Finney County, Kansas

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission holds a work session to discuss the proposed 2027 budget. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for deliberation only.

• Discussion of Finney County 2027 Budget

County Commission Regular Session

The Commission will clarify board direction on the proposed Transient Guest Tax rate increase and its governance and oversight. New business includes an emergency declaration for severe weather, property/casualty insurance renewal with Travelers, and several employee policy adjustments. Rezoning and a special use permit for a commercial solar energy system are also on the agenda.

• Old Business: Clarification on Transient Guest Tax rate increase and governance review
• Resolution 23-2026: Emergency Declaration for Severe Weather
• Resolution 24-2026: FC2026-21 Rezone Request
• Resolution 13-2026: FC2026-05 Lone Bison Special Use Permit for Commercial Solar Energy Systems
• FC2026-28 Waiver Request at 2104 E. Grandview Dr.

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will discuss updating the governance of the transient guest tax and a potential rate increase. The body will also review several rezone requests and a bid for the Administration Building office remodel.

• Proposed increase of Transient Guest Tax Rate from 6% to 8%
• Bid selection for the Administration Building Office Remodel
• Rezone requests FC2026-15, FC2026-16, and FC2026-18
• Final Plat for Country Acres Addition - Phase 2
• Parcel Plat of the Crase Addition

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a work session to discuss a compensation study presentation. The presentation will be led by Human Resources Director Kelly Munyan and Senior Consultant Malayna Halvorson Maes.

• McGrath Compensation Study presentation and discussion

The Board of Finney County Commission held a work session to review a presentation on the results of a compensation study conducted by McGrath Consulting Group. Human Resources Director Kelly Munyan provided metrics and analyses related to the study during the discussion.

• Reviewed McGrath compensation study findings

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider two special use permits for solar energy and battery storage systems, along with several other new business items. They will also vote on resolutions appointing a health officer and deputy health officer, and discuss a preliminary engineering agreement for a high-risk rural road project.

• Resolution 15-2026: Sherlock Solar - Special Use Permit for commercial solar energy systems
• Resolution 16-2026: Sherlock Energy - Special Use Permit for battery energy storage systems
• Purchase of three cardiac monitor/defibrillator units for EMS
• Selection of architectural and design services for roof project
• 2027 High Risk Rural Road preliminary engineering agreement

The Commission approved the consent agenda including accounts payable totaling $2,123,965.64 and a proclamation for the America 250 celebration. Additionally, the Board adopted new rules regarding how the public may provide oral and written input during meetings.

• Approved consent agenda including tax roll changes and accounts payable of $2,123,965.64 (5-0)
• Approved America 250 celebration proclamation (5-0)
• Adopted new public input guidelines for meetings (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hear a 2027 budget request from the Conservation District, consider appointments to the Fair Board, and review the 2026 Bituminous Surfacing Project including a KDOT cost share agreement. Other items include an annual contract with McCully & Associates and a contract amendment with Kaw Valley Engineering. The meeting also includes recognition of EMS Week and years of service.

• 2027 Budget Request from Finney County Conservation District
• Appointments to Finney County Fair Board
• 2026 Bituminous Surfacing Project and KDOT Cost Share Agreement
• Annual Contract/Agreement with McCully & Associates
• Contract Amendment for Kaw Valley Engineering, Inc.

The commission approved its consent agenda, including minutes, $1.07 million in accounts payable and tax‑roll changes. Commissioners proclaimed May 17‑23, 2026 as National Emergency Medical Services Week and appointed two members to the Finney County Fair Board. They accepted a $3,916,638.58 bid from APAC‑Kansas for road work, approved related cost‑share and engineering contracts, and designated officials for ballot destruction. All motions carried with votes recorded as listed.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $1,074,195.08 accounts payable, tax roll changes) – ayes: Gerry Schultz, Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann
• Proclaimed May 17‑23, 2026 as National Emergency Medical Services Week – ayes: Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann; absent: Gerry Schultz
• Appointed Brittany Williams and Curtis Williams to Finney County Fair Board (3‑year terms) – ayes: Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann; absent: Gerry Schultz
• Accepted APAC‑Kansas, Inc. bid for road work ($3,916,638.58) – ayes: Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann; absent: Gerry Schultz
• Approved KDOT Cost Share Agreement – ayes: Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann; absent: Gerry Schultz
• Approved 2026‑2027 contract with McCully & Associates for property valuation services – ayes: Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann; absent: Gerry Schultz
• Approved amendment to Kaw Valley Engineering, Inc. contract (up to $35,100) – ayes: Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann; absent: Gerry Schultz
• Designated Dave Jones and Carole Geier to attend ballot destruction – ayes: Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann; absent: Gerry Schultz

County Commission Special Session

The County Commission is holding a special session to review 2027 budget requests from 12 different organizations. These entities will present their funding needs to the commission.

• 2027 Budget Request: Finney County Historical Society and Museum
• 2027 Budget Request: Finney County Economic Development Corporation
• 2027 Budget Request: Finney County Library
• 2027 Budget Request: Finney County Fair Board
• 2027 Budget Request: Finney County Committee on Aging

The special session of the Finney County Commission opened at 8:30 a.m. and featured a series of 2027 budget request presentations from various county agencies and organizations. No motions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the meeting. The session concluded without any substantive actions taken.

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission is holding a work session for a strategic planning discussion. No votes or public hearings are scheduled; the agenda contains only this single procedural item.

• Strategic planning session – no specific actions or decisions listed

The May 4, 2026 Finney County Commission work session was streamed live. The minutes contain only procedural information and do not record any decisions, approvals, or votes.

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a regular session on May 4, 2026. Agenda items include public hearings on rezone requests for FC2025-09 and FC2026-08, final plat approval for Whitetail Crossing, and adoption of new special use permit application forms for natural gas and commercial wind energy systems. The board will also consider a bid award for the JDC Pod B remodel and appointments to the library board and deputy county appraiser. The meeting includes an executive session for attorney-client privilege.

• Public hearing and resolution on rezone FC2025-09
• Public hearing and resolution on rezone FC2026-08
• Final plat approval for Whitetail Crossing
• Adoption of special use permit application forms for natural gas and wind energy systems
• Bid award selection for JDC Pod B remodel

The commission approved the consent agenda, including $1.07 M in accounts payable and tax roll changes. It adopted several resolutions and plats, approved the Emergency Solutions Grant, appointed a library board member and a deputy appraiser, and awarded a $149,400 contract to Lee Construction for the Juvenile Detention Center Pod B remodel.

• Approved consent agenda (accounts payable $1,068,198.85 and tax roll changes) – Motion Carried
• Proclaimed May 3‑9 2026 National Travel & Tourism Week – Motion Carried
• Proclaimed May 17‑23 2026 National Public Works Week – Motion Carried
• Approved Final Plat of Whitetail Crossing – Motion Carried
• Approved Emergency Solutions Grant and authorized certification – Motion Carried
• Appointed Cody Cundiff to Finney County Public Library Board – Motion Carried
• Adopted Resolution 14‑2026 (rezoning request) – Motion Carried
• Approved $149,400 contract to Lee Construction for Juvenile Detention Center Pod B remodel – Motion Carried

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider the selection of a Construction Manager at Risk for the Finney County Detention Center Project. The body will also review applications for data center special use permits and a behavioral health grant for the Southwest Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

• Selection of Construction Manager at Risk for the Finney County Detention Center Project
• Adoption of Special Use Permit Application Form for Data Centers
• Southwest Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center Behavioral Health Grant
• Request for Indigent Burial Assistance
• Approval of Tax Roll Changes

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a regular session to consider several new business items, including a rezone request (FC2026-04), final plats for Speer Acres Addition and Lazy H Acres, and an amendment to the K-156 Corridor Master Plan. The consent agenda covers approval of minutes, accounts payable, and tax roll changes. Public comment will be heard before action items.

• Resolution 12-2026 for rezone request FC2026-04
• Final plat of Speer Acres Addition (FC2023-41)
• Parcel plat of Lazy H Acres (FC2026-01)
• K-156 Corridor Master Plan Amendment
• 2026 Laptop Rotation and Clerk's Office Closure

The commission approved the consent agenda covering minutes, payroll, invoices and tax roll changes. It also approved membership with Great Plains Development, several land plats, Resolution 12‑2026, Resolution 11‑2026, a $126,994.83 IT contract, and the closure of the County Clerk’s Office on April 29‑30. All motions passed with recorded ayes.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, payroll, invoices, tax roll changes) – Motion Passed
• Approved continued membership with Great Plains Development, Inc. – Motion Passed
• Adopted Resolution 12‑2026 (rezone request) – Motion Passed
• Approved Parcel Plat of Lazy H Acres – Motion Passed
• Adopted Resolution 11‑2026 (procedure changes) – Motion Passed
• Approved $126,994.83 Imagine IT proposal – Motion Passed
• Approved closure of the Finney County Clerk's Office on April 29‑30, 2026 – Motion Passed
• Approved amendment to the K‑156 Corridor Master Plan Agreement – Motion Passed

County Commission Regular Session

This regular session includes a public hearing on a tax abatement for Garden City Co-op, several funding recommendations for AFAC and parks grants, consideration of a rezone request and subdivision plats, and award of bids for road maintenance, herbicide, and mowing services. No other major policy decisions are on the agenda.

• Public hearing for Garden City Co-op Economic Development (EDX) Tax Abatement
• 2026 1st and 2nd Round AFAC Fund Recommendations
• 2026 Parks & Recreation Grant Award Recommendation
• Resolution 10-2026: FC2025-09 Rezone Request
• Award of bid for 2026 Contracted Mowing, Trimming, and Grounds Treatment

The commission approved the consent agenda, including minutes, accounts payable of $1,252,143.35 and tax roll changes. It adopted Resolution 09‑2026 approving the Garden City Co‑op tax abatement. Several grant and fee waiver items were approved, while the rezoning request for the LS Subdivision was postponed to the next meeting.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, accounts payable $1,252,143.35, tax roll changes) (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 09‑2026 approving Garden City Co‑op tax abatement (unanimous)
• Approved award of eight Parks & Recreation grant applicants (unanimous)
• Approved United Way Board Subcommittee award of three applicants (unanimous)
• Approved waiver of $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for 2026 cleanups (unanimous)
• Approved Parcel Plat of LS Subdivision (unanimous)
• Failed to adopt Resolution 10‑2026 (2‑2 vote, two nays)
• Moved rezoning request and final plat to next meeting (unanimous)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a regular session on March 2, 2026, addressing a consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable, tax roll changes, and a cereal malt beverage license. New business items include a road vacation petition, youth services and community corrections budgets for FY27, noxious weed reports and agreements, a video surveillance policy, election equipment replacement, and a resolution declaring a wildland fire emergency. Two executive sessions are scheduled for attorney-client discussions.

• Road Vacation Petition by Eduardo Hernandez
• 25th Judicial District Youth Services FY27 Comprehensive Plan and Budget
• Video Surveillance & Camera Monitoring Policy
• Election Equipment Replacement Purchase
• Resolution 08-2026: Tennis Road Wildland Fire Emergency Declaration

The Finney County Commission approved the consent agenda, which included $1,918,715.24 in accounts payable, tax roll changes, and a cereal malt beverage license. It declined a road vacation petition, approved FY27 plans for Youth Services and Community Corrections, adopted the 2025 Noxious Weed Annual Report, the 2026 Noxious Weed Management Plan, and a KDOT noxious‑weed agreement, authorized a $348,915 election‑equipment purchase, and adopted Resolution 08‑2026 declaring a Tennis Road wildland fire emergency.

• Approved $1,918,715.24 accounts payable and tax roll changes (5‑0)
• Declined road vacation petition as legally insufficient (5‑0)
• Approved 25th Judicial District Youth Services FY27 plan (5‑0)
• Approved 25th Judicial District Community Corrections FY27 plan (5‑0)
• Approved 2025 Noxious Weed Annual Report (5‑0)
• Approved 2026 Noxious Weed Management Plan (5‑0)
• Approved $348,915 election equipment purchase (4‑1)
• Approved Resolution 08‑2026: Tennis Road Wildland Fire Emergency Declaration (5‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will vote on several resolutions including zoning amendments, bond issuance, and year-end transfers. The board also plans to appoint members to advisory committees and allocate funds for the Northwest Industrial Road Improvement Project. Public comment is invited before action on business items.

