The Elk County Commission meets weekly on Mondays at 1 p.m. The following report was generated from the approved minutes of the July 13 meeting, which were approved at a recent meeting.
The Elk County Commissioners opened their regular meeting on July 13 at 1 p.m. with the approval of the June 29 meeting minutes.
Gillian Beaumont with EMS informed the commission that she will need to have funds moved into the EMS account at the end of July. Gillian and County Treasurer Rachel Ware presented commissioners with an E-Services Technology Agreement. E-Services Technology handles the credit card billing for Aim, who is contracted to do billing for the EMS Department. After discussion, commissioners approved the agreement.
Commissioners approved to appoint Kristy Hanks as the new County Health Officer and to move Kristina Kraft from the Treasurer’s Office to the Road Department going from $19.40 per hour to $16.50 per hour. Don Sanders with Public Works updated commissioners on the Safe Streets 4 All Grant.
Diane Cucar with Community Development informed the commission that she was approached by the Community Development Director with Cowley County in regards to partnering on a grant that would bring a new job opportunity to Elk and Cowley Counties. The person would be available to provide services to help the public apply for SRS, Social Security, or any type of workforce development. Cowley County would be the grant administrator and Cucar would be the contact for Elk County. The grant is $400,000 and they are hopeful it would be a 3-year grant. Elk County would not have to provide funds as they would just be a supporter.
Discussion was held in regards to the Grenola Fire Barn and enforcement for noxious weeds.
Other department reports were heard from Emergency Management and Register of Deeds.
Multiple executive sessions were held in regards to multiple topics. After returning to open meeting, Commissioners approved 90-day performance reviews and pay raises for Angela Wilson and Mallory Swingle from $15 to $15.50 per hour and Kathryn Williams from $16.50 to $17 per hour. Commissioners also approved the resignation and retirement of Kandy Dowell effective July 1.
Emily Franks with Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips presented the 2027 County & Rural Fire Budgets. Commissioners set the Rural Fire Budget Hearing and the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR)/Budget Hearing for Aug. 31. Notice will be sent to the county clerk and will be published in the Prairie Star. Franks also presented the 2025 County Audit. After noting that it is the credit card holder’s responsibility and due diligence to bring in all receipts, commissioners approved and signed the 2025 Audit Report.
Commissioners approved the purchase agreement for the Kansas State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits for the work done for the HVAC system at the courthouse. The county will receive $273,274 in tax credits.
Warrants in the amount of $104,005.25 and payroll in the amount of $298,977.32 were approved. The next meeting of the Elk County Commission will be held on Aug. 10 at 1 p.m.
