The Elk County Commission meets weekly on Mondays at 1 p.m. The following report was generated form the official minutes of the Aug. 26 Elk County Commission meeting, which were approved during a recent meeting.
The Elk County and rural fire Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and budget hearings were held prior to the regular meeting. The commission approved Resolution 24-10, a resolution for Elk County to levy a property tax rate exceeding the RNR. A roll call vote was held as the commission unanimously approved Resolution 24-11, to levy a property tax exceeding the RNR. The commission also approved and adopted the 2025 County Budget as presented.
During the Rural Fire District #1 RNR and budget hearings, the commission approved Resolution 24 09, a resolution of the Elk County Rural Fire District #1 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the RNR. Motion carried 3-0. The commission also approved Resolution 24-08, a roll call vote for the rural fire district to exceed the RNR. The commission approved and adopted the 2025 Elk County Rural Fire District #1 budget as presented.
The hearings adjourned at 1:23 p.m. and the routine weekly meeting was called to order.
The Aug. 12 meeting minutes and Aug. 15 special meeting minutes were approved as presented.
A 10-minute executive session was held for legal matters with the commission and County Counselor Paul Dean. No action was taken.
During public forum, Justin Spiehs spoke of free speech, constitutional rights and county policies. Michael, with Lawrence Accountability, spoke of an arrest that was made in front of the courthouse that was unconstitutional and county policies not being followed. Kaye Spooner spoke of the notice put out by SISSA and spoke of election security. Janet Harrington stated she was the sheriff of Elk County for 17 years and she was ashamed of how the department is working now. Harrington asked the Commissioners if they attended the new commission training when they were elected into office and if any constitutional law was taught at the training. Harrington would like the Commission to start to follow the constitutional laws.
Gillian Beaumont, with EMS stated John Hester resigned and she would be posting a job opening. The grant funding for Abby Bowman was approved in the amount of $1,500.
Erica Cordell, with Emergency Management, stated the vehicle maintenance was done on the county car.
Kandy Dowell, with the Health Department, stated she is taking applications for an EMS/Health billing clerk. The commission approved to give Kristina Hanks a merit increase from $23.34/hour to $23.84/hour.
Regarding Public Works, Don Sanders presented the Commission with quotes for the HVAC, windows, and electrical work of the courthouse.
Shari Kaminska, with Community Development, stated Lemonade Day was the Saturday during Labor Day weekend. Kaminska spoke with Rick Pemberton with the KCC regarding the courthouse projects.
Treasurer Rachel Ware presented on behalf of Klenda Austerman LLC regarding the county tax sale.
The commission appointed Vera Jontra and Marla Foster Ware to the ballot destruction committee to destroy the 2022 ballots. The council also approved the temporary permit for Sept. 14 and Sept. 21, at the Elk County Fair Grounds.
The commission plans to list the property for their purchase price plus an additional 7 to 10 percent through Johnson Realty.
A 10-minute executive session was held for legal matters with Counselor Paul Dean. No action was taken.
Warrants for $72,273.84 were approved.
The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
The next meeting of the Elk County Commission will be Monday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m.