• Resolution 07-2026: amendment to zoning regulations to allow special use permits for certain land uses in addition to conditional use permits
• Resolution 03-2026: issuance of General Obligation Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2025-A
• Fund allocation for the Northwest Industrial Road Improvement Project
• Appointments to Sales Tax Oversight Committee and Judicial Nominating Commission
• Year-end transfers for Road and Bridge, Special Highway, Equipment, and Noxious Weed funds

The commission unanimously approved a series of year‑end fund transfers, appointed new members to oversight boards, and adopted amendments to the county zoning regulations, including a new special‑use permit form. It also authorized up to $425,000 from the Economic Development Incentive Fund and certified the 2025 county inventory.

• Approved consent agenda including $916,426.91 accounts payable (5-0)
• Appointed Duane Drees to the Sales Tax Oversight Board (5-0)
• Reappointed Walker H. Frey to the Judicial Nominating Commission (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 04-2026 transferring Road and Bridge Fund monies to Special Highway Fund (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 05-2026 transferring Road and Bridge Fund monies to Special Equipment Fund (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 06-2026 transferring Noxious Weed Fund monies to Noxious Weed Capital Outlay Fund (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 07-2026 amending zoning regulations (Article 36) (5-0)
• Approved Special Use Permit Application Form under Article 36 (5-0)

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission is holding a work session to discuss the formation of a rural water district. The session includes the Kansas Rural Water Association.

• Discussion regarding the formation of a rural water district

The Finney County Commission held a work session to discuss steps for creating a rural water district. No formal actions or approvals were taken on the district proposal. The session was adjourned by a motion that carried unanimously.

• Adjourned work session (motion by Mike Utz, seconded by Kevin Bascue, vote 5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will discuss an amendment to the HMN Architects contract for the law enforcement center remodel. They will also select a civil engineering and survey firm for the Finney County Detention Center and consider a task order for a US‑83/50/400 bypass study. Additional items include appointments to the Finney County Fair Board and an insurance roof claim and repair/replacement plan.

• Amendment to HMN Architects Contract – Law Enforcement Center Remodel
• Selection of Civil Engineering and Survey Firm – Finney County Detention Center
• Wilson & Company Inc. Task Order for US-83/50/400 Bypass Study
• Appointments – Finney County Fair Board
• Insurance Roof Claim and Repair/Replacement Plan

The Board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, $2.66 M in accounts payable and tax roll changes. It also approved a $1,859,315.45 insurance claim reconciliation and repair/replacement plan for 11 county buildings, with up to $498,253.01 potentially recoverable from Travelers. Additional actions included appointing two Fair Board members and approving contracts for the Law Enforcement Center remodel, Detention Center engineering services, and a Wilson & Company task order.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $2,660,181.60 accounts payable, tax roll changes) (4-0)
• Approved insurance claim reconciliation and repair/replacement plan for 11 county buildings, $1,859,315.45 (potential $498,253.01 from Travelers) (4-0)
• Appointed Sarah Bartel and Lindsay Clark to Finney County Fair Board (3‑year terms) (4-0)
• Approved amendment to HMN Architects contract for Law Enforcement Center remodel (4-0)
• Approved selection of Kaw Valley Engineering, Inc. for Detention Center civil engineering and survey services (4-0)
• Authorized Wilson & Company task order for $47,826, with $23,913 from general fund if needed (4-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will vote on routine items such as approving the May 16, 2022 minutes and a $951,603.06 accounts payable package that covers two payroll periods and recent invoices. It will also consider several land development proposals, including parcel plats for the Husband Addition and River Valley Subdivision, and a rezoning request for a property at 3885 N. Big Lowe Rd. An interlocal agreement for sewer services to a commercial development will be discussed as well.

• Approve accounts payable totaling $951,603.06 (payroll $138,124.56 and $119,076.05; invoices $621,188.73; out‑of‑cycle $73,213.72)
• Approve parcel plat for Husband Addition at 11565 E. Plymell Rd. (lots of ~45.60, 5.04, and 40.34 acres)
• Approve parcel plat for River Valley Subdivision at 1503 N. IBP Rd. (163.97‑acre site for grain elevator and rail terminal)
• Consider rezoning of property at 3885 N. Big Lowe Rd.
• Discuss interlocal agreement to provide sewage treatment for a commercial development

The commission approved its consent agenda, including $951,603.06 in accounts payable. It approved three parcel plats and two rezoning actions, while rejecting a rezoning of 3885 N. Big Lowe Rd. It also approved an interlocal agreement for sewer services, an inmate medical services contract, and renamed the juvenile detention center to the J. Russell Jennings Correctional Complex.

• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved Husband Addition parcel plat (5-0)
• Approved River Valley Subdivision parcel plat (4-0)
• Approved H & L Subdivision parcel plat (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of property north of TV Rd. to Rural Residential (5-0)
• Rejected rezoning of 3885 N. Big Lowe Rd. to Rural Residential (1-4)
• Approved interlocal sewer services agreement with Garden City (5-0)
• Approved inmate medical services contract with Advance Correctional Healthcare (5-0)

County Commission Special Session

The County Commission is discussing a proposal from USDA APHIS Wildlife Services to manage bird populations. The program aims to reduce economic loss for dairies and granaries and address health and safety concerns in Garden City.

• Proposal for an Integrated Wildlife Management Program to address blackbirds, crows, doves, and pigeons
• Option to create a locally stationed Biological Science Technician position with a total cost of $89,471.05
• Alternative options for ad hoc services or virtual technical assistance
• Report on bird-related damage to landscaping, electrical substations, and commercial businesses

The commission discussed the Finney County nuisance bird mitigation report and USDA Wildlife Services proposal. The chair’s memorandum recommended no action, and the commission adopted that recommendation. No vote tally was recorded.

• No action taken on nuisance bird mitigation (no vote recorded)

County Commission Work Session

The County Commission is holding a work session to review and modify the goals presented in the Finney County Governance Model. No formal action is required at this meeting.

• Review of Governance Model goals (Adopted 2019 and Draft 2022)
• Discussion of immediate priorities including Farmland Road completion and Southwind sewer and water improvements
• Review of intermediate goals such as Parallel Road (West of 83 Highway) and Jennie Barker Road urbanization
• Discussion of long-term goals including convention center facilities and regional water conservation

The Finney County Board of Commissioners examined the 2019 Governance Model and recorded suggested edits for further consideration. The Board also began reviewing the model's Priorities but did not finish the review. By consensus the commissioners agreed to schedule another session to continue the review. No formal action or vote was taken.

• Reviewed 2019 Governance Model (no action required)
• Documented suggested edits to Mission, Vision, Values, Goals, and Priorities (no vote)
• Continued review of Priorities; review not completed (no action)
• Agreed by consensus to schedule a future session to finish the review

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will vote on several items, including approval of the June 20 meeting minutes and accounts payable totaling $873,089.47. Commissioners will consider a local emergency declaration for the June 13 wildland fire and a waiver request for 2103 W. Maple St. under Section 22.080. The primary agenda item is the Developer Agreement for the Country Acres Addition – Phase One, which includes a $6,800 land‑reservation payment and a 3% administration fee based on estimated public‑improvement costs.

• Approve meeting minutes from the 05/16/2022 sessions.
• Approve accounts payable of $873,089.47 (payroll and invoices).
• Authorize Chair to sign Resolution 32‑2022 declaring a local emergency for the June 13 wildland fire.
• Approve the Developer Agreement for Country Acres Addition – Phase One (includes $6,800 land‑reservation fee and 3% admin fee).
• Consider waiver request for 2103 W. Maple St. under Section 22.080.

The commission approved its consent agenda, which included minutes, $873,089.47 in accounts payable, a local emergency declaration, and a development agreement. It adopted resolutions to display a Kansas House resolution, establish a surplus‑property policy, and grant a waiver for 2103 W. Maple St. The 2023 budgets for five departments were taken under advisement.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $873,089.47 accounts payable, Resolution 32‑2022, Country Acres Agreement) – unanimous (4‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 30‑2022 to display Kansas House Resolution No. 6026 in the J. Russell Jennings Correctional Complex – unanimous (4‑0)
• Granted waiver for 2103 W. Maple St., waiving RDMH standards requirement – unanimous (4‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 31‑2022 establishing surplus‑property disposition policy – unanimous (4‑0)
• Took 2023 budgets for Sheriff, Road & Bridge, Health, EMS, and County Attorney under advisement – unanimous (4‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will decide on a rezoning request for 3112 W. Kathryn Dr., changing it from General Commercial to Rural Residential to allow residential use and an accessory structure. The commission will also discuss a developer agreement with Western Kansas Corridor, LLC, a nuisance bird mitigation proposal, a pay scale and wage adjustment proposal, and the 2023 budget. Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,163,654.30 is on the consent agenda.

• Rezoning of 3112 W. Kathryn Dr. from 'G-C' to 'R-R' Rural Residential District (Resolution 33-2022)
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,163,654.30 including payroll of $145,671.10
• Developer Agreement with Western Kansas Corridor, LLC
• Proposal: Nuisance Bird Mitigation
• Discussion: Pay Scale and Wage Adjustment Proposal and 2023 Finney County Budget

The commission approved its consent agenda, including $1.16 M in accounts payable. It adopted a rezoning for 3112 W Kathryn Dr., approved a developer agreement with Western Kansas Corridor, LLC, and accepted KWORCC workers' compensation bylaws. The board also approved revised employee wage scales effective Oct 1 2022, while rejecting a third‑party image study. No action was taken on the nuisance‑bird mitigation proposal.

• Approved consent agenda and $1,163,654.30 accounts payable (5-0)
• Adopted rezoning of 3112 W Kathryn Dr. to Rural Residential (5-0)
• Approved developer agreement with Western Kansas Corridor, LLC (5-0)
• Accepted KWORCC workers' compensation bylaws (5-0)
• Approved revised employee wage scales effective Oct 1, 2022 (5-0)
• Rejected third‑party county image study (2-2)
• No action taken on nuisance bird mitigation proposal (0-0)

County Commission Special Session

The Board of County Commissioners will continue discussions regarding the 2023 Finney County Budget. Sewer District Budgets may also be presented during the session.

• Discussion of 2023 Finney County Budget
• Potential presentation of Sewer District Budgets

Commissioners voted 4-1 to direct the County Administrator to reduce the County Attorney's budget by about 1 mill ($500,000) and to keep the overall mill levy at or below 50 mills. A separate motion to amend that directive failed because it did not receive a second.

• Motion to reduce County Attorney's budget by $500,000 carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; nays: B. Kreutzer)
• Motion to amend the budget reduction directive died for lack of a second

County Commission Regular Session

The Board will vote to approve the July 2022 accounts payable, covering payroll of $124,791.49 and invoices totaling $741,382.26, for a combined amount of $866,814.45. It will also adopt the minutes from the July 5 regular and July 11 special sessions, sign a notice of support for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, and consider a final plat for the Western Kansas Corridor First Addition and a security waiver for the county fair.

• Approve accounts payable of $866,814.45 (payroll $124,791.49, invoices $741,382.26, $640.70 out‑of‑cycle)
• Approve minutes from the 07/05/2022 regular session and 07/11/2022 special session
• Sign notice of support for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center
• Consider Final Plat FC2021-63 for Western Kansas Corridor First Addition (~23.7 acres at the northeast corner of US Hwy 83 & US Hwy 50, rezoned to General Commercial District)
• Approve security waiver to allow 3‑4 on‑site security personnel for the Finney County Fair instead of the required 8‑10

The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included $866,814.45 in accounts payable. It also approved the final plats for the Western Kansas Corridor First and Second Additions, accepted the terms of an indigent‑defense contract, and adopted a $798,180.64 chip‑sealing bid while moving $75,000 from the Special Highway Fund. A security‑personnel waiver for the 2022 County Fair and several 2023 budget publication and hearing dates were also approved.

• Approved consent agenda, including $866,814.45 accounts payable (5‑0)
• Approved Western Kansas Corridor First Addition final plat (5‑0)
• Approved Western Kansas Corridor Second Addition final plat (5‑0)
• Accepted terms of Indigent Defense Contract proposal (5‑0)
• Approved B&H Paving chip‑sealing bid $798,180.64 and $75,000 transfer (5‑0)
• Approved security waiver to allow four on‑site personnel at County Fair (5‑0)
• Authorized publication and hearing dates for 2023 budget and sewer districts (5‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of accounts payable totaling $721,910.24, covering payroll of $137,077.21 and out‑of‑cycle invoices of $584,833.03. The body will also consider a waiver request for 11815 N. Mennonite Rd. under Section 1.090. Additional items include an Animal Shelter Service Agreement, a Western Kansas Corridor Developer Agreement, and review of the GPDI Semi‑Annual Community Development Block Grant report with authorization for the chair to sign.

