Greenwood County Commissioners received updates on several items during their routine business meeting on Monday, March 24, where they approved various items, including a $25,120 tire bid.
During the road and bridge report, Kassadie Lazar shared two bids that were received during a recent bid process for tires. Lazar shared that bids will be solicited 1-2 more times throughout the year for the department. She shared two bids, which quoted for variations in tire brands. Both bids were for 64 tires, including trailer, mud and steer tires. The first bid from West Creek Repair of Hamilton totaled $25,120, while the other from T & W Tire of Park City totaled $21,099.82.
“I have always been an advocate to shop at home. Even if it costs more,” stated Commissioner Roy Ballard. “I’m sorry, but this is what makes the ball roll,” he continued. Commissioner Mac Obourn also noted that he wants to shop local, but struggled with “giving $4,000 away.” Commissioners ultimately approved the bid from West Creek Repair, 4-1, with Commission Obourn voting no. Discussion was also held regarding the bid process. The commission asked Lazar to get with staff to see which tires work best for the department and include those details on future bids.
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C. o n. t in. u e. d F. r o. m P.ag. e .1 ) This will ensure those submitting bids are bidding for the same brands/ply.
Lazar also shared an agreement from the state for the bridge located on the east branch of Fall River, on 250th Street, six miles south and two-anda- half miles east of Teterville. She noted that the county received a grant that will fund the replacement of the concrete bridge 100%, up to $1.5 million. The commissioners signed the agreement.
Eureka City Fire Rescue Truck
Eureka Fire Department Fire Chief Luke Westerman shared an update regarding the rescue truck that was previously approved by both the commission and the City of Eureka. Chief Westerman noted that all prior discussions noted the chassis would be delivered to Unruh Fire in 2026; however, he received notification last week that the chassis would be delivered this week. Chief Westerman shared finance options to the commission as they had approved to cover 2/3 of the expense, with the city covering the remaining third. The cost of the truck is $321,900, with $126,438.92 (cost of the chassis) being due within 30 days of delivery. The remainder would be due upon delivery of the completed truck. Westerman noted that Citizens State Bank (CSB) provided the best terms for financing within Greenwood County, and would finance the chassis at 4.982%. Once the truck is complete, CSB would refinance the remaining balance and honor the same interest rate. It was also noted that Unruh Fire was also willing to cover the cost of the chassis until Budget Year 2026 with interest; however, that interest rate hadn’t been confirmed as of Monday morning. Commissioners questioned what line item from the budget the payments would be coming from. With hopes of gathering those details, as well as the interest rate offered from Unruh Fire, the commission tabled discussion until the March 31 meeting.
Q Road/90th Street
Rural reside n t s Joy Howell and Jan Stephens returned to the weekly meeting seeking clarification regarding the road project, mainly at the intersection of Q Road/90th Street. Howell addressed the commission asking if the reason for the project was due to mandates or safety. “What is the underlying reason,” she asked. Howell noted the advantages of removing the stop sign that is currently there and placing stop signs on Q Road. She also asked the commission what the cost would be to remove the Ys in the county. Greenwood County Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson, who appeared via Zoom, noted that grants are available through the High Risk Rural Program, and it is believed that the county would receive the grants as they haven’t utilized them before. Vinson noted that cost estimates to remove the Ys ranged between $20,000 and $100,000. However, he shared he had spoken with Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood who stated the work could be done in-house, thus making the cost much lower. It was also noted that through the process, the state notes what roads need to be addressed. During the most recent Kansas Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) report, four main areas were referenced of needing attention in Greenwood County, 150th and U, 150th and S, 90th and Q and 190th and N. Discussion was also held regarding the intersection at Q and 90th being too narrow for semitrucks. Commissioners noted that they hadn’t yet made a decision on whether they would be moving forward with the project but noted that would be an item to consider. To conclude the public comments, Howell asked the commission if they were being forced into the project; with the commission noting that if they do not move forward their liability would be increased as the state determined the need for the project.
Other Business
A five-minute executive session with County Counselor Paul Dean and Vinson was held for legal matters regarding Baker’s Crossing. After returning to open session, Chair Obourn noted that Dean was working on an agreement, which will note specifics on construction for the cattleguards being placed on 125th Street. In previous meetings, it was noted that the road is currently an open range road, but the township was not able to maintain the cattle guard crossings due to funding. It was noted that the property owner was ready to begin the process, which can begin once the agreement is completed and signed.
The commission approved the following employment changes: Road and Bridgeto hire Scott Woodburn, at $17/hour as a laborer/Class CDL driver; and a pay rate increase for Miles Bidwell, $0.50/hour; and Clerk’s Office- McKenzie Butler, full-time at $15/hour with a 60-90 raise pending review.
Commission Obourn stated South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) would be hosting an online meeting to discuss grants. Obourn encouraged all commissioners to attend the meeting.
Commission Preston Evenson noted he will be attending the Kansas Association of Commissioners meeting in Manhattan in April.
County Counselor Dean shared that his assistant was still working on the petitions for the county tax sale.
The commission also approved Resolution 2025-29, regarding intersections within Otter Creek Township; amended Resolution 25-35, to include the legal description; Reno County Juvenile Services contract as presented; Special payables for March 24, totaling $3,287.91, and the March 17 meeting minutes were approved as presented.
Commission Chair Mac Obourn signed a Fire Relief Association document.
The next Greenwood County Commission meeting is Monday, March 31, at 9 a.m.
