Hollie D. Melroy

The Board of McPherson County Commissioners met to discuss various agenda items. Key topics included a public hearing regarding fire district budgets and a presentation on the 30x30 land grab initiative. The Board authorized the appointment of a voting delegate and alternate for the annual KCAMP meeting. Financial decisions included increasing ARPA fund allocations for multiple fire districts and approving a contract for exterior envelope building improvements for the County Office Building. Additionally, the Board initiated a comparative study of subdivision policies across several counties to inform local land use policy development.

The Board discussed various county business items, including sheriff department reports and jail statistics. A personnel change for the Sheriff's office was approved. The Board authorized enhancements to communication towers, involving the installation of two new towers through L3Harris. Personnel changes were approved for the Corrections and Public Works departments. The Board reviewed a software service agreement for community development but decided to postpone action. Additionally, the Commissioners authorized the reimbursement of ARPA funds to the City of McPherson and signed a Cereal Malt Beverage Notice for Superior Township. An executive session was held to discuss non-elected personnel.

The board discussed several items including the approval of a letter authorizing a signer for unclaimed property, the processing of a special election recount request for the USD #418 recall election, and the establishment of compensation for the recount board. Grant renewals for community corrections through Victim/Witness Ministries were approved, as was participation in the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Additionally, the board approved consulting services for real estate valuation and a hiring request for a field appraiser. A purchase for concrete pipe for a road project was authorized. Presentations were reviewed regarding economic development programs, and a meeting was attended with county hospitals for a community health needs assessment.

The meeting included discussions on personnel changes, including the hiring of an Office Deputy, and updates from the Sheriff regarding jail counts and arrests. Representatives from local hospitals presented plans to request a special sales tax ballot question to fund hospital services and agency labor costs. The STEPMC Director provided agency progress updates, and a construction change order request for window shades at the County Building was approved. A public hearing was conducted for a CDBG project related to lift station repairs in the Roxbury Improvement District, and final close-out documents and grant administration fees were approved. Additionally, the Public Works Director received approval for the purchase of tires, repairs for a truck, and authorization to negotiate right-of-way easements.

The Board of Commissioners discussed various administrative and operational items. This included the swearing-in of commissioners and the selection of commission officers. The Planning, Zoning, and Environment Administrator presented zoning amendments for solar farms and electrical load stations, along with annual report figures. The Public Works Director obtained approvals for personnel changes, the purchase of crack sealant materials, and the 2021 budget for asphalt plant maintenance. The board also reviewed accounts payable, COVID-19 payments, and add and abate requests.