• Approve accounts payable of $721,910.24 (payroll $137,077.21 + invoices $584,833.03)
• Waiver request for 11815 N. Mennonite Rd. (Section 1.090)
• Animal Shelter Service Agreement
• Western Kansas Corridor Developer Agreement
• Review and authorize signing of GPDI Semi‑Annual CDBG report

The Finney County Commission adopted Resolution 35-2022 authorizing a tax sale. It also approved the consent agenda covering $721,910.24 in accounts payable and the GPDI semi‑annual report. Additional actions included granting a zoning waiver for 11815 N. Mennonite Rd., approving a $90,000‑per‑year animal shelter services agreement, and ratifying a developer agreement for the Western Kansas Corridor.

• Approved consent agenda (accounts payable $721,910.24 & GPDI report) – 5‑0
• Granted Section 1.090 waiver for 11815 N. Mennonite Rd. – 4‑0
• Approved Animal Shelter Services Agreement (funding $90,000 annually) – 5‑0
• Approved Western Kansas Corridor Developer Agreement – 5‑0
• Adopted Resolution 35‑2022 authorizing tax sale – 5‑0

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will canvass the August 2, 2022 primary election, including provisional ballots and certification of final results. Public hearings will be held to adopt 2023 budgets for Sewer District No. 1 ($241,150) and Sewer District No. 2 ($65,040). The board will also consider two rezoning requests and authorize a chip seal contract with B&H Paving.

• Canvass and certification of 2022 primary election results
• Public hearing to adopt Sewer District No. 1 2023 budget totaling $241,150
• Public hearing to adopt Sewer District No. 2 2023 budget totaling $65,040
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $885,845.86 including payroll
• Rezoning for property at 11815 Mennonite Rd and 2906 W Mary St

The Board approved its consent agenda, which included minutes, $885,845.86 in accounts payable and authorization for a chip seal contract. Commissioners certified the 2022 Primary Election results and voted on numerous provisional ballot groups, accepting some and rejecting others. The Board also adopted the 2023 budgets for Eastside Sewer District No 1 ($241,150) and Sewer District No 2 ($65,040), appointed Darlene Lucas to the County Committee on Aging, and adopted rezoning resolutions for two properties.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $885,845.86 accounts payable, chip seal contract) (5-0)
• Certified 2022 Primary Election results as official (5-0)
• Accepted provisional ballots C001‑C012, C100‑C180, C181‑C188, C189‑C206, C210‑C220, C221, C228 (5-0)
• Rejected provisional ballots C013‑C063, C064‑C089, C207‑C209, C226‑C227 (5-0)
• Adopted Eastside Sewer District No 1 2023 budget $241,150 (5-0)
• Adopted Sewer District No 2 2023 budget $65,040 (5-0)
• Appointed Darlene Lucas to Finney County Committee on Aging board (5-0)
• Adopted rezoning resolutions for 11815 Mennonite Rd. and 2906 W. Mary St. (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission is meeting to conduct public hearings for the 2023 county budget and the Sewer District #3 budget. The body will also consider several rezoning requests and the approval of over $1.7 million in accounts payable.

• Public hearing for Sewer District #3 with a proposed 2023 budget of $110,925
• Public hearing for the Finney County 2023 Budget
• Approval of total Accounts Payable in the amount of $1,730,810.13
• Rezoning requests for 12101 E. Wiebe Rd. and 9250 N. US HWY 83
• FY23 Carryover Budgets for 25th Judicial District Community Corrections ($278,597.67) and Youth Services ($73,520.99)

The Finney County Commission approved its consent agenda, including $1,730,810.13 in accounts payable. Commissioners adopted tax levies that exceed the revenue‑neutral rates for Sewer District No. 3 (5.961 %) and for the County (44.255 %). The 2023 County budget of $51,910,915 and the Sewer District No. 3 budget of $110,925 were adopted. Additional actions included rezoning two parcels, renewing the Flexible Spending Plan, and approving a high‑risk rural road agreement.

• Approved consent agenda with $1,730,810.13 accounts payable (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 40‑2022 to levy Sewer District No. 3 property tax rate of 5.961 % (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 39‑2022 to levy County property tax rate of 44.255 % (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted 2023 Finney County budget with expenditures of $51,910,915 (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted 2023 Sewer District No. 3 budget with expenditures of $110,925 (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted rezoning of 12101 E. Wiebe Rd. from Agricultural to Rural Residential (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted rezoning of 9250 N. US HWY 83 from Agricultural to Rural Residential (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 38‑2022 to renew the Flexible Spending Plan per IRS guidelines (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission held a work session to discuss financial and operational topics including the revenue neutral rate, property valuations, and transportation planning. The meeting also covered water, workforce, and legislative policy issues.

• Revenue neutral rate experience discussion
• Property valuations review
• Transportation planning discussion
• Water and workforce topics
• Legislative policy discussion

County Commission Regular Session

The Commission is reviewing a request from the City of Holcomb to support a Rural Housing Incentive District and reauthorize a Neighborhood Revitalization Program. The body is also considering board appointments and sewer district delinquent accounts.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $804,994.44
• Proposed Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) and Neighborhood Revitalization Program for the City of Holcomb
• Certification of Sewer District #1 delinquent accounts to be placed on the tax roll
• Appointments to the Finney County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board
• SD#3 Inspecting, Cleaning & Televising contract and agreement

The Commission approved $804,994.44 of accounts payable, including payroll and invoices. It also approved the Indigent Defense Services agreement, authorized a sewer district cleaning contract, appointed two Convention & Visitors Bureau board members, and designated voting delegates for two associations. The Holcomb Neighborhood Revitalization program was tabled pending legal review.

• Approved $804,994.44 accounts payable (payroll and invoices) (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved Indigent Defense Services agreement and authorized Chair to sign (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Authorized Chair to sign SD#3 inspection, cleaning & televising contract with Hydro‑Klean (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Appointed Steve O'Brate and Neil Kappidia to CVB board to fill unexpired terms (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Tabled Holcomb Neighborhood Revitalization Program and Interlocal Agreement pending legal review (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Appointed Chairman Lon Pishny as KAC voting delegate and designated alternate Maria Castillo (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Appointed County Clerk Dori Munyan as KWORCC voting delegate (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Designated Carole Geier and Sheri Nelson to observe ballot destruction (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission is discussing the establishment of a fund for opioid settlement money and a governance model for the county. The body is also reviewing housing incentive programs for the City of Holcomb and 2023 employee benefits and pay scales.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $431,356.70
• Resolution 43-2022 to establish a fund for Opioid Settlement Funds
• Proposed Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) and Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) for the City of Holcomb
• Review of 2023 Employee Benefits and Pay Scale Adjustments
• Approval of 2023 County Holidays

The board approved its consent agenda, including $431,356.70 in accounts payable. It adopted an interlocal agreement for Holcomb's Neighborhood Revitalization program and approved several employee benefit renewals. The commission also authorized pay‑scale adjustments, the 2023 holiday schedule, and a resolution establishing a fund for opioid settlement monies.

• Approved consent agenda and $431,356.70 accounts payable (5-0)
• Approved Holcomb Neighborhood Revitalization interlocal agreement (5-0)
• Accepted Blue Cross Blue Shield 2023 medical and dental renewal (4-1)
• Accepted VSP Vision 2023 renewal (5-0)
• Approved switch to Optum Employee Assistance Program (5-0)
• Authorized pay‑scale adjustments (5-0)
• Approved 2023 county holiday schedule (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 43-2022 establishing opioid settlement fund (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider a resolution to establish a public hearing on November 21, 2022, for a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) at Randall Estates, a proposed 16-lot single-family subdivision at 9250 N. US HWY 83. The board will also vote on a $574,463.81 accounts payable list, a 2023 service agreement with Russell Child Development Center for infant-toddler services, and a proclamation declaring October as National 4-H Month.

• Resolution 44-2022 to set a public hearing on Nov. 21 for the Randall Estates RHID (16 lots, 2.24–6.42 acres each)
• Approval of Accounts Payable totaling $574,463.81
• 2023 Agreement for Services with Russell Child Development Center (Infant-Toddler Network funding)
• Proclamation declaring October 2022 as National 4-H Month
• 4-H presentation by youth members Aaron Morales and Hailey Unruh

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the 10/03 session, accounts payable invoices totaling $574,463.81, and authorized the Chair to sign the 2023 service agreement with Russell Child Development Center. They also proclaimed October 2022 as National 4-H Month and adopted Resolution 44-2022 to set a public hearing date for the Randall Estates Rural Housing Incentive District. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved minutes from 10/03 regular session (ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Dave Jones, Larry Jones)
• Approved accounts payable invoices of 10/17/2022 totaling $574,463.81 (ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Dave Jones, Larry Jones)
• Authorized Chair to sign 2023 agreement with Russell Child Development Center (ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Dave Jones, Larry Jones)
• Proclaimed October 2022 as National 4-H Month (ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Dave Jones, Larry Jones)
• Adopted Resolution 44-2022 to set public hearing for Randall Estates RHID (ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Dave Jones, Larry Jones)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will vote on Resolution 45-2022 to continue a state of local emergency declared on October 23, 2022, due to a wildland fire. The consent agenda includes approval of $1,502,179.84 in accounts payable, a $97,500 contract for developmental disability services, a corrected youth services budget, and a cereal malt beverage license. Public comment and executive sessions on personnel are also scheduled.

• Resolution 45-2022 to continue wildland fire emergency declaration
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,502,179.84
• 2023 Agreement for Services with Southwest Developmental Services, Inc. for $97,500
• Corrected FY23 Carryover Reimbursement Budget for 25th Judicial District Youth Services ($82,020.99)
• Cereal Malt Beverage License for TA Travel Center

The Finney County Commission approved the minutes from the October 17 meeting and authorized $1,502,179.84 in accounts payable. It adopted an emergency declaration for the October 23 wildland fire, approved a $14,577.50 pavement‑marking contract, and cancelled a $5,000 patch‑truck order. The board also certified the 2023 Conservation District budget and authorized the Southwest Developmental Services agreement.

• Approved minutes from 10/17 Regular Session (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Approved Accounts Payable totaling $1,502,179.84 (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Adopted Resolution 45-2022 Emergency Declaration (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Approved low bid for 2022 Pavement Marking contract $14,577.50 to Straight-Line Striping (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Cancelled entire Patch Truck order, waiving $5,000 fee (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Certified 2023 Finney County Conservation District budget allocation (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Authorized Chair to sign 2023 Agreement for Services with Southwest Developmental Services (5 ayes, motion carried)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a public hearing on adopting a Development Plan and creating a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) for Randall Estates at 9250 N. US Hwy 83. If approved, the county may reimburse the developer up to $684,000 in property‑tax increments over fifteen years. The meeting also includes routine approvals of accounts payable totaling $907,425.59 and canvassing the 2022 General Election results.

• Public hearing to adopt Development Plan and establish RHID for Randall Estates
• Approval of Accounts Payable: payroll $134,476.33, invoices $717,399.10, out‑of‑cycle $55,550.16 (total $907,425.59)
• 2022 General Election canvass and certification
• Presentation of 2022 Cutting Edges and Sign Post bids

The commission approved the consent agenda authorizing $907,425.59 in accounts payable. Commissioners appointed Trista Joyce to the Board of County Canvassers and adopted the development agreement, created a Rural Housing Incentive District, and approved the parcel plat for Randall Estates. The board also accepted two road‑related bids and certified the final results of the November 2022 General Election.

• Approved consent agenda for $907,425.59 accounts payable (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones)
• Appointed Trista Joyce to fill vacancy on Board of County Canvassers (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones)
• Approved Development Agreement for Randall Estates (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones)
• Adopted Resolution 46-2022 creating Rural Housing Incentive District at Randall Estates (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones)
• Approved parcel plat for Randall Estates (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones)
• Accepted cutting‑edges bid from Welborn Sales, Inc. for $41,636.00 (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones)
• Accepted signpost bid from National Sign Company for $15,768.00 (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones)
• Certified 2022 General Election results as presented (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider approving a development agreement for public improvements for the Western Kansas Corridor Phase II, the final phase of the corridor. The commission will also vote on a parcel plat for the Mai Addition (three lots near W. Kansas Ave and VFW Rd), a letter of support for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center grant application, and approval of accounts payable totaling $519,793.95. Additionally, the commission will consider a resolution to continue the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program for 2023 and a budget amendment for Sewer District 3.

