The Elk County Commission meets weekly on Mondays at 1 p.m. The following report was generated from the approved minutes of the July 14 meeting minutes, which were approved at a recent meeting.
The Elk County Commission held their regular meeting on July 14 at 1 p.m. The minutes from the June 30 meeting were approved as presented.
Department reports were presented for EMS, Register of Deeds, Treasurer and Rural Fire.
Erica Cordell with Emergency Management stated all sirens passed
3x3.5 the county siren test. It was also noted that the Regional Tabletop was held in Chanute and was attended by Deputy Clerk Stefani Hebb, Deputy Appraiser Chris Miller and Kandy Dowell with the Health Department. EMPG credit should be given for the attendance. Cordell has submitted the After-Action Review and Improvement Plan to the State for credit. The 2011 Jeep Compass sold at auction for $4,757. Cordell attended the KEMA Meeting in Wilson County on July 10. The LEPC meeting will be held at the Cox Building on July 17.
Don Sanders with Public Works stated he would be holding a meeting with the landowners south of Moline for the right-of-way. Sanders also presented a Notice of Award for the bridge on Osage Trail in Moline. Commissioners approved a bid from Bridges Incorporated for a bridge replacement on Osage Trail was presented in the amount of $452,947. It was noted that the funds would come from a state grant.
Diane Cucar with Community Development told commissioners that the cost to fix the plumbing to one bathroom at 300 N. Plum would cost approximately $4,000. She stated she would work on getting more bids. Commissioners approved to sign a Southeast Kansas Library System letter of support for the Special Projects Award for Elk County Libraries.
Sheriff John Walker stated new toilets have been ordered as plumbing issues were noted. The commissioners approved a pay increase for Bryce Signers from $15 per hour to $16 per hour for completing Kansas Law Enforcement Training.
Other items approved by the commission were: Quit Claim Deed and Boundary Line Agreement between Elk County and Mark A. and Gail L. Hartke and signing the release of funds for the courthouse project in the amount of $265,100 to Farmers Bank & Trust for Community Building Solutions.
Two executive sessions were held for a total of 15 minutes. The first was for 10 minutes to discuss legal matters with Cucar and County Counselor Paul Dean and the second was for 5 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel with County Clerk Kerry Harrod and Dean. After returning to open meeting, no decisions were made. (No justification was given.)
Emily Franks with Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips presented the 2024 County Audit. Franks stated receipts need to be brought to the County Clerk’s Office. If the receipts are not presented, they can be deducted from the employee’s paycheck. After discussion, the board approved the accept the 2024 Audit Report as presented and the motion to notify the County Clerk with the intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) at a rate of 113.950 for the 2026 County Budget.
The commission approved warrants in the amount of $112,760.72. A budget workshop will be held on July 21 to work on reducing the 2026 County Budget.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:18 p.m. The next Elk County Commission meeting will be held on August 18 at 1 p.m.
