The Greenwood County Commissioners revisited the discussion of installing a generator at the Noxious Weed Department during their weekly meeting on Monday, May 5. Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood presented three bids for the installation of a generator, with the commission ultimately approving the bid from Thornton Plumbing & Electric of Eureka, for a 22KW Generac at $12,600. The bid narrowly passed, 3-2, with Commissioners Preston Evenson, Ron Mast and Judd Everitt voting in favor and Commissioners Mac Obourn and Roy Ballard voting no. The bid was the middle of the three bids, with the lowest being submitted by Butler REC for a 20KW Cummins at $10,172.63. The third bid was from Cornett Electric, Inc. for a 20KW Cummings at $14,033.92.
During the discussion, Greenwood noted that the Noxious Weed Department had $151,659.69 in their Equipment Reserve account. Commissioner Ballard again noted his desire to obtain quotes to install a transfer switch and utilize the county’s portable generator. “It’s killing me,” he stated. “The whole thing is killing me. You don’t need a 22KW generator to run that shed,” he continued. Commissioner Everitt stated that he was “pro generator” for the facility to maintain climate control for the chemicals, as well as referencing the office for the emergency manager. It was also noted that in the event of a disaster, the facility could also be used as a warming/cooling facility.
Commissioner Evenson made a motion to approve the bid from Cornett Electric, Inc., however that motion failed 2-3, with Commissioners Mast, Obourn and Ballard voting no. Mast then made the motion to approve the bid from Thornton’s which was approved. Commissioner Obourn noted that both of the in-county bids were more than 10% higher than the lowest bid, which should factor into the decision.
The commission heard from Top Hand Youth Rodeo Association (THYRA) representatives Katie Greenwood and Shelly Decker. The THYRA will once again host five weekends/ten rodeos this year, with the first rodeo on May 31 and finals slated for Aug. 30-31.
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THYRA strives to bring an opportunity for youth, ages 18 and younger, to participate in rodeo events. Greenwood explained that participants have the opportunity to receive t-shirts and jackets and earn rewards for competition. “We gave out over 100 buckles last year and eight saddles,” said Greenwood. Drawings are also held for additional prizes.
Greenwood said that several new events are scheduled this year, including a Chute Dogging clinic presented by Eureka native Joel Edmondson. Chute Dogging is a rodeo event related to steer wrestling; however, the competitor starts the event in a roping chute with the steer as opposed to grabbing onto the steer from horseback. The clinic and several other activities are open to the public. Additionally, concessions and raffles are planned. All THYRA events are held at the Eureka Saddle Club Arena, 1427 Q Road, in Eureka. Additional information and a schedule can be found at tophandyouthrodeo.com. The commission approved to donate $2,000 to THYRA, as they have done in previous years.
The commission noted that Rock’s 54 Tire and Oil would like to utilize the courthouse lawn and electricity for the inflatables for the annual Eureka Days event on Saturday, June 6. The commission noted the request and directed Clerk Deann McCaffree to add the request to the calendar.
Levi Vinson, with Greenwood County Emergency Management, shared that he has been approached about assisting the state in various trainings and asked the commission for approval to travel within the state to assist with training courses. The commission noted they were in support of Vinson assisting but asked him to share as individual opportunities arose.
Commissioner Evenson shared a bid to replace the flooring, which was damaged during the sewer project. Evenson noted that the bid, from a company out of Olathe, was for $4,539 and believed to be the lowest bid for similar flooring they would be able to get. The commission approved the bid as presented.
The commission held a total of five executive sessions, totaling 60 minutes. No action was taken after the sessions.
The first session was for legal matters with County Counselor Paul Dean. The second session was with EMS Director Brian Mongeau and Dean for personnel matters. The third was for legal matters with Dean and Greenwood and the last two were for legal matters with Dean, Vinson and Greenwood.
A zoning and planning meeting, referring to the potential new telecommunications tower west of Madison, will be held this Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m., in the commission meeting room.
The commission approved the April 28 meeting minutes and special payables, totaling $5,405.74, as presented.
Before adjourning, Commissioner Evenson stated that the county should be reaching out to individuals to assist with grant writing. He noted that during the recent Kansas Association of Commissioners meeting, it was shared that one county receives approximately $800,000 in grant funding a year for chip seal. He would like the county to look into this option for roads, equipment and bridges.
It was shared that the commission would like the department heads to do a comprehensive review of the personnel policy and share feedback.
Clerk McCaffree stated that the budget books for 2026 were being assembled and asked the commission to share if department heads should add room for Cost of Living Adjustments, Insurance and/or merit raises. More discussion will be held at a later date.
Commissioner Everitt asked for clarification regarding the 60th Street bridge between HH and GG Roads in Salt Springs Township. It was noted that the bridge will not be removed.
Following the meeting, Counselor Dean shared that he was still working on the upcoming tax sale. The county tax sale is slated to be held this summer.
The next meeting for the Greenwood County Commission is Monday, May 12, at 9 a.m.
