The Greenwood County Commission tackled a wide range of issues during its May 18 meeting, including Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) concerns, the proposed county pay scale system, road and bridge projects, and preparations for Eureka Days activities.
A significant portion of the meeting centered on the finances and governance of the GWCH. Commissioner Judd Everitt expressed frustration over what he described as limited interaction between county commissioners and hospital trustees. “The buck stops here if something happens to that hospital,” Everitt said.
He emphasized the need for monthly reports and minutes from trustees and said commissioners need “to take the bull by the horns and get some feedback.”
GWCH Board of Trustees Chair Cinda Beals was asked to be at the meeting to answer questions of the board. Fellow board members JJ Smith and Kevin Hough were also in attendance, along with CEO Sandra Dickerson. Commissioner Everitt asked for the trustee’s secretary to also keep meeting minutes. GWCH Administrative Assistant Jessica Meier records the monthly meeting minutes for the Board of Trustees, currently. Beals expressed appreciation to Commissioner Everitt, who attends the monthly Board of Trustees meetings. However, Everitt did note additional communication was needed between the trustees and the commission. It was noted that minutes and various reports are emailed to the commission, as well as Everitt receiving a printed copy at the meeting, following the monthly meetings. Some commissioners noted that they hadn’t been receiving them and asked for a hard copy to insure they receive them. Community member Miranda Colangelo also addressed the commission regarding the hospital’s financials. Colangelo asked a variety of accounting questions, which were more directed to Dickerson, as she is the Freedom of Information Officer. “I’m not an expert, but I do handle financials for other entities,” stated Colangelo. She further noted that she plans to request detailed reports for review.
Trustee Hough stated, “I have never been involved in anything that is more confusing than hospital financials.” He also noted that all details are shared with Commissioner Everitt during the meeting and implied that Everitt could share with the fellow commissioners.
The GWCH Board of Trustees meets routinely on the fourth Thursday of the month; however, due to a scheduling conflict, will host its next meeting on June 2, at 5:30 p.m.
Other Business
The commission also reviewed a proposed employee pay scale and compensation structure. The commission plans to review the information in detail and discuss the topic in-depth at its next meeting.
Steve Brown addressed commissioners regarding plans for Eureka Days activities on the courthouse lawn, including inflatable attractions and public restroom access inside the courthouse lobby. The commission was in favor of allowing both as in previous years.
Brown also inquired about potentially using the old sheriff’s radio tower near the hospital for a future community project. Officials discussed the site’s previous use as a repeater location before it was abandoned after the 2016 tornado.
Emergency Manager Levi Vinson reported that Greenwood County personnel recently assisted with wildfire response efforts outside the county. Vinson said crews returned safely after successful deployments in drought-stricken areas where conditions resembled “the beginning of March.”
Commissioners entered two executive sessions for legal matters. The first with Vinson, Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood, Road and Bridge Administrative Assistant Kassie Lazar and County Counselor Paul Dean, for 15-minutes. The second was for six minutes with Dean. No action was taken following either session.
Representative Dr. Duane Droge also spoke to the commission about the hospital, sharing a contact for the Kansas Hospital Association President and CEO, Chad Austin. Droge also shared information regarding unclaimed property, urging residents to visit the state’s website to claim unclaimed property: https://missingmoney. ks.gov Commissioners approved a cereal malt beverage license for Eureka Lakeside Treasures and signed Resolution 2026-4c, formalizing action approved during a previous meeting.
Greenwood reported that a new skid steer is expected to arrive this week and noted that the 7th and Q Road project is currently ahead of schedule. Concerns were then shared about a bridge near R25, north of 350th Street, as well as the potential project involving the underground well in the City of Severy.
The commission approved the May 4 corrected minutes, along with the May 11 meeting minutes and special payables for May 18, totaling $17,205.80.
Following the meeting, the commission held a road viewing at N Road and 75th Street. Discussion will be held at next week’s meeting.
The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 26 at 9 a.m.