• Development Agreement for Western Kansas Corridor Phase II public improvements (TIF district)
• FC2022-64 Parcel Plat, Mai Addition (three lots, 23.45 acres, General Commercial zoning)
• Accounts payable approval totaling $519,793.95 ($144,574.22 payroll, $374,919.73 invoices, $300 out-of-cycle)
• Letter of support for Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center grant application
• Resolution 48-2022 continuing Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program for 2023

The commission approved its consent agenda, including minutes, $519,793.95 in accounts payable, and a letter of support for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center. It also approved the Parcel Plat for the Mai Addition, the Phase II developer agreement with Western Kansas Corridor (3‑1), and Resolution 48‑2022 to join the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program. A public hearing was scheduled for the Sewer District #3 budget amendment.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $519,793.95 accounts payable, letter support) (4‑0)
• Approved Parcel Plat for Mai Addition (4‑0)
• Approved Phase II developer agreement with Western Kansas Corridor (3‑1)
• Approved Resolution 48‑2022 for Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program (4‑0)
• Set public hearing for Sewer District #3 budget amendment (4‑0)
• Recessed into 30‑minute Executive Session at 9:35 a.m. (4‑0)
• Recessed into 30‑minute Executive Session at 10:45 a.m. (4‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a public hearing on an amended budget for Sewer District No. 3, increasing debt service fund expenditures from $45,163 to $77,000 after refinancing saved approximately $150,000. The consent agenda includes approval of accounts payable totaling $1,032,113.77 and issuance of 2023 cereal malt beverage licenses. Several board appointments are also up for decision.

• Public hearing on Sewer District No. 3 2022 budget amendment with total expenditures of $77,000
• Approval of accounts payable bills totaling $1,032,113.77
• Issuance of 2023 cereal malt beverage licenses to six entities (TA Travel Center, City of Garden City Buffalo Dunes, Guru Shakti Inc., J Mart #1, Ranchos Los Aldana, RJs RV Park)
• Appointments to Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Finney County Committee on Aging
• Consideration of HGACBuy purchasing contract and annual review of Finney County Solid Waste Management Plan

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included prior minutes, $1,032,113.77 in accounts payable, and 2023 cereal malt beverage licenses. It adopted the Sewer District #3 budget, authorized a purchase‑policy waiver for culvert pipe, approved several board appointments, adopted the 2023 solid‑waste plan, and authorized $3.5 M of ARPA funds for sewer district repairs and engineering services.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $1,032,113.77 accounts payable, beverage licenses) – motion carried
• Approved purchase‑policy waiver for culvert pipe – motion carried
• Adopted Sewer District #3 2022 budget ($77,000) – motion carried
• Appointed Jennifer Mongeau and Rick Van Meter to Committee on Aging Board – motion carried
• Appointed Lance Rupp to Planning Commission – motion carried
• Appointed Butch Leiker and Vicki Germann to Board of Zoning Appeals – motion carried
• Approved 2023 Solid Waste Management Plan – motion carried
• Authorized $3,500,000 ARPA funding for sewer district repairs and maintenance – motion carried

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider three rezoning requests for properties at 1606 Lincoln Rd., 11545 E. Plymell Rd., and VFW Rd. & Lincoln Rd., all recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. The commission will also approve accounts payable totaling $1,810,964.41 and discuss 2022 year-end budget adjustments.

• Rezoning of 1606 Lincoln Rd. from General Commercial to Rural Residential (Resolution 01-2023)
• Rezoning of 11545 E. Plymell Rd. from unknown to unknown (Resolution 02-2023)
• Rezoning of VFW Rd. and Lincoln Rd. from unknown to unknown (Resolution 03-2023)
• Approval of accounts payable including payrolls and invoices totaling $1,810,964.41
• Discussion of 2022 year-end budget adjustments

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included $1,810,964.41 in accounts payable. It adopted three rezoning resolutions for properties at 1606 Lincoln Rd, 11545 E. Plymell Rd, and the VFW Rd & Lincoln Rd intersection. The 2022 year‑end budget adjustments were also approved.

• Approved consent agenda with $1,810,964.41 accounts payable (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 01-2023 rezoning 1606 Lincoln Rd (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 02-2023 rezoning 11545 E. Plymell Rd (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 03-2023 rezoning VFW Rd & Lincoln Rd (5-0)
• Approved 2022 year‑end budget adjustments (5-0)
• Recessed into 30‑minute executive session at 10:00 a.m. for personnel matters (5-0)
• Recessed into 30‑minute executive session at 10:30 a.m. for personnel matters (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will meet to handle administrative appointments, year-end financial transfers, and the establishment of a sales tax fund. The body is also asked to set a public hearing date for a land attachment petition regarding Rural Water District No. 1.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,256,691.76
• Appointment of Whitney Savolt as Terry Township Clerk
• Proposed appointment of Vicki Germann to the Planning Commission
• Establishment of a Sales Tax Fund via Resolution 08-2023
• Public hearing request for Garden City Co-op Inc. to attach 164.97 acres to Rural Water District No. 1

The board approved several year‑end fund transfers, moving $300,000 to the Special Highway Fund, $800,000 to the Special Equipment Fund, and $30,000 to the Noxious Weed Capital Outlay Fund. It also appointed Whitney Sa volt as Terry Township Clerk, set a public hearing on a water‑district land attachment, and confirmed Vicki Germann on the Planning Commission. Additional actions included naming Gerry Schultz as Commission Chair, designating the Garden City Telegram as the official newspaper, and authorizing the hiring of a county counselor.

• Approved $800,000 transfer from Road and Bridge Fund to Special Equipment Fund (ayes: G. Schultz, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved $300,000 transfer from Road and Bridge Fund to Special Highway Fund (ayes: G. Schultz, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved $30,000 transfer from Noxious Weed Fund to Noxious Weed Capital Outlay Fund (ayes: G. Schultz, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Appointed Whitney Sa volt as Clerk for Terry Township (ayes: G. Schultz, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Set public hearing for Feb 6 on Finney County Rural Water District No. 1 land attachment (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; abstain: G. Schultz)
• Confirmed Vicki Germann as at‑large member of the Planning Commission (ayes: G. Schultz, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Elected Gerry Schultz as Commission Chair for 2023 (ayes: G. Schultz, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Designated Garden City Telegram as official newspaper for Finney County (ayes: G. Schultz, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Work Session

The County Commission will hear operational overviews from department heads. Commissioners will also discuss and review the Finney County Governance Model, including the county's goals and priorities.

• Department head operational overviews
• Review of Finney County Governance Model goals and priorities

The work session was called to order by Chairman Gerry Schultz at 10:45 a.m. on Jan 17 2023, with Commissioners Lon Pishny, Larry Jones, Dave Jones, and Duane Drees in attendance along with County Clerk Dori J. Munyan, Administrator Robert Reece, and various department heads. Each department head gave an overview of operations, and the commissioners discussed the Finney County Governance Model with the administrator. The session was adjourned with no items voted on or formally approved.

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will consider a parcel plat for the Espino Addition and a petition for Rural Water District No. 1. The body will also review a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a facility and venues audit and assessment.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $788,906.75
• Public hearing for FC2023-2 Parcel Plat - Espino Addition
• Review of Facility/Venues Audit & Assessment RFP
• Finney County Rural Water District No. 1 Petition
• HGACBuy Purchasing Contract

The commission approved the petition to attach roughly 165 acres of land in Section 2, Township 24 S, Range 34 W to Finney County Rural Water District No. 1. The motion passed unanimously with Commissioners D. Drees, D. Jones and L. Pishny voting aye. In the same session the board also approved a $35,000 facility/venue audit, appointed County Counselor Kara Schartz, and authorized $788,906.75 in accounts payable.

• Approved accounts payable $788,906.75 (5-0)
• Approved parcel plat for Espino Addition at 900 W. Maple St. (5-0)
• Approved water district land attachment (~165 acres) (3-0)
• Approved Facility/Venue Audit up to $35,000 (3-2)
• Tabled HGACBuy purchasing contract until March 6 (5-0)
• Appointed County Counselor Kara Schartz (5-0)
• Authorized signing CDBG/RLF Semi‑Annual Report (5-0)
• Approved mileage and lodging for Commissioner Lon Pishny to attend Capitol Day (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will approve the minutes from the February 6, 2023 regular session and authorize payment of $1,227,292.96 in accounts payable, covering payroll, recent invoices and out‑of‑cycle invoices. The meeting also includes updates on health insurance, economic development, a quarterly grant budget amendment, and several public‑works bids such as a plasma cutter and herbicide contracts. Public comment and an executive session for attorney‑client matters are scheduled before adjournment.

• Approve minutes from the 02/06/2023 regular session
• Approve accounts payable totaling $1,227,292.96 (payroll $135,923.81, invoices $946,347.71, out‑of‑cycle $145,021.44)
• Quarterly Grant Budget Amendment Report and signatory approval
• Plasma cutter bid (public works) – $50.00
• Herbicide bid for Noxious Weeds program

The Finney County Commission approved a consent agenda that included $1,227,292.96 in accounts payable. It also adopted a budget amendment to enhance employee salaries and approved several procurement items, including a plasma cutter bid and multiple Noxious Weed contracts. Additionally, the board authorized filing a petition with the Kansas Supreme Court and retained counsel for ongoing litigation.

• Approved consent agenda with Accounts Payable of $1,227,292.96 (3-0)
• Approved budget amendment for employee salary enhancements (3-0)
• Accepted plasma cutter bid from Airgas USA, LLC for $6,711.09 (3-0)
• Approved and signed 2023 Noxious Weeds Management Plan (3-0)
• Approved and signed Noxious Weed KDOT Agreement (3-0)
• Approved all 2023 Herbicide Bids (3-0)
• Approved 2022 Noxious Weed Annual Report (3-0)
• Filed petition for review with Kansas Supreme Court and retained Attorney Linda Lobmeyer (3-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a regular session on March 6, 2023, to consider a consent agenda including approval of accounts payable totaling $593,971.28 and tax roll changes. Business items include a rezoning request for properties at 4420, 4430, and 4440 S. Old HWY 83 (Resolution 09-2023), a parcel plat for the Kalvesta Implement Company Subdivision, and discussion of the annual spring clean-up and crack sealing bid. The board will also discuss upcoming meetings, goals, and priorities.

• Rezoning for 4420, 4430, and 4440 S. Old HWY 83 (Resolution 09-2023)
• Parcel plat for Kalvesta Implement Company Subdivision (FC2022-61)
• Accounts payable approval of $593,971.28 (payroll, invoices, out-of-cycle)
• Annual Spring Clean-up program discussion
• 2023 Crack Sealing Bid award

The Finney County Commission adopted its consent agenda, approving accounts payable of $593,971.28, tax‑roll changes, parks grants and inventory. It rezoned the property at 4420‑4440 S. Old HWY 83 and approved a subdivision plat for Kalvesta Implement Company. Additional actions included a waste‑fee waiver for spring clean‑up, a $106,650 crack‑sealing contract, a $250 rezoning‑application fee, and hiring a law firm for the 2023 tax sale.

• Approved consent agenda items (accounts payable $593,971.28, minutes, tax roll changes, parks grants, inventory) – motion carried
• Approved rezoning (Resolution 09‑2023) for 4420, 4430, 4440 S. Old HWY 83 – motion carried
• Approved Kalvesta Implement Company Subdivision parcel plat – motion carried
• Approved waiver of $2.00 per ton waste fee for spring clean‑up – motion carried
• Accepted 2023 crack‑sealing bid from B & H Paving for $106,650.00 – motion carried
• Approved payment of $250 fee for rezoning application at 2505 N. 8th St. – motion carried
• Engaged Hope, Mills & Collins firm to assist County Counselor in prosecuting the 2023 Tax Sale – motion carried
• Recessed into a 15‑minute executive session to discuss non‑elected personnel matters – motion carried

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hear updates on economic development, the lesser prairie-chicken lawsuit, and board governance. They will also consider approving consent agenda items including minutes, accounts payable totaling $789,460.07, and tax roll changes. A request to sign KDHE grant applications for the health department is on the agenda.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $789,460.07 including payroll and invoices
• Update from Finney County Economic Development (FCEDC) by Lona DuVall
• Request to sign KDHE Aid To Local Grant funding applications for the Health Department
• Discussion on the lesser prairie-chicken lawsuit and board governance
• Approval of tax roll changes

The Finney County Commission approved its consent agenda, including $789,460.07 in accounts payable and the minutes from the March 6 session. Commissioners voted to cast a "Yes" vote for the KNRC Lesser Prairie‑chicken lawsuit, re‑appoint Robert Reece to the Adult Corrections Advisory Board, and adopt Resolution 10‑2023 regulating Sewer District 3 fees. They also approved and signed a KDHE grant application and authorized the health department budget signature request.

