Atchison County

The Commission discussed several business items, including a request for a baseball field mound rebuild for the USD 377 Sports Complex, a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month, and an agreement regarding the installation of an 84-inch culvert for Bridge C2-4.0 in Kapioma Township. The Board also reviewed the County Counselor's billing statement and held a discussion with representatives from St. Benedict's Abbey regarding a potential housing development, including the possibility of a Benedictine Medical School and related infrastructure needs like sewer service and island annexation. Additionally, the Commission reached a consensus on installing an informational board and a television in the courthouse lobby. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included discussions on the addition of a Maintenance Department purchase order for Memorial Hall roof repairs. Commissioners provided updates on regional board meetings, a burn ban status, and upcoming meetings. The board also presented a proclamation for Child Abuse Month to CASA representatives and received an update from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment. Following the regular session, workshops were held regarding Road and Bridge, the County Appraiser's office, and the 2027 Solid Waste budget.

The Board approved several items, including a purchase order for desktop licensing for the County Appraiser and an annual fee for the election budget. The Board selected Forvis Mazars for the auditor RFP for the 2025-2028 term, renewed a cash farm lease agreement with 4-A LLC, and approved a disaster relief application for a fire-damaged property. Additionally, the Board established a Memorandum of Understanding with the Atchison County Lake Committee and authorized a credit card program with UMB Bank. Commissioners also discussed various regional updates, including chamber events, EMS statistics, and upcoming grant opportunities.

The commission addressed various county operations, including road and bridge updates, such as the Ottawa Road project, and the consideration of an oil contract bid. A dust control policy was discussed to provide guidance on road maintenance, and a micro-surfacing proposal was approved. The board handled county lake maintenance, including pillar repair invoices, mowing bids, and standard operating procedures. Financial and administrative resolutions were passed, including extensions for an NRP opt-out and a modification to tax application procedures. Discussions also covered the RNR statement costs, the sunsetting of the sports complex sales tax, and planning for an open house event.

The Commission discussed several administrative and operational items, including upcoming community events and meetings. The Extension Office provided updates on programming, budget goals, and website improvements, alongside a proposal to lobby for county districting. The Commission approved the renewal of the Civic Plus contract for IT, a purchase order for roof repairs, and reviewed the 2026 Solid Waste plan, including new fees. Additionally, the Commission received the Project Concern report, planned for an upcoming township meeting, conducted multiple executive sessions to address personnel and legal matters, and adjourned into a workshop to discuss preliminary budget preparations.