Janeth Meza

The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and addressed several business items. Key topics included the approval of rezoning for a property on W Plymell Rd from agricultural to rural residential, the approval of replats for the Golden Plains Third Addition and the Payless Furniture Addition, and a special use permit application for the Lone Bison Solar project, which involves a large-scale commercial solar energy conversion system. The meeting also featured updates from the planning staff regarding upcoming work sessions.

The commission held a public hearing to discuss several land use applications, including replats and rezonings for agricultural and business districts. Guidelines for future public hearings were adopted, including rules for public input, time limits, and sign-in procedures. Additionally, presentations were provided regarding the economic impact of proposed solar and battery energy storage system projects, focusing on potential revenue, water usage, and community benefits compared to existing agricultural land use.

This document outlines Finney County's official legislative priorities and policy positions for the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session and federal advocacy. The agenda is guided by principles of local control, stable and equitable funding, and county recognition as essential partners. Key areas include home rule and local governance, addressing unfunded mandates, taxation and finance, transportation and infrastructure, public safety, public health and human services, natural resources, and intergovernmental relations.

The session included the appointment of Tim Stone as Ivanhoe Township Treasurer. The Board reviewed and approved several 1996 tax roll changes, and received a tax order from the State Board of Tax Appeals. Key actions involved reviewing and approving final 1998 budget figures for publication, setting a public hearing date, and accepting the recommendation to install additional surveillance equipment at the Law Enforcement Center. An Executive Session was held for approximately ten minutes to discuss possible real estate acquisition, after which no action was announced. Discussions also centered on Corporate Hog Farming regulations, with the Planning Commission recommending a workshop session. The Board will consider rescinding the resolution authorizing Corporate Hog Farming in Finney County at a later date. The Board also addressed Drainage District No. 1's request for assistance in cleaning a drainage ditch and reviewed bids for Public Works trucks, accepting recommendations for purchases from Dodge City International and Kansas Truck Equipment.

The Board addressed several items including the reappointment of Martin Nusser as a county representative to the Finney County Economic Development Corporation for a term from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 1998. The Board approved the Partial Release of Mortgage for Fibercraft, Inc., concerning property financed with Community Development Revolving Loan Funds. Approval was granted to Aryln Seba for a temporary portable sales office at 2401 West Jones for up to one year. The Public Works Department presented its weekly work schedule, and a request from the Beautification Committee regarding landscape design for the East Highway 50 project was taken under advisement pending a final cost estimate. The Board also received and filed a Tax Order for a property appraisal reduction for Allen and Lesley Ann Foreman and moved to recommend a further tax refund for them for earlier tax years.