and move forward with signing the contract, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to amend the agenda for a 10-minute executive session, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to have a 10-minute executive session to discuss KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:40, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan and possibly Justin Meeks by phone).  At 9:40, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with no action, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to appoint Clifton Beth to the SEKAAA board, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

David Everett (by telephone) with the butterfly weed club of SEK said they plan to restore the habitat for the Monarch butterflies. He said possibly next spring they would be planting milkweed around the County for the habitat.  Susan said the City of Fort Scott has a parks committee and said they would like to do something like this at the 2nd street park.  David said that anyone interested in helping with this project can call him at (620)644-8217.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow elected officials comment, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lora asked when the departments would know whether their budget requests were accepted, and asked when we would get the 2020 audit.  Susan said she is waiting on a call regarding the audit, Susan said she budgeted what she had requested.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow a 20-minute executive session for security, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session for 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 Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:22, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Brian Allen, Susan Bancroft and Shane Walker).  At 10:22, Clifton made a motion to resume their normal session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for another 10 minute executive session regarding personnel matters, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job function and job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:33, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Ashley Shelton).  At 10:33 Clifton made a motion to resume the normal session with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Susan to speak ahead of the County Counselor while they were waiting on him to call, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Susan said the RNR hearing will be September 7th at 9:00 am, with a proposed tax rate of 62.500 mills.

 

Jim made a motion to permanently move the County Commission meetings to Tuesdays, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to move the Commission comment ahead of the County Counselor, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim said the Rural Water District #2 (who has meters in Bourbon, Allen and Neosho County) is losing water each month and want to go to different meters.  For the Bourbon County office, this project will cost $18,251.05; Jim said they asked if the ARPA funds could be used for this project; Susan said the ARPA funds could be used for this project.  Susan will request the financial statements from the Water District.  This will be discussed again next week

 

Clifton made a motion to have the next Commission meeting on August 31 instead of September 1st, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job description, job performance and HR issues, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:59, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan and Justin (by phone).  At 10:59 Clifton made a motion to resume with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 6 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship with possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:06, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin (by phone).  Clifton made a motion to return to the normal session with action, Jim seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Oharah, Susan and County Counselor Justin Meeks to investigate a possible employee malfeasance matter and if they see fit to move forward with an outside firm to do that investigation, and to investigate an HR issue, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:07, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

August 31, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

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