• Approved consent agenda items (5‑0)
• Approved accounts payable totaling $789,460.07 (5‑0)
• Approved minutes from 03/06/2023 session (5‑0)
• Cast Yes vote for KNRC Lesser Prairie‑chicken lawsuit (5‑0)
• Re‑appointed Robert Reece to Adult Corrections Advisory Board (5‑0)
• Approved Resolution 10‑2023 regulating Sewer District 3 charges (5‑0)
• Approved and signed KDHE grant application (5‑0)
• Approved health department budget signature request (5‑0)

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a work session to discuss the 2024 Goals and Priorities. No action is required; the item is for discussion only.

• Discussion of 2024 Goals and Priorities

Commissioners presented their individual goals and priorities for the 2024 county budget. The lists will be reviewed with department heads and elected officials at the April 3 work session. The board adopted a recommendation of no action on the matter at this meeting.

County Commission Work Session

The County Commission held a work session to review health insurance trends and strategy options for 2024. Representatives from IMA Benefit Consultants presented historical claims data and potential cost-containment measures. No formal action was required at this meeting.

• Review of 2022 pharmacy claims increase of 43% over 2021
• Analysis of Grow Well Clinic impact showing spend declines in office visits and ER
• Proposed 2024 strategy to address pharmacy costs via new TPA or PBM partners
• Preliminary TPA fee estimates from Meritain ($141,355) and UMR ($130,565)
• Preliminary Smith Rx proposal estimating $561,090 in potential savings

The work session presented IMA Benefit Consultants' 2024 health‑insurance strategy, covering historical trends, cost analyses, and option outlines. A memorandum attached to the session noted that no action is required. The commission did not adopt any measure or vote on the strategy.

• No action taken on 2024 health‑insurance strategy (no vote recorded)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission is meeting to approve accounts payable and tax roll changes. The body will also consider a grant match for fiber connectivity and a wastewater services agreement for a new development.

• Approval of $669,316.92 in accounts payable
• Approval of $400,000 pledged grant match for IdeaTek fiber connectivity
• Wastewater services agreement between City and County for Sunset Terrace Estates, Phase 1A
• Parcel plats for Jones and Mary Addition, Unit 1 and Crain Addition
• Review of bids for Fairgrounds tables and chairs and a culvert project

The commission approved multiple items, including a $400,000 match for the $8 M IdeaTek fiber connectivity grant, a wastewater services agreement for Sunset Terrace Estates Phase 1A, an ambulance demonstrator purchase for $254,104, and a $100,833 bid for fairgrounds chairs and tables, along with parcel plat approvals and a culvert contract. All motions carried with vote counts ranging from 4‑1 to unanimous 5‑0. No motions were denied or tabled.

• Approved $400,000 IdeaTek grant match (5-0)
• Approved wastewater services agreement for Sunset Terrace Estates Phase 1A (5-0)
• Approved ambulance demonstrator purchase for $254,104 (5-0)
• Approved fairgrounds chairs & tables purchase for $100,833.40 (4-1)
• Approved culvert bid from Welborn Sales, Inc. for $11,470 (5-0)
• Approved Jones and Mary Addition, Unit 1 parcel plat (5-0)
• Approved Crain Addition parcel plat (4-1)
• Approved Great Plains Development, Inc. membership fee of $4,350 (5-0)

County Commission Work Session

The Board of County Commission will meet with department heads and elected officials to discuss goals and priorities for the 2024 budget. No formal action is required for this item.

• Discussion of 2024 Budget Goals and Priorities

The Work Session on April 3, 2023 was used for department heads to present 2024 budget goals and priorities. No motions, approvals, or votes were recorded. The memorandum notes that no action is required.

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider rezoning a property at 8545 N. Chmelka Rd. from Rural Industrial (R-I) to Rural Residential (R-R) and a zoning regulation amendment on temporary and accessory uses. They will also review EMS service fee changes and a third-party billing agreement, along with FY24 grants for adult corrections and youth services. The commission will vote on accounts payable totaling $755,273.41 and other consent items.

• Rezoning FC2023-11 for property at 8545 N. Chmelka Rd. from R-I to R-R
• Amendment to Article 23 of Zoning Regulations on temporary and accessory uses (FC2023-7)
• EMS third-party billing agreement and service fee change
• Accounts payable approval of $755,273.41 including payroll and invoices
• FY24 Adult Corrections Comprehensive Grant and FY24 Youth Services Comprehensive Grant

Commission approved the rezoning of the property at 8545 N. Chmelka Rd. from Rural Industrial to Rural Residential (5-1 vote). The board also ratified the EMS third‑party billing contract, authorized EMS service fee changes, and approved FY24 adult corrections and juvenile program grants. Additionally, the consent agenda covering $755,273.41 in accounts payable and tax roll changes was adopted, and commissioners authorized the treasurer to negotiate idle‑fund investments. A motion sent the proposed amendment to Article 23 on temporary and accessory uses back to the Planning Commission for further review.

• Approved rezoning of 8545 N. Chmelka Rd. to Rural Residential (5-1)
• Ratified EMS third‑party billing agreement (5-0)
• Authorized EMS service fee changes (5-0)
• Approved FY24 Adult Corrections Comprehensive Grant (5-0)
• Approved FY24 Juvenile Plan Grant (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda including $755,273.41 accounts payable and tax roll changes (5-0)
• Authorized treasurer to negotiate idle‑fund investments (5-0)
• Returned amendment to Article 23 (temporary/accessory uses) to Planning Commission for further review (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider a recommendation from Fire Chief Jon Irsik on the 2023 fireworks season. They will also vote on accounts payable totaling $1,043,414.27, discuss a 2023 Emergency Solutions Grant from Compass, and decide on an emergency management vehicle purchase and a Hoidale contract.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,043,414.27
• Recommendation on 2023 fireworks season by Fire Chief Jon Irsik
• 2023 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) from Compass
• Emergency management vehicle purchase
• Hoidale contract with Melvin Wilson

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included $1,043,414.27 in accounts payable, the minutes from the April 17 session, and tax‑roll changes. It also approved the Emergency Solutions Grant, a $49,837.95 emergency‑vehicle purchase, a contract for new fuel pumps, and appointments to the Library Board. The EMS agreement was tabled for legal review, and the Board recessed into an executive session on pending litigation.

• Approved consent agenda including $1,043,414.27 accounts payable (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 04/17/2023 regular session (unanimous)
• Approved tax roll changes (unanimous)
• Approved Emergency Solutions Grant activities (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2021 Ford F250 for $49,837.95 (unanimous)
• Approved Hoidale contract for new fuel pumps (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Marsha Rupp and Matias Gonzalez Flores to Library Board (unanimous)
• Tabled EMS Agreement with eServices Technology for legal review

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will vote on routine items including approval of the May 1 meeting minutes and a $893,452.86 accounts payable package covering payroll, invoices and out‑of‑cycle checks. Commissioners will also consider tax roll changes, an EMS services agreement with eServices, and a request for ARPA funds to support workforce development. Additional business items include contract approvals for McCully & Associates and a memorandum with IdeaTek.

• Approve minutes from the 05/01/2023 regular session
• Approve accounts payable totaling $893,452.86 (payroll $147,833.88, invoices $695,781.03, out‑of‑cycle $49,837.95)
• Approve tax roll changes as presented
• Approve EMS agreement with eServices
• Approve ARPA funds request for workforce development

The Finney County Commission approved a $50,000 ARPA emergency fund and authorized immediate disbursement pending a memorandum of understanding. It also approved the consent agenda for $893,452.86 in accounts payable, changes to Fire Station #3, the Olfert Addition parcel plat, an EMS services agreement, a contract with McCully & Associates, the rescission of the Personnel Policy Committee, and an MOU with IdeaTek.

• Approved $50,000 ARPA funds (5-0)
• Approved accounts payable of $893,452.86 (5-0)
• Approved changes to Fire Station #3/EMS building (5-0)
• Approved Olfert Addition parcel plat at 10510 Pierceville Rd. (5-1)
• Approved EMS agreement with eServices Technology (5-0)
• Approved contract with McCully & Associates (5-0)
• Rescinded Personnel Policy Committee (5-0)
• Approved IdeaTek grant‑match MOU (5-0)

County Commission Special Session

The County Commission is meeting to discuss 2024 budget requests from several community organizations. The session includes a detailed funding request from the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

• 2024 Budget Request: Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center
• 2024 Budget Request: Finney County Economic Development
• 2024 Budget Request: City on a Hill
• 2024 Budget Request: Spirit of the Plains CASA
• 2024 Budget Request: Finney County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Compass Behavioral Health, and Finney County Fair Board

During the May 18, 2023 special session, the Finney County Commission considered budget requests from six agencies. Each request was moved and seconded, and the motions were carried, resulting in the requests being taken under advisement. Commissioner Duane Drees was absent for the vote on the Convention and Visitors Bureau request. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center request taken under advisement (motion carried)
• Finney County Economic Development request taken under advisement (motion carried)
• City on a Hill request taken under advisement (motion carried)
• Spirit of the Plains CASA request taken under advisement (motion carried)
• Finney County Convention and Visitors Bureau request taken under advisement (motion carried)
• Compass Behavioral Health request taken under advisement (motion carried)

County Commission Work Session

The commission held a work session where the Development & Administrative Coordinator presented the existing interlocal agreement with the City of Garden City and proposed changes to sections on environmental code, code compliance, reporting, and annual payments. No formal action was required, but the board was asked to provide guidance on whether to continue negotiations, hold a joint meeting, or pursue community stakeholder conversations. The discussion also covered budget impacts and procedural improvements for development services.

• Proposed revisions to Section 10.E (Environmental Code), 10.F (Code Compliance), 10.K (Reporting), and 10.CC (Annual Payment)
• Annual payment figures listed: $185,000; $194,250; $203,962.50; $214,160.63; $224,868.66; $236,112.10
• Incorporation of County Development Liaison and County Counselor roles into the agreement
• Discussion of drafting resolutions and timelines for legal review and agenda submission
• Consideration of joint County‑City meetings and community stakeholder conversations

The Finney County Board approved the recommendation to retain Sanitarian duties with the County Engineer and to keep the associated fees unchanged. The board also directed the Development & Administrative Coordinator, Neighborhood Development staff, and administrators to prepare a working document outlining changes to improve the interlocal agreement within 30 days. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Approved recommendation to keep Sanitarian duties with County Engineer and maintain current fees
• Tasked Development & Administrative Coordinator and administrators to draft interlocal‑agreement improvement document within 30 days

County Commission Special Session

Finney County Commission holds a special session to hear 2024 budget requests from six outside agencies: Historical Museum, Russell Child Development Center (RCDC), Library, Committee on Aging, Southwest Developmental Services, and Conservation District. The commission will take the requests under advisement, with no decisions made at this meeting. The RCDC request includes a $63,000 increase to $175,500 from the county.

• Historical Museum requests $225,000 from Finney County.
• RCDC requests $175,500 from Finney County, up 56% from $112,500.
• Other budget requests from Library, Committee on Aging, SDSI, Conservation District (amounts not specified in agenda).
• The meeting is a special session on February 19, 2026 (agenda documents dated May 19, 2023).

The Finney County Commission considered the 2024 budget requests for the Historical Museum, Russell Child Development Center, County Library, Committee on Aging, Southwest Developmental Services, Inc., and the Conservation District. Each request was moved to be taken under advisement and the motions were carried. No other substantive actions were taken during the special session.

• Take 2024 Funding Request for Finney County Historical Museum under advisement (motion carried)
• Take 2024 Funding Request for Russell Child Development Center under advisement (motion carried)
• Take 2024 Funding Request for Finney County Library under advisement (motion carried)
• Take 2024 Funding Request for Finney County Committee on Aging under advisement (motion carried)
• Take 2024 Funding Request for Southwest Developmental Services, Inc. under advisement (motion carried)
• Take 2024 Funding Request for Finney County Conservation District under advisement (motion carried)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider and vote on several consent‑agenda items, including approval of minutes from May 2023 sessions. They will approve accounts payable totaling $826,484.11, covering payroll and invoices from May and June 2023. They will also approve tax‑roll changes for properties in Garden City and Holcomb. Additional business items include an add‑on service agreement with Patagonia for electronic health‑record capabilities and a Wichita State University grant to support a bi‑directional interface.

