The Greenwood County Commission met on Monday, Dec. 22, for a routine weekly meeting, where they approved employee pay adjustments, reviewed budget items, and received updates from county departments and community organizations.
In the Road and Bridge report, Kassie Lazar presented the county’s 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan. The plan remains largely unchanged from last year, with updates to landfill pricing and operating hours. Final tonnage numbers for 2025 were not yet available. The commissioners signed the plan as presented.
Several employee pay rate changes were approved. In the Register of Deeds office, pay increases were approved for two employees as part of an equalization effort. Jim Castillio’s hourly rate was increased from $16.32 to $18, and Paige Neighbors hourly rate increased from $15.23 to $17. Both adjustments were approved unanimously.
The commission also approved a $1 per hour raise for Cami Cooper, a billing manager at the Greenwood County Health Department. Her wage was increased from $16 to $17 per hour.
Commissioner Roy Ballard broached a topic regarding a guardrail extension in Shell Rock Township. It was noted that the township purchased the materials to extend the guardrail; however, believed the county should be responsible for the costs. No decisions were made.
Under old business, Commissioner Judd Everitt provided an update on TerraPower-related meetings involving Greenwood County and neighboring counties. Sara Shivers represented the county and continues to coordinate with the Kansas Department of Commerce. Commissioner Everitt shared that if TerraPower was to move to Greenwood County, it looks like they would be moving to the northern portion, near Madison.
New business included a request from District Court asking to create a line item to allow for the them to roll over funds from the 2025 budget, instead of moving those funds into the general fund.
It was noted that plans are to upgrade the sound system in both the Municipal and District Courtrooms next year. A similar upgrade has been done in Lyon County, with the cost being approximately $37,000. The commission approved adding the line item and directed County Clerk Deann McCaffree to get with the auditor to gather additional details on adding the line item.
Melissa Landis with Empower House Ministries (EHM) provided an overview of their organization. Landis shared that the nonprofit has two recovery houses in Lyon County. The women’s facility houses nine and the men’s facility houses 10. The mission of EHM “is to provide a spiritual, life-changing, and empowering environment where recovering addicts can discover their Godgiven potential, establish a healthy intentional lifestyle, master life skills and become self-sufficient.” Landis concluded by thanking the commission for their time and noting her plans to return in May to discuss the possibility of potential future funding opportunities.
Sheriff Heath Samuels provided some personnel updates, including the retirement of Jackie Shirley after more than 14 years of service as a dispatcher for Greenwood County. He also shared that Deputy Andrew Pendland had submitted notice as he had accepted another position elsewhere. Keira Crisswell was hired for jail and dispatch duties at a starting wage of $16.65 per hour, effective Dec. 15.
Commissioners approved the minutes from the Dec. 15 meeting, as well as special payables for Dec. 22, totaling $6,293.42; the regular payables for Dec. 26, totaling $172,978.62; and the regular payroll for Dec. 26, totaling $160,970.34.
The county’s end-ofyear meeting will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 9 a.m., with the annual county dinner scheduled for 1 p.m. The courthouse will close at noon on Dec. 31 and remain closed on Jan. 1, 2026.
