The Greenwood County Commissioners discussed a variety of items during their nearly three-hour weekly meeting on Monday, June 22.
In addition to the weekly report, Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood shared that a bridge failure had been reported at FF Road and 210th Street, where the bridge was ultimately closed. Greenwood stated he had spoken with County Engineer Michael Marris, who relayed that there was no way to repair the bridge. Marris suggested the county wait until next year’s budget and/ or attempt to locate grant funds for a replacement.
Commissioner Roy Ballard suggested utilizing a train car for the location as the bottom floor remains in good condition. Greenwood plans to discuss the option with Marris. Administrative Assistant Kassie Lazar shared that a field check would be conducted for the bridge at 100th Street and U Road, further stating that the bridge should be built by the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028. Discussion then shifted to asphalt vs. chip/seal for various roadways. Commissioner Preston Evenson stated, “I don’t care what we do, as long as we do something. For the money, I think we should pull away from chip/seal and do some black topping.” Emergency Manager Levi Vinson shared he and Greenwood had an Excel spreadsheet that had cost comparisons for both for a variety of county roadways. Plans were to share the comparisons with commissioners.
Clerk Deann McCaffree presented Resolutions GWRV26-05C and GWRV 24-10 for signatures. It was noted that the previously copied document from 2024 wasn’t filed at the time and needed to be signed by the commissioners who were in office in 2024. Commissioners Mac Obourn, Evenson and Ballard signed the resolution.
While discussing the McCully contract with the county appraisal office, commissioners discussed the non-compliance issue. Appraiser Shawna Griffitts noted they are working on raising valuations to be compliant with the state; however, their office has elected to do the increases over time instead of larger increases to comply with the state. The commissioners approved to continue appraisal consulting services with McCully & Associates, at an annual rate of $18,900.
Clerk McCaffree also shared an invitation for Kansas counties to participate in the Kansas State Fair America 250 celebration. Ultimately, the commissioners approved to participate at a rate of $250, 4-1, with Commissioner Ballard voting no. The fee will cover the cost of various banners on display at the state event.
Discussion was held regarding appointments being required for driver’s licenses in the treasurer’s office. Commissioner Judd Everitt noted that he had been approached by an individual who had driven from Severy but was turned away from his appointment time. Everitt noted that the reason was due to the staff member not being available. Treasurer Stacie Pearse stated that sometimes the full story isn’t shared. There are times individuals show up for appointments and don’t have the necessary items or arrive after their scheduled time. She also noted that four of the five staff members are trained for the driver’s license computer. However, the county only has one computer for driver’s licenses. “We are heavy on excuses,” stated Commissioner Everitt. Treasurer Pearse noted that if an appointment isn’t scheduled and a walk-in arrives with required materials and time allows, staff will work them in. The commission asked Pearse to evaluate removing the “appointments only” item and returning to walk-ins as they did prior to COVID.
Health Department Director Jayme Lewis shared that the health department would be closed during the noon hours to offer Senior Clinic Days throughout the county. The special service was offered in Eureka on Monday of this week and will be in Madison (Senior Center) on Wednesday, June 24 and in Severy (Community Building) on Tuesday, June 30. The health department plans to be closed two and a half hours this Wednesday and next Tuesday to allow for travel time.
Commissioners also heard preliminary budget presentations from several departments and organizations. This week, the commission heard from the Appraiser’s Office, Shawna Griffitts; Health Department, Lewis; Register of Deeds, Sheila Smith; Clerk/Election, McCaffree; Ambulance, Brian Mongeau; Road and Bridge (Recycle-Solid Waste), Lazar; Treasurer/ Motor Vehicle, Pearse; Appraiser, Griffitts; Maintenance, Greg Rawlings; Kansas Legal Services, Ty Wheeler; Tri-County Casa, Janet Jacobs; Court, Judge Ricke and Dawn Rouse; New Beginnings, letter received.
The commission held a five-minute executive session for legal matters (road dispute) with County Counselor Paul Dean. No action was taken after returning to open session.
Commissioner Evenson shared that Paige Neighbors, with the Register of Deeds office, is working on a brochure for the county. Departments are asked to provide preferred items (frequently asked questions) to Neighbors by the end of the week.
Emergency Manager Vinson provided an update on the Floodplain Mapping Project, including high hazard areas (dams/ watersheds). He also reviewed the tiered system with commissioners. The commissioners approved a master tiered job description framework to ensure consistency, fairness and clarity across all positions throughout the county. During discussion, Commissioner Everitt noted that a hiring freeze might need to be implemented, due to a decline of population.
The commission asked to schedule a meeting with Marris and Greenwood to review culverts on EE Road, south of 58 Highway. Greenwood plans to get with Marris to see when he would be available to review with the commission.
A five-minute executive session was held for legal matters regarding LEPP, with County Counselor Dean and Greenwood. No action was taken after The June 8 and 15 meeting minutes were approved as presented. The board also approved the June 22 special payables, totaling $4,226.81; the June 26 regular payables, totaling $243,563.31; and June 26 regular payroll, totaling $157,339.69.
The meeting adjourned at 11:57 a.m.
Commissioners will hold their next regular meeting on Monday, June 29, at 9 a.m.