• Approve minutes from the 05/15/2023 regular session, 05/18/2023 special session, and 05/19/2023 special session
• Approve accounts payable of $826,484.11 (payroll $133,645.76 and $146,211.92; invoices $482,472.57; out‑of‑cycle $64,153.86)
• Approve tax roll changes for Garden City (1807 E Mary #8) and Holcomb (300 N Lynch)
• Add‑on Service Agreement with Patagonia for additional electronic health‑record capabilities
• Grant award from Wichita State University to support a bi‑directional interface (LINC grant)

The Board approved the consent agenda, including $826,484.11 in accounts payable, minutes from May sessions, tax‑roll changes, and a support notice for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center. Commissioners authorized the Chair to sign an add‑on service agreement with Patagonia for electronic health‑record capabilities. They also authorized the Chair to sign a letter of support and obligate $35,000 of ARPA funds as a match for IdeaTek’s LINC grant application. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved accounts payable of $826,484.11 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 05/15, 05/18, and 05/19 sessions (5-0)
• Approved tax roll changes (5-0)
• Approved Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center support notice (5-0)
• Authorized Chair to sign Patagonia EHR add‑on contract (5-0)
• Authorized Chair to sign IdeaTek LINC grant support letter and obligate $35,000 ARPA funds (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider a Memorandum of Understanding extension with Empirical Foods for a tax abatement, as construction is not yet complete. Also up for decision is a rezoning request at 1830 West Nine Mile Road, a waiver request at 4150 E. Schulman Avenue, and changes to the interlocal agreement for neighborhood and development services with Garden City. The consent agenda includes approval of accounts payable totaling $766,606.15.

• Empirical Foods MOU extension for tax abatement
• Rezoning (FC2023-22) at 1830 West Nine Mile Road
• Waiver request from Section 23.070 at 4150 E. Schulman Ave
• Proposed changes to Interlocal Agreement with Garden City for Neighborhood and Development Services
• 2023 Fireworks Recommendation from GCFD

The Finney County Commission approved the consent agenda, including $766,606.15 in accounts payable. It also extended the Empirical Foods MOU, upheld the fireworks sale resolution, granted a six‑month waiver for a metal storage container, accepted the Travelers insurance renewal, and approved both the 2024 High‑Risk Rural Road contract and the 2025 HRRR programming request. Additionally, the board adopted Resolution 13‑2023 to rezone 1830 West Nine Mile Road from Agricultural to Rural Residential.

• Approved Accounts Payable $766,606.15 (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Extended Empirical Foods MOU for two years (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Upheld Resolution 03‑2021 allowing fireworks sale/discharge (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 13‑2023 rezoning 1830 West Nine Mile Rd to Rural Residential (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Granted six‑month waiver for metal storage at 4150 E. Schulman Ave. (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; nays: G. Schultz)
• Accepted Travelers Insurance renewal for 2023‑2024 property & casualty (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved 2024 High‑Risk Rural Road contract and authorized Chair to sign (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Authorized Chair to sign 2025 High‑Risk Rural Road programming request (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will review the purchase of a motor grader and a transition to a Paid Time Off (PTO) leave policy. The body is also considering an MOU for a career showcase and a request for a speed sign from the City of Garden City.

• Approval of $1,038,145.72 in total accounts payable
• MOU with United School Administrators - Kansas for $50,000 in ARPA funds
• Consideration of a motor grader purchase
• Request from City of Garden City for a "Reduce Speed Ahead" sign in County Right of Way
• Proposed transition from Sick & Vacation leave to a Paid Time Off (PTO) policy

The commission approved the consent agenda, which included the June 19 minutes, $1,038,145.72 in accounts payable, and tax roll changes. A $464,993 motor grader was purchased from Foley Equipment, funded by the Special Equipment Fund. The board also approved a $50,000 ARPA MOU for a career showcase and authorized a 30 mph speed‑reduction sign on North 3rd Street. The PTO policy change was tabled until August 7.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $1,038,145.72 accounts payable, tax roll changes) – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved purchase of motor grader for $464,993.00 – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; nays: G. Schultz
• Tabled transition to Paid Time Off policy until August 7
• Approved $50,000 ARPA MOU for Western Kansas Career Showcase – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Authorized City of Garden City to install a 30 mph "Reduce Speed Ahead" sign – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Adjourned the regular session – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny

County Commission Work Session

At a work session, the Finney County Commission discussed three items: proposed affiliation with the Kansas Police & Fire (KP&F) retirement system for eligible first responders, a timeline and cost estimate ($200,000–$250,000) for updating the 1995/1996 zoning and subdivision regulations, and a preliminary review of the 2024 budget. No votes were taken; these were discussion items for future budget decisions.

• Potential KP&F affiliation: one-time $3,706,132 cost if funding prior service, or $487,189 annual additional contributions for future service only
• Zoning regulation update: estimated $200,000–$250,000 consultant contract, RFQ process starting after 2024 budget, completion targeted by end of 2024
• Preliminary 2024 budget review with Revenue Neutral Rate presentation by County Clerk Dori J. Munyan
• KP&F eligible positions include Sheriff, deputies, investigators, and all EMS technicians; Corrections officers not yet approved
• KP&F affiliation deadline: December 1, 2023 for a January 1, 2024 effective date

The commission voted to move forward with the proposed Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2024 budget. The board also agreed to postpone discussion of updating zoning and subdivision regulations until the August 7 work session. No other actions were taken.

• Approved moving forward with the proposed Revenue Neutral Rate (consensus)
• Deferred discussion of zoning and subdivision regulations to August 7 work session (consensus)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider approving $755,273.41 in accounts payable, including payroll and vendor invoices. The body will also vote on rezoning a property on Chmelka Road and amending local zoning regulations regarding temporary uses.

• Accounts Payable of $755,273.41
• Rezoning 8545 N. Chmelka Rd. from R-I to R-R
• Amendment to Article 23 of Zoning Regulations
• Cereal Malt Beverage License - 2023
• GCFD March 2023 and Q1 2023 Incident Statistics

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider two rezoning requests: one for 2965 E. Mary Street and another for 2123 W. Jones Frontage Road. They will also decide on the final plat for Western Kansas Corridor Third Addition. Additionally, the commission will discuss setting hearing dates for the 2024 county budget and consider a mower purchase and courthouse elevator modernization.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $544,286.30
• Final plat for Western Kansas Corridor Third Addition
• Rezoning for property at 2965 E. Mary Street
• Rezoning for property at 2123 W. Jones Frontage Road
• Discussion on 2024 Finney County Budgets

The Board approved a 2024 Revenue Neutral Rate of 48.116, authorizing the County to exceed the statutory limit. It also approved the final plat for the Western Kansas Corridor Third Addition and rezoned two properties: 2965 E. Mary Street to Rural Residential and 2123 W. Jones Frontage Road to General Commercial. Additional actions included purchasing three mowers, accepting a courthouse elevator modernization contract, allocating ARPA funds for a potential new sewer district, and waiving a bid‑publication requirement for a chip‑sealing project.

• Approved Western Kansas Corridor Third Addition final plat (3-0)
• Adopted rezoning of 2965 E. Mary Street to Rural Residential (3-0)
• Adopted rezoning of 2123 W. Jones Frontage Road to General Commercial (3-0)
• Approved purchase of three Land Pride mowers for $83,245.08 (3-0)
• Accepted Courthouse Elevator modernization proposal for $114,192.31 (3-0)
• Authorized 2024 budget rate of 48.116, exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate (3-0)
• Authorized $49,450 ARPA funds for initial funding of potential Sewer District No. 4 (3-0)
• Granted waiver of 15‑day bid‑publication rule for Road & Bridge chip‑sealing project (3-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider establishing a new Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) at Third Street and Rodkey Road, along with a road vacation petition and multiple ARPA fund requests. Also on the agenda are appointments to the Committee on Aging, a new EMS medical director agreement, and changes to the employee leave policy. Consent items include approval of minutes and accounts payable totaling $255,300.61.

• Consideration of Resolution 17-2023 to establish a new RHID at Third Street and Rodkey Road
• Road Vacation Petition for Weeks Rd. and Hummer Rd. (Rodriguez)
• ARPA fund requests for Community Services Center (2022 expenditures) and consulting fees
• Appointment of new member to Finney County Committee on Aging Board
• Consideration of new EMS medical director agreement

The Finney County Commission approved a series of items including a $865,350 amendment to the Randall Estates RHID Development Agreement, a $255,300.61 accounts payable package, and several appointments and policy changes. Emergency resolutions for severe weather and a fire were adopted. Workforce and ARPA funding requests were authorized.

• Approved consent agenda (accounts payable $255,300.61, minutes, tax roll changes) – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Appointed Brenda Unruh to FCCA Board (term Aug 17 2023‑Dec 31 2024) – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny
• Approved Talbott Acres Addition parcel plat – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Re‑appointed Kim Fisher to 25th Judicial District Community Corrections Board (2‑year term) – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Adopted Resolution 16‑2023 declaring a severe weather emergency – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved amendment to Randall Estates RHID Development Agreement (eligible costs $865,350.00, payback by 2035) – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved employee leave policy changes (PTO conversion, extended sick leave, additional personal day, bereavement pay, shared leave, holiday pay) – Ayes: D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; Nays: D. Drees, G. Schultz
• Authorized $26,000 ARPA funds to reimburse Community Services Center 2022 expenditures – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission holds a work session to discuss the 2024 budget, including county counselor contract, outside agency funding, KP&F, open positions, and health insurance. A KDOT presentation reviews the US-83 reconstruction project, which will add passing lanes and relocate the Southwind neighborhood entrance. The agenda is primarily discussion with no votes scheduled.

• KDOT presentation on US-83 highway reconstruction from T.V. Road north and east around Southwind development
• Discussion of 2024 budget including County Counselor contract
• Outside agency funding discussion with attached resolutions for mental retardation and mental health services levies
• KP&F (Kansas Police & Fire) retirement system discussion
• Open positions and health insurance discussions for 2024 budget

The commission directed the County Counselor to draft a proposal on workload and circulate it for review. They requested that the Kansas Police & Fire forward‑only program be placed in the 2024 budget. They ordered that certain long‑term vacant positions be cut from the 2024 budget. The commissioners also determined that no further budget work session would be required.

• Directed County Counselor to draft a workload proposal and circulate to the board
• Requested Kansas Police & Fire forward‑only program be included in the 2024 budget
• Ordered cuts to long‑term vacant positions from the 2024 budget
• Determined no further budget work session would be required

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold public hearings for Eastside Sewer District No. 1, Sewer District No. 2, and Sewer District No. 3 to consider their 2024 budgets. They will also receive a presentation of the Finney County Community Facilities & Needs Assessment (Hunden Report) and consider a plat for the Health Addition, annexation of a portion of Jennie Barker Rd., and purchase of materials for the Northwest Industrial District Lift Station. The consent agenda includes approval of $931,300.26 in accounts payable, minutes, and tax roll changes.

• Public hearings for 2024 budgets of Eastside Sewer District No. 1, Sewer District No. 2, and Sewer District No. 3
• Presentation of the Hunden Report on community facilities and needs assessment
• Request to approve owner's certification for Finney County Health Addition Plat
• Consideration of annexation of a portion of Jennie Barker Rd.
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $931,300.26

The commission approved the consent agenda, including $931,300.26 in accounts payable, the minutes from the August 7 sessions, and tax‑roll changes. They rescinded a prior $42,366.98 FY2023 KDOC Adult Corrections Grant adjustment and approved a new $40,604.59 adjustment, and they adopted the FY2024 Community Corrections carryover budget of $332,039.09 and the Youth Services carryover budget of $79,857.25. The board also adopted the 2024 budgets for Eastside Sewer District No. 1 ($330,895, levy 2.599), Sewer District No. 2 ($66,450, levy 3.565) and Sewer District No. 3 ($173,356, levy 5.770), approved the Health Addition Plat, approved a letter requesting annexation of part of Jennie Barker Rd. (3‑2 vote), and authorized purchases and architect designations for infrastructure projects.

• Approved consent agenda with $931,300.26 accounts payable (5-0)
• Rescinded $42,366.98 FY2023 KDOC Adult Corrections Grant adjustment (5-0)
• Approved $40,604.59 FY2023 KDOC Adult Corrections Grant adjustment (5-0)
• Approved FY2024 Community Corrections Carryover Reimbursement budget $332,039.09 (5-0)
• Adopted Eastside Sewer District No. 1 2024 budget $330,895.00, mill levy 2.599 (5-0)
• Adopted Sewer District No. 2 2024 budget $66,450.00, mill levy 3.565 (5-0)
• Adopted Sewer District No. 3 2024 budget $173,356.00, mill levy 5.770 (5-0)
• Approved annexation request letter for west portion of Jennie Barker Rd. (3-2)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2024 county budget. Commissioners will also consider a KP&F affiliation resolution, a county attorney building project, and a new EMS medical director agreement. Consent agenda includes approval of $738,391.14 in accounts payable and tax roll changes.

