Community Enrichment Manager for the City of Eureka Staci Crumrine attended the Greenwood County Commission meeting Monday, June 10 with County Extension Agent Ben Sims to speak on the Eureka Downs facility. Crumrine explained that a preliminary building inspection had been held recently. Following the inspection, the city was told the turf room located on the upper floor of the building could not be used until safety items were installed such as lighted exit lights and emergency lighting in the stairs in the event electricity goes out. Crumrine told commissioners that the city was asking for assistance in getting this in place prior to the Greenwood County Fair. At this time, Crumrine announced that funding in association with historic horse racing was anticipated to be received in July, but this work would need to be done prior to the receipt of these dollars. After noting that racing at Eureka Downs could potentially begin in 2026, she shared that the funding allocation anticipated to be received this summer would be for making the track and facility race ready. In further discussion, Eureka City Administrator Joel Laws noted that the monetary contribution previously made by the county for their contribution towards facility management, had gone towards utilities which total approximately $30,000 annually. Laws explained that the historic horse racing appropriation wouldn’t be received before the 2024 Greenwood County Fair. Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Eureka Steve French shared that a plan was drafted for replacing the base items necessary to get by for use of the upper level during the fair until the remainder can be addressed. Commissioners approved $871.56. County Commissioner Roy Ballard noted that he thought there could be savings on the utilities by ensuring that everything that can be, is turned off when the facility is not in use. Commissioner Mac Obourn noted that the current lack of inefficiency is a contributing factor. County land owner Shilo Fury attended the commission meeting seeking clarification into a matter pertaining to K Road, south of Piedmont, at the Greenwood/Elk County line. Fury noted that a map referencing this road as abandoned had been found, but research had been done in Elk County and no documentation had been found to substantiate passage of this. As he described the issue, Fury noted that a portion of the road is deeded to an owner of one of the properties along the stretch, and basically serves as a driveway. Legal Counsel Paul Dean clarified that this is approximately half a mile of road and about the first 1/4 mile has never been closed and Elk County shows that this is closed.
Dean continued to explain that Greenwood County can’t find any documentation and he thought the road book was marked wrong. He then stated that if proper paperwork was not in place, this was still a public road. It was shared during discussion that one property owner had previously voiced opposition to closure of the road. When questions were posed, Fury noted he had put his fence where he did because he was under the impression the road was being decommissioned. He then questioned if anyone had researched this matter in Greenwood County records. Dean confirmed that research had been done and there was no record of anything being closed/vacated. Fury then referenced the receipt of an order to remove his fence. As discussion continued, Dean noted that all parties would need to agree for closure to occur and written easements would need to be drafted. If the road were vacated, the fence could remain. Road closure would need to be granted in both counties, if all parties reach an agreement.
Scott Day with Day Insurance presented projected insurance figures for the coming fiscal year.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas is anticipating a 5-8% rate increase for Greenwood County and based on this, he had projected 10% in his figures provided for county consideration as they look at budget planning for the next fiscal year. Day added that the premium is projected to increase 9.2%. During his overview, and review of the claims report provided, Day told commissioners that the county was trending high on dollars coming out of the claims account. He noted that at one time, this had previously been more consistent.
Eureka City Administrator Laws invited commissioners to an event on July 11 at the Eureka Downs building. Laws shared that he had met with Small Business Administration and they will be coming to Eureka to discuss programs including Investing in America. According to Laws, this event is not just for Eureka businesses, but those in County-wide. County-wide businesses are invited to attend and are asked to RSVP with the City of Eureka by July 1. During this time, Laws shared that a grants and opportunities tab had been added to the City of Eureka website as a resource.
Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson and EMS/Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau reported on the Symphony in the Flint Hills event which was held last weekend. Vinson shared that this had went really well. Emergency services present to provide services/ support included: the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, County fire, EMS, Road and Bridge, Eureka City Fire and the National Weather Service. Approximately 5,000 people attended. Mongeau commented that he had spoken with the president of the symphony board, who was very impressed with how the event went. Some support for individuals who were affected by the heat was provided. Recognition of the Road and Bridge department was conveyed. Mongeau noted that roads were in great condition because of the preparation work the department completed to ditches and roads.
Vinson later reported that a response partner who was present during Flint Hills Symphony had experienced tire issues. As the $200 bill had been received by the county, he questioned how they would like him to proceed, adding that the state would likely pay the total, but this would take time. Commissioners reached a consensus that the county would pay the total and then they would look at billing the state.
Spring Creek Township and the road vacation in Reece was brought to the floor again under old business. Resolution 2403 was presented for signature.
Vinson told commissioners that, as townships are about to begin planning for their budgets, the county needed to get word to them if they were going to proceed with changes in road maintenance proposed in April. Vinson noted that if this was something they were still wanting to do, he would begin contacting townships this week so they can budget accordingly for any changes in road responsibility. Commissioners approved to proceed with changes in road maintenance responsibilities.
Special payables in the amount of $11,432.97 were approved.
Payables in the amount of $246,823.01 were approved.
Payroll in the amount of $151,469.31 was approved.
Verification for Isabella Irraga, a part-time EMT for EMS, was approved at $13.46.
Sheriff Heath Samuels shared that Deputy James Cude had reached the 90-day employment mark. Commissioners approved increasing his pay to $19.50 an hour.
County Clerk Kathy Robison requested an executive session for discussion of personnel for 15 minutes with Deputy Clerk Deann Mc-Cafree also in attendance. Following the session, Mc-Caffree was appointed as a KPERS designated agent.
A five-minute executive session for legal was requested by Commissioner Ben Fox. Following the session, no decisions were made.
An executive session with Vinson was requested by Commissioner Preston Evenson for five-minutes regarding personnel. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Minutes of the May 28 and June 3 meetings were presented and approved.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, June 17 at 9 a.m.
