A routine weekly meeting was held by the Greenwood County Commissioners on Monday, June 9, where they discussed regular business items, as well as hearing nine budget presentations.
During the weekly Road and Bridge report, Administrative Assistant Kassadie Lazar noted that the environmentalist had inspected the bridge at U Road and 100th Street and shared that no bats were found. Lazar stated the environmentalist is drafting her report and the bridge process should resume soon. Commissioners also reviewed a letter submitted by county residents noting an intersection sign at Highway 99 and 110th Street needed attention. Brief discussion on various equipment items was held.
A local disaster declaration was presented by Levi Vinson with Emergency Management. The declaration referenced June 3-10 as days the county was impacted due to flooding conditions. Vinson noted that in order to receive FEMA funding, the county must approve the resolution, as well as the state receiving a minimum of $4.2 billion worth of damages. The commission approve Resolution EM 2501, as presented.
In new business, Commissioner Judd Everitt shared that a solution was in the works for the Friendship Meals program as contractor Everfull noted financial shortfalls. During the program for elderly budget presentation, county representative for the South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SCKAAA), Linda Snyder shared that they (SCKAAA) had been working on a plan for several months. It is hoped that residents do not see a disruption in service; however, Snyder noted with planning the lapse should be minimal.
The commission also heard budget presentations from the Health Department, Family Life Center, Ambulance, County Attorney, Appraiser, Fire and Emergency Management. Department heads primarily referenced increases pertaining to the 3% COLA, 2% Merit and 10% for insurance increases as recommended by the commission. Commissioner Preston Evenson shared that during the discussion with Darren Theel, with Theel Insurance and Financial Services last week, it was recommended the commission plan for a 20% increase with insurance costs.
During the noxious weed budget discussion, the commission discussed the hours currently offered by the department. Currently, chemicals can be purchased from 7-10 a.m.; however, the commission noted that the morning hours would be best to spray chemicals and limits the county based on the hours. Discussion was held regarding moving the hours of operation to 2-5 p.m. No decisions were made as the meeting had adjourned for budget discussion.
Greenwood County Attorney Jill Gillett requested that staff members be granted bereavement leave to attend the funeral services for former county attorney employee Ramona Carpenter. The commission plans to revisit the discussion during their next weekly meeting.
The June 2 meeting minutes, special payables totaling $18,384.41, regular payables totaling $184,939.98 and payroll totaling $153,702.72 were approved as presented.
The next weekly meeting is slated for Monday, June 16, at 9 a.m.
