Crystal Roberts

The meeting addressed several administrative and departmental matters. Approvals were given for claims totaling $140,955.81 and abatements. The Road & Bridge/Landfill department discussed potentially auctioning an old motor grader, the process for acquiring materials from local quarries, and preparation for upcoming weather. The Ambulance/Emergency Management director reported on grant funding secured for gurney/lift purchases and CPR dummies, an upcoming Defensive Driving Course, and the review of the Interfacility Transfers Staffing Policy Addendum. The Sheriff's department provided updates on vehicle maintenance and gathering quotes for updating body and dash cameras, anticipating grant opportunities. Miscellaneous items included a financial analysis based on the 2024 audit report and 2026 budget, and a motion was passed to increase the transfer of TSB hours to PTO up to 100 hours.

The Board meeting addressed several departmental matters. The Noxious Weed Director requested signatures for the 2026 Weed Management Plan, which was approved, and reported on shop maintenance and upcoming continuing education. The Road & Bridge Superintendent presented plans and specifications for the Chip and Seal Project for M Road and C Road, aiming for a March bid opening, and provided an update on KDHE approval for landfill cell construction phases. The department is also awaiting a FEMA response for reimbursements and is preparing to address a dangerous road with a sinkhole. The County Clerk provided updates on department reports, including software limitations regarding new employee policy changes, prompting a request for further investigation into migrating to the Patriot system. The County Treasurer reported on Q4 interest earnings and received approval to purchase a new printer due to ongoing issues with the current unit. The Commissioners appointed Commissioners Jim Daily as Chairman and Dustin McPhail as Vice-Chairman for 2026, confirmed the official newspaper as the Clark County Gazette, approved the use of a computer-generated facsimile signature for checks, designated active and holding banks, set the 2026 mileage rate, and approved a pay scale increase for 1st Deputy positions. They also appointed members to the Fair Board and requested the County Attorney to provide information regarding a tax sale handled by Meade County.

The primary purpose of this special session meeting was to discuss and enact a Burn Ban for all of Clark County due to high wind warnings and dry conditions. The Board adopted Resolution 2026-3, implementing the Burn Ban, which is scheduled to be in effect from January 16, 2026, until June 16, 2026.

The purpose of this special session was to discuss and vote on lifting the established burn ban due to recent precipitation received from a winter storm. A motion was made and seconded to lift the burn ban, and the Commissioners adjourned shortly thereafter.

Key discussions during the session included the approval of abatement documents totaling -$52,500.43 and the approval of Resolutions 2025-06 through 2025-09 to reallocate unused funds to Road & Bridge, Noxious Weed, and Ambulance departments. The Commissioners approved claims totaling $175,073.91. The County Health Officer for 2026 was appointed as Mary Ann Cunningham. For Road & Bridge/Landfill, progress on mowing completion and FEMA project paperwork was reported, and a decision was made regarding a new road connection (Road 29 to Road L) while designating Road 30 as a dead-end road. A request for an additional pickup truck was made. The Ambulance/Emergency Management Director reported on the replacement of a power supply for the sirens and noted the estimated timeline for a new ambulance delivery in Q2 2026, as well as grant applications for training equipment. The yearly average EMS response time was reported as 4.9 minutes. Transfer protocols were approved. The Sheriff requested and received approval to renew the SAM subscription for grant applications, and reported on the completion of new vehicle equipment installation. Miscellaneous actions included approving payment for half of the County Attorney's health insurance and signing the revised employee policy effective January 1, 2026. Information regarding the payment due for repairs from the May 28, 2024 hailstorm and a comparison of Ambulance billing charges versus receipts were presented.