During the September 5 Greenwood County Commission meeting, Commissioner Ben Fox revisited discussion brought to the floor during the county budget hearing regarding tax dollars that entities have not been receiving. Fox shared that Greenwood County last received a Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund allocation in 2002, with the two checks received totaling $152,691. Though this remains in state statute, this allocation was stopped in 2003. When asked what could be done, Fox encouraged people to reach out to district representatives and senators in regards to the issue. Reading material provided by the commissioners, received from the Kansas County Commissioners Association (KCCA), notes that this funding could have greatly reduced tax increases.
Ambulance/EMS Director Brian Mongeau shared an issue emergency services are working to address. Mongeau noted that Greenwood County is having an issue with the Fire Central repeater that pages out 12 fire departments. After sharing that they had been told that a new repeater most likely would not fix the problem, Mongeau explained that it is believed another entity is too close to the frequency for this channel and is causing interference. In response to the issue, Mongeau shared that they would be looking at putting in a loaner repeater to see if this resolves the issue. If this doesn’t fix the problem, Emergency Services will further explore addressing the frequency issue. Mongeau noted that Greenwood County could go with the process of filing a complaint and someone would then be required to switch frequency. Fox noted that typically the agency that came last, causing the frequency issue, is asked to make the change. Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson shared that they have been picking up traffic from Winfield. Mongeau noted that if static/skip noise is heard over the channel, they are working to try and address the issue.
County resident Frank McCollum offered a suggestion in regards to the iron bridge at Fall River. In previous meetings, commissioners discussed the potential for closure of this crossing, at which time it had been noted that leaving the bridge in place would not be advisable. McCollum noted the age of the bridge, suggesting that they look to save it for the historical value. After referencing grants, McCollum asked that commissioners consider saving this for tourism.
Interim Road and Bridge Supervisor John Schouten provided the weekly report.
Ongoing work to the Tadpole Creek Bridge continues. Schouten shared that the contractor had begun the pouring portion of the project. Commissioner Preston Evenson asked that AB3 be applied at this area once work is completed, even though this is a township road. Schouten shared that he had anticipated the receipt of a quote for rebuilding the grader Monday, however due to internet outage, this had not been received. The extent of rebuild of the machine was briefly discussed, however the county is awaiting quotes for options before making a determination.
Evenson asked that the department look at the bridge located on P Road leading to Eureka Lake.
Appraiser’s Office Staff Member Shawna Griffitts presented an employee verification for her office.
Commissioners approved new employee Brandi Dimick at $13 an hour.
A 10-minute executive session for discussion of personnel matters related to non-elected personnel was held.
Following the session, no action was taken.
A 10-minute executive session for legal discussion was held, with Vinson remaining. Following the session, no action was taken.
Minutes of the August 28 meeting were approved.
Payables in the amount of $163,878.30 was approved.
Payroll in the amount of $131,817.29 was approved.
Special payables in the amount of $1,187.69 approved.
Commissioner Mac Obourn appeared via Zoom.
The Greenwood County Commissioners also met on Monday of this week.
See related article elsewhere in this week’s edition.
