COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 8, 2020
Agenda: 8:30 – City on a Hill – Miranda
8:45 – Bills/Minutes
9:00 – Public Hearing CBDG-CV Resolution
9:30 – Tony Martin – Road & Bridge
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in regular session with all members present. Also present were Paul Kitzke, County Attorney; Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk and Ro Glenda Coulter, Hugoton Hermes. Tron called the meeting to order. Pat moved to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Joe seconded. Motion carried. Pat moved to approve the county vouchers. Joe seconded. Motion carried. The Clerk was instructed to draw warrants on the Treasurer chargeable to the various funds of the county for the following amounts:
| General | $ 57,815.92 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 152,221.60 |
| Airport | $ 4,683.60 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 33,989.53 |
| EMS | $ 5,478.37 |
| Fire | $ 3,320.53 |
| County Building | $ 393.07 |
| Alcohol Treatment Fund | $ 250.00 |
| Community Health | $ 19,171.06 |
| Comm Health Grants | $ 3,324.95 |
| Sheriff | $ 39,379.22 |
| Emp P/R Misc W/H | $ 246.88 |
| Reg of Deed Tech Fund | $ 202.05 |
| TOTAL: | $ 320,476.78 |
Miranda with City on a Hill called in and spoke with the commissioners about funding. She asked if they would support City on a Hill with $3,000 for the 2021 year. The commissioners said they will discuss it at the budget workshop and let her know.
Pat inquired about the Stevens County valuation and Amy Jo said she just finished the proposed 2021 valuation last week. She shows where the valuation is 88,695,598 instead of around 69mil which is better, but well under 100mil.
Ross came in and discussion about a possible part-time, temporary person to help during the summer was brought up. Ross stated he did not want any extra help and is doing fine. The commissioners agreed not to hire anyone else at this time.
Pat said the landfill has four (4) young guys working there part-time/temporary and that needs to be at an end. It has been about two to three (2-3) weeks as discussed and he was originally thinking only two (2) part-time people not four (4). No further discussion on the subject.
Rodney Kelling came in and told the commissioners, due to the COVID pandemic shut down, the new ambulance should be here by the first (1st) of August. He did inform the commissioners he has two (2) new hires on the fire department and feels they will be an asset. He mentioned there will be a FEMA conference call at 9:00 AM tomorrow and he plans to listen in.
Pat said with it being so dry and windy, he wanted to know if Rodney had any plans to request a burn ban. Rodney said most people are being good about not burning when it is so windy and he would rather some of the stuff get burned down before anymore lightning strikes happen.
Tron announced the 9:00 AM public hearing over CDBG-CV is in action. Amy Jo told the commissioners she has received two (2) applications for the CDBG-CV. She informed the commissioners the grant funding has dispersed all the money at this time. Amy Jo also told them, the state is planning on another grant fund. She feels it would be in the county’s best interest to go forward with a resolution to receive grant funding. Then if the state issues more funding, the county will be more apt to receive funds. The commissioners agreed with the plan and Paul Kitzke asked Amy to give him the information for Faye at Great Plains so a resolution can be written up.
Joe made a motion to accept Resolution 20-05 Accepting Grant Funding. Pat seconded, motion carried.
Tony Martin came in and handed the commissioners a retirement letter from Terry Lamberson. He said he plans on purchasing Terry a retirement gift and hopes to give it to him by the next commissioner meeting. Terry is planning to retire July 1, 2020.
Tony showed the commissioners a map of the traffic amounts on the county blacktops. He said the numbers are per day and the most traveled are Highway 51 and 56.
Trying to save some money, knowing what the future valuation is, Pat brought up the subject of chip seal. After a lengthy discussion to decide when would be better to get the chip/seal done, this year or wait until next year, Pat and Tron said wait and Joe said go forward with the chip/seal. Two (2) to one (1) vote wins and the chip/seal will be held off until next year.
Amy Jo presented the commissioners with the annual McCully and Associates contract (portion of appraiser assistance). Joe made a motion to accept the contract, Pat seconded. Motion carried.
Sheriff Ted Heaton came in and said there is nothing new to report. He did say the Police Chief spoke only on her opinion and he would never in any way, contribute to the harming of fellow law enforcement personnel. He also reiterated the people involved in the two (2) cases were caught and arrested at the time of the incidents.
Discussion of the valuation for 2021 was revisited. The commissioners instructed Amy Jo to contact counties with approximately the same population and similar valuation, to find out what the budget is for their departments: Sheriff, Road and Bridge, Community Health, etc.
Pat brought up the idea about possibly selling the hospital and was adamant he does not want to sell the hospital or Pioneer Manor. Joe said he feels if they are sold, people will be out of jobs. No further discussion.
The commissioners said there will be cuts and has recommended department heads need to attend the budget workshop. They expressed their concerns about being able to discuss issues or decisions with the department head in person.
With the school’s bond and interest to be paid, the school will have to raise taxes. The commissioners reiterated it is not the county’s decision to raise taxes, it will be the schools.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Tron Stegman, Chairman