Thom Kirk

The Board approved various financial items including warrants, payroll, change orders, a crime prevention request for Project Graduation, a firewall purchase, and multiple transfers of funds between county departments. Key business discussions involved rescheduling a future meeting, reviewing open burning regulations, and initiating a bid process for mowing county property. The board also reviewed and updated job descriptions for the Noxious Weed Director and appointed a new director. Additionally, the board received updates on grant opportunities and executed agreements regarding bridge inspections and local KDOT projects.

Key discussions during the meeting included reviewing the 2025 report of activities and programs from Empower House Ministries, with a commitment to schedule a future discussion regarding funding support from the drug and alcohol fund. The Commissioners reviewed quotes for a utility trailer for the R&B department, favoring a used trailer pending availability. Additionally, the County Treasurer sought clarification on whether a resolution is necessary to waive tax overpayment refunds under five dollars. The Board also addressed the tabling of a decision regarding Semi quincentennial banners to allow for further information gathering. An executive session was held to discuss non-elected personnel matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included an inquiry regarding 250th Banners and their potential conflict with Veteran banners, prompting a recommendation to contact the City of Cottonwood Falls regarding cost sharing. Concerns about audio clarity for guests were noted, leading to the clerk's office obtaining quotes for additional microphone equipment. The commissioners discussed challenges within their respective districts, reinforcing their role as a commission for the entire county. The status of the detention facility was reviewed, noting its employment contribution and benefit in reducing the county's mill levy.

The meeting established key organizational elements for the new term, including the nomination and election of the Chairman and Vice-chairman. Designations were made for county fund depositories, the official county newspaper, and the county land surveyors. Reimbursable mileage rates and daily meal allowances were set. The Board approved the official holiday schedule for 2026 and established the 2026 meeting calendar, including specific locations for evening sessions. Annual appointments for various county roles, such as EMS Director, Emergency Preparedness Director, and department supervisors, were approved. Resolutions were adopted concerning GAAP waiver, Rural Opportunity Zone designation, creation of fund 927, and approval of the Kansas Homeland Security Region One Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Commission approved warrants for January 12, 2026, and change orders 2025-24 through 2025-28. Discussions covered treasurer's office hours and driver's license procedures. The Board addressed salary and wage adjustments for elected officials and appointed non-elected department heads. Multiple executive sessions were held to discuss non-elected personnel matters and potential litigation. A motion was approved to pay up to $10,000 to the LOYD Group for accounting services.

Key discussions included an activity report from the EMS Director regarding the recent snowstorm, the presentation of the department's 2025 annual report, and plans for future ambulance acquisition. The Board was notified by the grant writer that Chase County was awarded the Safe Streets for all grant. The Noxious Weed Director reported on moving shipping containers and the need for a firewall at the R&B office, addressing an inquiry about a personal boot purchase. The Chamber of Commerce director presented activity updates and requested a $35,000 transfer from the Transient Guest tax fund. The Sheriff reported on the completion of Courthouse Camera installation in basement areas and presented a quote for upgrading Detention Facility thermostats, which was approved. The Board also discussed a proposal from "Digi Farm" to place an antenna on the Detention Facility. Commissioners reported on upcoming meetings, including an informal meeting about the Detention Facility, drafting a letter of support for the nuclear power plant, and participation in regional council meetings. The session included multiple executive sessions for non-elected personnel matters.