• Public hearing for 2024 Finney County budget
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $738,391.14 (payroll and invoices)
• Consideration of county attorney building capital project
• Consideration of HMN Architects feasibility report for law enforcement center
• IdeaTek request to rent space on county radio tower and admin building for P2P equipment

The commission approved its consent agenda, adopted a resolution to affiliate with Kansas Police & Fire, reduced outside‑agency funding by $212,231 and eliminated two jail deputy, two EMT and one maintenance technician positions. It then adopted the 2024 Finney County Budget with total expenditures of $62,085,159 and an estimated mill levy of 47.309. Several contracts were approved, including an RFQ for architects, a law‑enforcement feasibility study, and a $706,598.30 chip‑seal paving bid.

• Consent agenda approved (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny) – Motion carried
• Resolution 19-2023 to affiliate with Kansas Police & Fire adopted (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny) – Motion carried
• Outside agency funding reduced by $212,231 (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones; nays: L. Pishny) – Motion carried
• Eliminate 2 jail deputy, 2 EMT, and 1 maintenance technician positions (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones; nays: L. Pishny) – Motion carried
• 2024 Finney County Budget adopted – $62,085,159 expenditures, 47.309 mill levy (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny) – Motion carried
• RFQ process for architects directed (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny) – Motion carried
• HMN Architects feasibility study accepted up to $50,000 (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny) – Motion carried
• Chip‑seal paving bid from B&H Paving for $706,598.30 approved (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny) – Motion carried

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider approving accounts payable totaling $637,560.97, including payroll and invoices. The board will also review tax roll changes, a request for Fair Board appointments, and a proposal to waive a municipal waste fee for the 2023 Annual Fall Cleanup.

• Accounts Payable of $637,560.97
• Tax roll changes for personal property
• Waive $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for 2023 Annual Fall Cleanup
• New member appointment to Finney County Fair Board
• Consider revised bid for Courthouse Elevator Modernization

Finney County Commissioners adopted an agenda amendment to add a Garden City Community College MOU, approved a consent agenda that included $637,560.97 in accounts payable, and appointed three members to the County Fair Board. They also funded a $10,000 museum roof repair from ARPA, accepted the EMS medical director agreement, waived the $2‑per‑ton waste fee for the 2023 Fall Cleanup, approved a revised $126,426.56 amount for the Courthouse elevator modernization, and ratified the Garden City Community College MOU. All motions carried with the vote totals recorded in the minutes.

• Amended agenda to add Garden City Community College MOU (5 ayes)
• Approved consent agenda including $637,560.97 accounts payable (5 ayes)
• Appointed Brock Baker, Adam Patterson, Courtney Miller to Fair Board (5 ayes)
• Funded $10,000 museum roof repair from ARPA funds (5 ayes)
• Accepted EMS agreement with Dr. Casey Dart, authorizing signing (4‑1)
• Waived $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for 2023 Fall Cleanup (5 ayes)
• Approved revised Courthouse elevator modernization amount of $126,426.56 (5 ayes)
• Approved Garden City Community College Memorandum of Understanding (5 ayes)

County Commission Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will review an agreement for IdeaTek to use county property for ISP services and a contract with KDHE for a Community Health Worker. The meeting also includes the consideration of placing delinquent sewer district accounts on the tax roll.

• Approval of total Accounts Payable of $1,550,507.46
• Agreement with IdeaTek for ISP service use of county property
• Agreement with KDHE for a Community Health Worker for seniors and people with disabilities
• Placement of 2023 delinquent accounts on tax roll for Sewer Districts #1, #2, and #3
• Payment of $662,301.43 to B&H Paving Inc

The Finney County Commission approved the consent agenda, including minutes, $1,550,507.46 in accounts payable and tax‑roll changes. It adopted agreements for IdeaTek tower use and a KDHE community health worker sub‑recipient. Resolutions 21‑2023, 22‑2023, and 23‑2023 placed delinquent Sewer District 1‑3 accounts on the tax roll. The board also authorized a letter of support for a CWPP grant.

• Consent agenda (minutes, $1,550,507.46 accounts payable, tax‑roll changes) approved (5‑0)
• IdeaTek Tower Use Agreement approved and Chair authorized to sign (5‑0)
• KDHE Sub‑Recipient Agreement for Community Health Worker approved and Chair authorized to sign (5‑0)
• Resolution 21‑2023: place Sewer District #1 delinquent accounts on tax roll (5‑0)
• Resolution 22‑2023: place Sewer District #2 delinquent accounts on tax roll (5‑0)
• Resolution 23‑2023: place Sewer District #3 delinquent accounts on tax roll (5‑0)
• Authorization for Chair to sign CWPP grant support letter approved (5‑0)
• Motion to recess into a 15‑minute executive session approved (5‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a regular session on October 16, 2023, to consider multiple business items including a health insurance renewal, resolutions to establish capital reserve funds for three sewer districts, and approval of a parcel plat. The consent agenda includes accounts payable totaling $1,003,465.57.

• Consideration of IMA health insurance renewal
• Resolutions to establish capital reserve funds for Eastside Sewer District No 1, Sewer District No 2, and Sewer District No 3
• Consideration of parcel plat FC2023-38 for American Implement Annex Addition
• Approval of agreement for 2023 biennial bridge inspections
• Adoption of Resolution 27-2023 to enhance the Employee Benefits Fund

The Finney County Commission adopted a consent agenda that approved $1,003,465.57 in accounts payable, approved a parcel plat for the American Implement Annex, and authorized several contracts and resolutions. Notable actions included a $4,640 bridge‑inspection contract, a grant application for SWKSR JDC behavioral health, and a $225,734.50 third‑phase security system upgrade. The board also approved debt‑service fund transfers, a new employee benefits fund resolution, and the 2024 health‑insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

• Approved accounts payable of $1,003,465.57 (5‑0)
• Approved parcel plat for American Implement Annex (5‑0)
• Approved $4,640 bridge‑inspection contract with Kirkham Michael (5‑0)
• Approved SWKSR JDC behavioral health grant application (5‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 27‑2023 to expand the Employee Benefits Fund (5‑0)
• Authorized monthly $34,000 and annual $100,000 transfers to Debt Service Fund (5‑0)
• Authorized Phase 3 security system project for $225,734.50 (5‑0)
• Approved 2024 health‑insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (5‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider approving accounts payable totaling $1.78 million, funding for library sign repairs, and bids for vehicle and road projects. The meeting also includes a presentation on a building assessment and the selection of architects for health and legal facilities.

• Accounts Payable of $1,776,346.07
• Library Sign Repair funding request
• 25th Judicial District Community Corrections vehicle purchase
• LEC Building Assessment Report presentation
• Architect selection for Health/EMS facility

The board approved its consent agenda, including $1,776,346.07 in accounts payable and the minutes from the October 16 meeting. Commissioners adopted a resolution to light county buildings green in honor of veterans. They approved funding for a library sign repair, a county vehicle purchase, and a contract for a health‑EMS architect. The board accepted a $3,958,757.20 sewer improvement bid, allocated $550,000 of ARPA funds, and approved a $3,209,570.69 bituminous surfacing contract.

• Approved consent agenda including $1,776,346.07 accounts payable (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2023‑28 for Operation Green Light veteran lighting (5-0)
• Approved $2,633.00 library sign repair funding from General Fund (5-0)
• Authorized purchase of 2023 Chevrolet Traverse for $30,900 (5-0)
• Authorized staff to issue RFP for Construction Manager at Risk (5-0)
• Approved contract negotiation with Goldberg Group Architect for Health/EMS building (4-1)
• Accepted $3,958,757.20 sewer improvement bid from Middlecreek Corp (5-0)
• Allocated $550,000 of ARPA funds to sewer project (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider Resolution 29-2023 to establish a construction fund for the Sewer District Modernization Project. They will also discuss compliance with the Randall Estates Development Agreement and consider a Future Storage Container Amendment. Other business includes certification of the 2023 general election results, appointment of voting delegates for the KWORCC annual meeting, and approval of accounts payable totaling $872,625.00.

• Resolution 29-2023 to establish a construction fund for Sewer District Modernization Project
• Randall Estates update on fulfilling development agreement requirements
• Future Storage Container Amendment to regulations
• 2023 General Election Canvass – certification of results and provisional ballots
• Accounts payable approved: $872,625.00 including payroll and invoices

The Finney County Commission approved the consent agenda, including $872,625 in accounts payable, and processed a series of provisional ballot decisions. It also appointed a new Board of Zoning Appeals member, extended a storage‑container waiver, adopted a resolution creating a Sewer District Modernization Construction Fund, and named voting delegates for the KWORCC Annual Meeting. All actions were carried out by recorded votes of the commissioners.

• Approved consent agenda with $872,625 accounts payable (5‑0 ayes)
• Rejected provisional ballots C01‑C06 (5‑0 ayes)
• Accepted provisional ballots C07‑C09 (motion carried)
• Rejected provisional ballots C10‑C12 (4‑1 ayes)
• Appointed Bob Kreitzer to Board of Zoning Appeals (3‑2 ayes)
• Extended storage‑container waiver for 6 months (5‑0 ayes)
• Adopted Resolution 29‑2023 establishing Sewer District Modernization Construction Fund (5‑0 ayes)
• Appointed Dori Munyan as voting delegate and Trista Joyce as alternate for KWORCC (5‑0 ayes)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will vote on routine items such as approving the minutes from the November 20, 2023 session, authorizing $470,405.64 in accounts payable, and adopting tax‑roll changes. It will also hold a public hearing on an amendment to the 2023 budget for Eastside Sewer District #1 and consider fund transfers from Sewer District 1 and 2 for modernization and inspection costs. Additional agenda items include a rezoning request for 10510 S. Pierceville Rd. and a resolution to join the Rural Opportunity Zone student‑loan repayment program.

• Approve accounts payable totaling $470,405.64
• Approve tax‑roll changes as presented
• Public hearing on Eastside Sewer District #1 2023 budget amendment
• Transfer of funds from Sewer District 1 for Middlecreek modernization funding
• Rezone property at 10510 S. Pierceville Rd.

The Finney County Commission approved its consent agenda, including $470,405.64 in accounts payable. It adopted the amended Eastside Sewer District #1 budget, authorized several fund transfers for sewer and construction projects, and recommended moving the Garden City Fire Station #3/EMS facility to the construction phase. The board also rezoned the property at 10510 S. Pierceville Rd., appointed a member to the Community Corrections Advisory Board, and adopted a resolution to join the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program for 2024.

• Approved consent agenda with $470,405.64 accounts payable (unanimous ayes)
• Approved $10,000 transfer from Sewer District No 2 to construction fund (unanimous ayes)
• Adopted amended Eastside Sewer District #1 budget of $441,150 (unanimous ayes)
• Approved $200,000 transfer from Eastside Sewer District #1 to construction fund (unanimous ayes)
• Recommended Garden City Fire Station #3/EMS move to construction phase (unanimous ayes)
• Rezoned property at 10510 S. Pierceville Rd. (3‑1 vote)
• Appointed Investigation Captain Jennifer Rogers to Community Corrections Advisory Board (unanimous ayes)
• Adopted Resolution 30‑2023 to join Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program for 2024 (unanimous ayes)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will meet to discuss personnel pay increases for the Sheriff's Office and appointments to the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. The body is also reviewing a development agreement addendum for Randall Estates and a parcel plat for Nusser Addition.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $895,360.97
• Pay increase for Jail, Patrol, and Investigations Divisions of the Sheriff's Office
• Consideration of a vehicle tax exemption for Compass Behavioral Health
• Issuance of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses
• Adoption of 401(a) agreement with Empower Retirement (Resolution 32-2023)

The Finney County Commission approved a $1 per hour wage increase for employees in the sheriff's patrol, jail and investigations divisions. It also approved the regular consent agenda, including $895,360.97 in accounts payable and tax‑roll changes. Additional actions included authorizing a vehicle‑tax‑exemption letter for Compass Behavioral Health, approving a parcel plat at 1735 E. Parallel Road, appointing members to the Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission boards, and creating an LEC Remodel Committee.

