Lindley Howard

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and confirmation of no conflicts of interest. The body proceeded to approve the minutes of the previous commissioner meeting. Key discussions involved a public hearing and first reading for Ordinance 25-2 concerning access approach permits, which required typographical corrections. The commission also reviewed and conducted a second reading for Ordinance 25-3, an error management plan, noting specific changes to item numbers four and six. Financial discussions covered cash transfers, general fund assigned cash (considering options for unassigned amounts to maintain a specific unassigned balance percentage), and budget adjustments for departments, including prepayments for capital items like a motor grader and building repairs. The status of various assigned funds for future salaries and office updates was reviewed, along with contingency transfers for several line items. Further review included the 2026 levy sheet and property tax drafts, where a detailed explanation of property valuation, tax levies, and the impact of city-specific discretionary formulas (like those in Eureka and Leola) on taxpayer bills was provided. Finally, approval was sought for the 2025 property inventory.

The meeting commenced with agenda approval, which included moving an item regarding a joint law contract discussion to follow public comments. Following the approval of the previous commission and drainage meeting minutes, the drainage commission meeting for the month was forgoed. Public comments focused heavily on the poor condition and safety hazards of a specific road due to heavy truck traffic (including agricultural commodity transport), advocating for the use of accumulated toll fees (originally intended for the road) rather than general funds for repairs, and suggesting potential tolling of trucks entering the county. Discussions also covered the possibility of establishing dedicated deputy offices within each school to enhance safety and community relations, and a review of the States Attorney Annual Review requirements concerning open meeting laws, specifically regarding motions and reasons cited for entering executive sessions. Concerns about excessive holiday decorations in the professional building were also raised.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and agenda approval. Key discussion points included the reorganization process where Mark was nominated and confirmed as Chairman, and Sid was confirmed as Vice Chairman. The body addressed necessary appointments for various boards and committees, including the Zoning Board, where Mike Lapka was appointed over another candidate based on pertinent experience, and the Board of Adjustment, where two alternates were appointed. Discussions also covered the appointment for the Housing and Development committee and the status of the North Central 911 representation. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing bids for propane fuel, where members noted that most bids were structured around profit margins rather than fixed per-gallon costs, prompting debate on whether to formally contract. The body also adopted Ordinance 25-2.

The tentative agenda for the McPherson County Board of Commissioners included a Public Hearing regarding the Provisional Budget and discussion of a Demkota 5-Mile Manure Variance Permit. The board planned to open sealed bids for a 2010 Caterpillar Motor Grader with snow equipment. Other significant topics scheduled for discussion, some potentially in Executive Session, involved the Veterans Service Officer hours, redistricting matters, regulation ordinances for Cannabis Dispensary, an update from the Director of Equalization, discussion of minimum bids for Tax Deed Properties, and the Emergency Management's report on a Burn Ban. Regarding the DemKota Permit extension, the board approved extending the variance permit until September 1st, 2021, maintaining the original route for 50% of loads and an alternative route for the other 50%, contingent upon township approvals. For Tax Deed Properties, discussions focused on preparing quit claim deeds for December purchasers and setting minimum bids based on fees plus delinquent taxes and interest. The Leola City provided a commitment for funding toward the Lundquist Dam contribution.

The regular session addressed several operational matters. The board approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes. Claims totaling several hundred thousand dollars, covering areas like highway supplies, mental health services, and general operational costs, were approved. The board conducted a hearing on the 2022 provisional budget with no changes made. A five-mile manure variance permit granted to DemKota Beef Plant was extended until March 1st, 2022, under specific routing conditions. Several right of way permits were approved for WEB Water and East River Electric involving waterline and overhead electric line installations. The appraisal value for a surplus 2010 Cat Motor Grader was set, but the subsequent bid received was rejected for not meeting 90% of the appraisal value. The commission discussed redistricting of commissioner districts and authorized attendance at several professional conferences. Reports reviewed included the Register of Deeds fees collected in August 2021 and the Auditor's Account with the County Treasurer as of August 31st, 2021. Personnel matters were discussed in two separate executive sessions. A minimum bid of $50 was set for 23 parcels for the upcoming tax deed auction. Discussion was held regarding Ordinance 21-3 concerning licensing provisions for Medical Cannabis, with further action scheduled for later dates.