COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 27, 2022
Agenda: 8:30 – Bills
9:00 –
9:30 – Tony Martin
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in regular session. Paul Kitzke, County Attorney and Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk were also in attendance. 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 County Clerk was instructed to draw warrants on the Treasurer chargeable to the various funds of the county for the following amounts:
| General | $ 62,562.16 |
| Judicial District | $ 578.46 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 54,541.07 |
| Airport | $ 2,402.72 |
| ARPA | $ 6,570.03 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 2,875.17 |
| EMS | $ 5,878.35 |
| Fire | $ 4,303.40 |
| Community Health | $ 15,688.22 |
| County Building | $ 1,017.17 |
| Sheriff | $ 38,320.66 |
| Insurance Agency Damages | $ 3,414.78 |
| Emp Misc W/H | $ – |
| TOTAL: | $ 198,152.19 |
Theresa Daesenbrock and Madison Farr with Lewis, Hooper and Dick came in to let the commissioners know the audits were completed and wish them a belated Christmas. Pat asked if there were any areas the commissioners needed to work on, and Theresa said communications with the Airport is crucial. Theresa also touched on the staffing of the Community Health Department through COVID with the COVID funding, questioning if there are extra staff with COVID funds no longer being available for payroll. The commissioners stated they will work on communications with the airport and stated Cammie Heaton will be the new Community Health Director and she has mentioned several ways to bring extra funds into the county. Pat also asked if the commissioners need to be more conservative with spending as the values went up for the 2023 year doesn’t mean the values will continue to climb but will probably decline causing tighter budgets. Theresa said it is always good to be conservative with spending but also to make sure there is enough budget to run the county. The commissioners asked about the hospital and stated the hospital has not been in to request funds and the county still supplies them with appropriations. Theresa stated the county does not need to automatically levy for the hospital like the county is required for Pioneer Manor which is set at a state statute level. Pat mentioned holding the hospital funds until they show up with a financial report as the commissioners showed interest in reviewing their internal budget. Pat asked about the museum and the assets the museum has recently acquired and if the county has the right to dictate where the museum’s assets should be used. Theresa said the museum is a separate entity and the county does not have to appropriate to them. Theresa also stated if the buildings are county owned and the land the buildings are on is county property then the museum should request permission from the commissioners before making any updates or repairs to the building or land in case the commissioners do not feel the updates or additions are what the county wants to commit to paying for upkeep expenses going forward.
Amy Jo asked Theresa about the hospital being a county building if the hospital can acquire insurance with another company instead of KCAMP. Theresa said they can as long as it has the same coverage or more.
Tony Martin came in and discussed the post closure of the Landfill with Theresa and she asked if Amy Jo or Tony could send that information to her office. Tony stated they might have to release Alfred Benesch and Company and find someone new as the gentleman that had worked for Benesch has relocated and the new person filling in does not seem to be getting things taken care of in a timely manner. Tony also said the landfill now reports in November instead of July.
Tony asked about bids for large purchases if a company gives a bid and the commissioners approve, then when the equipment/item is getting completed, the company comes back stating the amount has changed if that is automatically approved or if the company must abide by the previous bid. Theresa said it would be solely up to the commissioners to accept the change in the bid price.
Discussion was heard about Mark Williams selling the property he purchased in the Industrial East Lots since the commissioners have the first (1st) right of refusal.
Joe made a motion to waive the rights of the commissioners first refusal to purchase and to allow Mark Williams to sell Lot 7 of the Industrial East property which Mark purchased from the county. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
Amy Jo stated Lindsay with the Rural Opportunity Zone would like to have the ROZ Resolutions before the new year.
Joe made a motion to accept Resolution 22-10 – The Board of Stevens County Commissioners Authorizing Participation in Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program. Pat seconded. Motion carried.
The commissioners discussed with Paul Kitzke, the County Attorney, asking what constitutes a conflict of interest on some cases. Paul said it depends on the client and if the attorney has represented or opposed the client before in a different case and what the case is.
Tony asked the commissioners if he should sign a contract for diesel fuel or just purchase on an as needed basis due to the fluctuating rates. The commissioners asked how much he spends on fuel and Tony stated just in 2022 he has easily spent $400,000.00 on diesel just for Road and Bridge. Tony said if it is contracted out, they will only deliver what is needed. Pat stated it is hard to figure fuel with the constant price changes.
Tony said someone came to him inquiring about borrowing/renting a sheep’s foot. Paul stated there is a statute where the county cannot rent or hire out equipment to county residents. Tony also mentioned he has not found anyone to hire for Road and Bridge but does have someone who is interested.
Shelby Martin came in and stated since it is the first year to file sales tax for the Wellness Center, they are not due until January 15th, 2023. Shelby also stated her sales tax is over $200.00 and under $5,000.00 so she only has to submit them quarterly. She stated she is having issues with the FEIN and getting documentation to the IRS but has everything figured out now and is working on getting in to where she can report the sales tax. Shelby stated the deposits are current and has all the deposits broken down to their respective funds. Shelby told the commissioners she would like to have more lights for the parking lot and would eventually like to asphalt behind the Wellness Center. The commissioners agreed with needing more lights and told her to contact the City of Hugoton about getting more light poles and lights put up around the Wellness Center. Shelby asked about the roof at the Wellness Center stating it is only getting worse and wanted to know the process. The commissioners stated she will need to contact a contractor and have them draw up a spec sheet then the bid process will be published in the newspaper at least two (2) times as well as suggesting Shelby contact other area contractors to inform them of the bid letting for the Wellness Center roof. The commissioners projected opening bids on March 13, 2023 and having the bids for the roof published in the Hugoton Hermes around mid-February 2023.
Commissioners brought up the hospital board and discussed who would be the replacements for the two (2) open positions. Andy Moser, Greg Grewell and Rachel Crane’s names were all mentioned. After further discussion motions were made.
Pat made a motion to appoint Greg Grewell for the Stevens County Hospital Board. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Tron made a motion to appoint Andy Moser for the Stevens County Hospital Board. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Rodney Kelling came in stating it was a busy weekend for both fire and EMS, but nothing major to report.
Commissioners discussed the COLA for the county employees.
Pat made a motion for full-time employees to receive $3,600.00 as an annual increase and part-time employees a nine percent (9%) increase to their hourly/salary wage. The Commissioners declined any raise in 2023. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Abated Orders were reviewed and approved by commissioners and given to the County Treasurer; for tax year 2022 number 202-204 total valuation removed 17,970 and tax assessed -$3,017.43.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Tron Stegman, Chairman