• Approved Accounts Payable totaling $895,360.97 – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)
• Approved tax roll changes – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)
• Authorized Chair to sign vehicle tax exemption letter for Compass Behavioral Health – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)
• Approved parcel plat for Nusser Addition at 1735 E. Parallel Road – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)
• Reappointed Jon Fort and appointed Paul Parrott to Board of Zoning Appeals (terms ending 12/31/2026) – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)
• Appointed James Randall to Planning Commission (term ending 12/31/2026) – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)
• Approved $1.00 per hour wage increase for sheriff patrol, jail, and investigations divisions – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)
• Established LEC Remodel Committee with designated members – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will review a rezoning request for a property on N. Chmelka Rd. and a proposed amendment to zoning regulations regarding temporary and accessory uses. The body will also discuss EMS billing and fee changes and various FY24 grants.

• Rezoning of 8545 N. Chmelka Rd. from Rural Industrial (R-I) to Rural Residential (R-R)
• Proposed amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 23.070 regarding temporary and accessory use
• Approval of total Accounts Payable in the amount of $755,273.41
• EMS Third-Party Billing Agreement and EMS Service Fee Change
• FY24 grants for Adult Corrections Comprehensive, Youth Services Comprehensive, and Juvenile Comprehensive Plan

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will consider approving accounts payable totaling $1,397,209.22 and various tax roll changes. The body will also discuss the appointment of the 25th Judicial District Coroner and set a date for the Presidential Preference Primary canvass.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,397,209.22
• Appointment and agreement for the 25th Judicial District Coroner
• Proposed tax roll corrections for Lario Oil & Gas Company and Vess Oil Corporation
• Determination of a special meeting date for the Presidential Preference Primary canvass
• Approval of upcoming Commissioner travel

The commission approved its consent agenda, including minutes from 12/18/23, $1,397,209.22 in accounts payable, and tax roll changes. They appointed Dr. Bruce Melin as the 25th Judicial District Coroner for a term from Jan 8 2024 to Jan 10 2028. Commissioners also set a special session for March 25 2024 to certify primary election results and authorized travel for Commissioner Lon Pishny.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $1,397,209.22 accounts payable, tax roll changes) – vote 4-0
• Appointed Dr. Bruce Melin as 25th Judicial District Coroner (term Jan 8 2024‑Jan 10 2028) – vote 4-0
• Agreed by consensus to hold a special session on March 25 2024 to certify primary election results
• Authorized travel for Commissioner Lon Pishny to attend upcoming events – vote 4-0
• Recessed into a 10‑minute executive session on a legal matter – vote 4-0
• Adjourned the regular session – vote 4-0

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will vote on a $783,993.95 accounts payable package that includes out‑of‑cycle invoices and payroll. Commissioners will also consider a new appointment to the Convention and Visitors Bureau board, adopt a severe winter weather emergency declaration, and review an Educational Assistance Plan and a GAAP Waiver for 2024. Additional items include a Commercial Driver's License participation agreement and a revised drug and alcohol policy.

• Approve Accounts Payable totaling $783,993.95 (out‑of‑cycle invoices and payroll)
• Consider appointment to the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board
• Adopt Resolution 03‑2024 declaring a severe winter weather emergency (Jan 8 2024)
• Adopt an Educational Assistance Plan
• Consider Resolution 02‑2024 GAAP Waiver for 2024

The commission approved its consent agenda, appointed two members to the Convention & Visitors Bureau board, and adopted a severe winter weather emergency declaration. It also approved an Educational Assistance Plan, a Commercial Drivers License participation agreement, and a GAAP waiver, while tabling a revised Drug and Alcohol Policy for discussion at the February 20 work session. Commissioners elected Gerry Schultz as chairman and Larry Jones as vice chairman for 2024.

• Approved consent agenda including $783,993.95 accounts payable (5-0)
• Appointed Nichole Harkness and Therese Cruz to CVB board (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 03-2024 emergency winter weather declaration (5-0)
• Approved Educational Assistance Plan (5-0)
• Approved Commercial Drivers License Participation Agreement (5-0)
• Tabled revised Drug and Alcohol Policy for Feb 20 work session (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 02-2024 GAAP Waiver 2024 (5-0)
• Elected Gerry Schultz as chairman for 2024 (4-1)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider several contracts and plats, including a sewer modernization construction contract with Middlecreek Corporation and architect services for the County Attorney building. The board will also review a construction delivery model for Health Department/EMS facilities, an annual housing update, and a funding request for Library storm drain repairs. Consent agenda includes approval of minutes, accounts payable totaling $1.2 million, and tax roll changes.

• Sewer modernization construction contract with Middlecreek Corporation
• Health Department/EMS construction delivery model and Goldberg Group Architects agreement
• Library storm water drain system repair funding request
• Resolution to establish a capital improvements fund for the Law Enforcement Center
• Parcel plats for VFF Subdivision #1 and #2

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider adopting Resolution 08-2024 declaring a wildland fire emergency, and approve accounts payable totaling $1,032,000.65. They will also hear an economic development update from the FCEDC president and consider tax roll changes.

• Resolution 08-2024 – Emergency Declaration for Wildland Fire (declared Feb. 8, 2024)
• Accounts payable total $1,032,000.65, including payroll, invoices, and out-of-cycle payments
• Monthly update on economic development activities by Lona DuVall, FCEDC President/CEO
• Approval of tax roll changes under K.S.A. 79-1475 et seq.

The Commission voted to adopt Resolution 08-2024, declaring a local state of emergency for the wildland fire that occurred on February 8, 2024, and authorized Chairman Schultz to sign it. The consent agenda was approved, which included payment of $1,032,000.65 in accounts payable, approval of the February 5 minutes, and tax‑roll changes. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Adopted Resolution 08-2024 emergency declaration (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved Accounts Payable totaling $1,032,000.65 (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved minutes from the 02/05/2024 regular session (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved tax roll changes as presented (unanimous 5‑0)
• Adjourned the regular session (unanimous 5‑0)

County Commission Work Session

This work session is a discussion-only meeting where the Finney County Commission and department heads review priorities for the 2025 budget, including personnel, facilities, and infrastructure. They also discuss updates to the county governance model and employee handbook. No votes are expected.

• Review of 2025 departmental budget priorities including wage increases and facility upgrades
• Discussion of employee handbook updates and personnel policy changes
• Governance model review and update for 2024
• Expo building improvements: $100,000 pledged from Health Dept grant for electrical, IT, heating, storage, AC
• Fiber run: county committed $400,000 ARPA, complete loop by 2025

The commission reviewed department priorities for the 2025 budget and discussed the need for a grant writer. No formal budget actions were taken. The Governance Model was tabled until the March 18 work session. Staff were directed to incorporate agreed changes into the Employee Handbook draft for review at the next work session.

• Tabled Finney County Governance Model until March 18 work session
• Directed staff to make agreed‑upon changes to Employee Handbook draft

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider a zoning waiver for property at 4500 E. Mary Street, reappointments to the Youth Services Advisory Board, and 2024 Parks & Recreation grant awards. The board will also decide on waiving the $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for the 2024 Annual Spring Cleanup and approve herbicide bids for noxious weed treatment. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, accounts payable totaling $620,543.30, and tax roll changes.

• Zoning waiver request for 4500 E. Mary Street
• Reappointment of 25th Judicial District Youth Services Advisory Board members
• 2024 Parks & Recreation grant awards
• Waiver of $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for Spring Cleanup
• Approval of 2024 herbicide bids

The commission approved its consent agenda, including $620,543.30 in accounts payable and tax roll changes. It granted a zoning waiver for three manufactured homes at 4500 E. Mary Street, approved parks‑and‑recreation grant awards, and waived the $2 per ton waste fee for the 2024 Spring Cleanup. The board also approved a $400,000 loader purchase, a waiver of purchasing rules for an electrical engineer, and accepted herbicide bids for noxious‑weed treatment.

• Approved consent agenda (accounts payable $620,543.30, tax roll changes) – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Granted waiver for three manufactured homes at 4500 E. Mary Street, conditioned on placement on a hard surface – ayes: D. Drees, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved parks & recreation grant awards – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Waived $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for the 2024 Spring Cleanup – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved purchase of a new loader for $400,000 from Foley, funded from the Special Equipment Reserve – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Waived purchasing policy to select an electrical engineer for the Fairgrounds project – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Accepted all herbicide bids for noxious‑weed treatment, authorizing purchase based on low bid – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved 2024 KDOT agreement for noxious‑weed treatment, authorizing the chair to sign – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will review two portions of AFAC grant awards and a request to use GMCN Architects for a JDC retrofit. The body is also considering several land use requests and the approval of $889,397.20 in accounts payable.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $889,397.20
• Request to use GMCN Architects to retrofit the JDC back to detention beds
• Waiver request from zoning regulations for 3006 W. Jones
• Consideration of 2024 Crack Sealing bids
• Parcel plat for Halbur Fields Addition

The commission approved the consent agenda, including minutes, accounts payable of $889,397.20 and tax roll changes. It also approved funding for eight agencies through the AFAC grant, a parcel plat for 6270 Old Post Road, a zoning waiver for 3006 W. Jones, and a $123,997.50 crack‑sealing contract. Additional actions included declining 2024 KNRC membership, authorizing travel for Commissioner Pishny, and approving an electrical engineering agreement for the exhibition building.

• Approved 1st‑round AFAC funding for eight agencies (5 ayes)
• Approved 2nd‑round AFAC funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters (5 ayes)
• Approved Halbur Fields Addition parcel plat at 6270 Old Post Road (5 ayes)
• Granted zoning waiver for 3006 W. Jones Ave (5 ayes)
• Accepted B & H Paving crack‑sealing bid for $123,997.50 (5 ayes)
• Declined renewal of Kansas Natural Resource Coalition membership (4 ayes, 1 nay)
• Authorized travel expense for Commissioner Pishny to attend Infrastructure Summit (5 ayes)
• Approved electrical engineering agreement with Orazem & Scalora for $15,200.00 (5 ayes)

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a work session to update its governance model for 2024 and review department priorities for the 2025 budget. No votes are expected; discussion will shape future spending on infrastructure, housing, and employee retention.

• Review and update of the 2022 Governance Model, including mission, values, and strategic priorities
• Department heads present priorities for 2025 budget, including wages, benefits, and KP&F transition for Sheriff and EMS
• Infrastructure projects discussed: Westside sewer district, Mansfield Road, Parallel Road, 3rd Street enhancements
• Expo building improvements: $100,000 pledged from Health Department grant for electrical, IT, heating, storage
• Fiber run: County committed $400,000 in ARPA funds, completion expected by 2025

Commissioners reviewed the Finney County Governance Model and will present it at the April 1 meeting for adoption. They also reviewed department priorities for the 2025 budget and agreed by consensus on those priorities, which will be documented and finalized. The work session was adjourned after a motion carried by ayes.

• Reviewed Governance Model; will present at April 1 meeting for adoption (no vote)
• Agreed by consensus on 2025 budget priorities (no vote)
• Motion to adjourn work session carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Special Session

The Finney County Commission will canvass provisional ballots and certify results for the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary. They will also consider entering into an agreement with Justice Planners LLC for a needs assessment and feasibility study to guide renovation of the Law Enforcement Center. Additionally, a KDOT District 6 engineer will provide an update on highway improvements in the county.

• Canvassing of provisional ballots for the March 19, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary
• Consideration of a contract with Justice Planners LLC for an adult and juvenile jail needs assessment and feasibility study (funding from reserve fund)
• Certification of final election results by the Board of County Canvassers
• General update from KDOT District 6 Engineer Ron Hall on Finney County highway improvements

The Finney County Commission added agenda items and adopted Resolution 09-2024, declaring a severe weather emergency for March 24, 2024. Commissioners selected Roxanne Lansink to fill a vacancy on the Board of County Canvassers and certified the final results of the March 19 Presidential Preference Primary. The board also approved a $79,360 contract with Justice Planners LLC for an Adult and Juvenile Jail Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study.

• Added agenda items for emergency declaration, update, and executive session – Motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones)
• Selected Roxanne Lansink as replacement on the Board of County Canvassers – Motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones)
• Adopted Resolution 09-2024 declaring a severe weather emergency – Motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones)
• Approved Justice Planners LLC proposal for an Adult and Juvenile Jail Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study ($79,360) – Motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones)
• Certified the March 19, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary election results – Motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, R. Lansink)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider an architect agreement for the Law Enforcement Center remodel or potential new detention facility, along with a 2024 bituminous surfacing contract and a request to purchase a remounted ambulance. The board will also vote on two proclamations and adopt the 2024 governance model. Routine consent items include approval of minutes, accounts payable totaling $1,143,902.21, and tax roll changes.

• Consideration of HMN Architect Agreement for LEC remodel/potential new detention facility
• Authorization of 2024 Bituminous Surfacing contract for road work
• