Shelly Lautt

The commissioners received reports on emergency management, including upcoming storm spotter training and school drills. They discussed proposed ambulance coverage for the county and approved the sale of two surplus ambulances. The Sheriff’s Office provided updates on operations and pet insurance for K9 units. The public works department presented a detailed report on road maintenance, culvert replacements, and equipment acquisitions. Additionally, the commissioners reviewed applications for upcoming road rally and road race events, approved payroll and accounts payable vouchers, and authorized the annual financial report for Township Seven.

Discussions included the receipt of funding for WSU Tech's EMS program across Kansas beginning in 2026, with follow-up information to be shared regarding the Morris County Hospital and EMS. A detailed review was conducted regarding the response times and coordination failures during a January 27th, 2026, barn fire, which prompted a clarification of dispatching protocols for emergency units. The Morris County Fair Board presented financial reports for 2024 and 2025, and a future discussion regarding community building floor refinishing was tabled. A quarterly utilization analysis for the county's self-funded health care plan was presented. The Public Works report covered snow removal, equipment maintenance, brush clearing, bridge permitting, and noxious weed annual reports. The Commission approved payroll and accounts payable vouchers, and officially approved the Morris County Public Transportation Financial Policies.

The agenda items for the meeting included appointments for a Public Works Report and a Morris County EMS Report. A key action item was the canvass of votes from the March 3rd, 2026, Special Election. Action items also covered the approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll Liabilities. Discussion items included the Monthly Budget Report for February 2026, matters concerning the Morris County Community Building flooring, boundary lines and mill levy for the Morris County Ambulance District, and a review of the County Employee Policy Handbook.

The meeting included the approval of accounts payable vouchers totaling $38,978.09, broken down by fund. Discussions centered on mowing for the courthouse, resulting in the approval of a 3-year mowing contract with Twin Lakes Lawn Service for $375.00 per mowing, with one commissioner abstaining. The commissioners approved an amended application for Road Rally/Race Use, specifying that liability insurance is not required for charitable non-profit events. Payroll in the amount of $110,669.17 was approved. The Public Works report detailed roadwork activities, material deliveries, and equipment repairs, including notification of an 8% price increase on rock starting March 2nd, 2026. Specific road maintenance needs were discussed for areas including DD Ave./Dunlap Rd. and CC Ave./Dunlap Rd. A significant decision was made regarding equipment acquisition: the commissioners approved a counteroffer to purchase a 2023 John Deere 622 GP motor grader from Murphy Tractor for $250,000.00, trading in the MP22 unit, with funds coming from the Equipment Reserve Fund. The Public Health Director reported on January statistics, including 42 immunizations given and 324 total encounters, and preparation for annual grant applications. Finally, a request for residential landfill fee abatement for a specified property was denied.

The meeting included a report from the County Appraiser detailing 2026 real estate assessed value estimates, showing anticipated increases in residential, agriculture, and commercial real estate values, along with median residential home sale price trends. Sealed bids were opened for the middle section of the courthouse roof, and the bid from Diamond Roofing was approved for $84,400.00, funded by the Capital Improvement Fund. Commissioners heard from a candidate for Kansas House Representative regarding House Bill 2433 and home rule authority concerns. The commission approved annual financial reports for Highland Township and Township Eight. Approvals were granted for accounts payable vouchers totaling $34,417.52 and payroll liabilities totaling $148,755.92. The Public Works report detailed road rock placement, shoulder work, sign maintenance, and bridge repair claims. Discussions were held regarding detour routes for an upcoming KDOT road closure, including plans to widen a corner and install a new culvert pipe at 900 Rd. and V Ave. Finally, the commission approved the Morris County Health Department's grant application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for SFY2027 and the sponsorship of an advertisement in the 2026 Council Grove Visitor's Guide.