COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
Agenda: 8:30 – RNR Hearing
8:45 – Budget Hearing
9:00 – Open Bids – Wellness Roof
9:30 – Tony Martin – Public Works
10:00 – Jayme Rich – Tax web link
The Board of Stevens County Commissioners met in a regular session. Paul Kitzke, County Attorney and Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk were also present. Pat called the meeting to order. Tron moved to approve the minutes from the previous commissioner meeting. Joe seconded. Motion carried. Joe moved to approve the county vouchers. Tron 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 | $ 69,595.67 |
| Diversion | $ 1,855.74 |
| Judicial District | $ 1,037.14 |
| Road & Bridge | $ 241,866.29 |
| Airport | $ 4,818.12 |
| County Building | $ 31,000.00 |
| Noxious Weed | $ 4,175.17 |
| EMS | $ 10,074.62 |
| Fire | $ 6,475.64 |
| Community Health | $ 22,545.29 |
| Airport Grants | $ 41,485.51 |
| Sheriff | $ 43,884.37 |
| Reg of Deeds Tech Fund | $ 154.60 |
| TOTAL: | $ 478,968.16 |
Pat opened the RNR Hearing at 8:35 AM.
Tony Martin and Iva Kirtun were in attendance. Pat asked if anyone had any questions or statements to make about the RNR. No one had a statement or question. A roll call vote of the Stevens County Commissioners was called, and Tron Stegman, Pat Hall and Joe D. Thompson voted unanimously to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for Stevens County.
Resolution 23-04 was presented to the commissioners to approve and sign.
Joe made a motion to accept Resolution 23-04, A Resolution of the County of Stevens, Kansas to Levy a Property Tax Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate. Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Pat closed the RNR Hearing.
Pat opened the Budget Hearing at 8:45 AM.
No statements or questions were made.
Tron made a motion to approve the presented budget for Stevens County. Joe seconded. Motion carried.
Pat closed the budget hearing.
Pat opened the regular commissioner meeting.
Amy Jo had a “Proof of Loss” declaration page from KCAMP to be signed by the commissioners from the storm damage in 2019.
Amy Jo told the commissioners the Kansas Statute states if a contractor does more than $100,000.00 worth of work there will need to be a bond.
Rodney Kelling came in and informed the commissioners he was not awarded the grant funding he had applied for but is still looking into other programs.
Amy Jo said the appraisers are wanting a “Stevens County” decal for the county pickup.
Pat said yes, but to place it on the window, not the paint.
Ross Sullivan, Richard Vertrees, Robert Salazar, Fernando Sanchez, Tanner Rindles and Oscar Hurtado were present.
The commissioners opened the bids for the Wellness Center:
- AK Roofing $71,084.60 (includes ceiling tile) – w/out $68,984.60
- Ozone $87,101.23
- HMH Roofing $62,000.00
- Sinco $87,678.58
Ross took the bids to review.
Amy informed the commissioners that Dana will not be able to clean the Memorial Hall kitchen beginning in October for at least a month, possibly more. The commissioners said it would be fine to find someone to replace her while she is gone.
Joe asked Paul what the next step was with Glenn Kerbs on the planning and zoning for solar/wind energy. Paul said he will reach out to Glenn and see if he can call into or attend the next meeting and there will need to be a planning and zoning meeting set up with the commissioners for review.
Ted Heaton and TJ Steers were in attendance.
Ross came back with the bids and stated all the specs look the same. He was just not sure on the cleanup, but HMH had all the specs in their bid, and it was the lowest. Pat asked Oscar if he had a certificate of liability, date the work could begin, and a completion date once started. Oscar said he does have liability insurance, he would be able to begin October 11, 2023, and completion should be within 2 weeks of that. Oscar said he would begin sooner, but it will take the materials two to three (2-3) weeks to arrive. Pat asked about cleaning up and Oscar said they (HMH) will have everything cleaned up after completion of the project.
Joe made a motion to accept the low bid from HMH Roofing in the amount of $62,000.00 for the wellness center roof. Tron seconded. Motion carried.
Ross was told to check with Oscar about the cost of new ceiling tiles in the office and foyer of the wellness center.
Ted Heaton informed the commissioners he will need to start purchasing the bulk of the inmate/jailer groceries from Wal-Mart, as they have not had any luck getting most of the groceries in Hugoton. Ted told the commissioners the new deputy, Cuylor Miller, will begin training next week.
Ted asked the commissioners if they had thought any more about a possible raise for sheriff.
The commissioners said they have not thought about it recently.
Tony Martin said the road and bridge department was trying to finish overlay, but the asphalt plant had issues, so it put them behind. Tony said he received a call from soil conservation and learned he needs to evaluate septic tank systems.
Jayme Rich came in and said she has looked at other tax links for the internet and so far, the one she spoke of at the past meeting, is the best option. It is easy to use and has more features at no extra cost. Pat asked Jayme if she knew about the motel and KDI taxes. Jayme said she heard about it but there is nothing she can do on her end. She explained it starts with the appraiser’s office and goes to the clerk’s office before she gets anything. The commissioners asked Paul to reach out and find out if there is anything the county can do to recoup those lost taxes.
By motion, the Board adjourned.
Attest: Amy Jo Tharp, County Clerk
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Pat Hall, Chairman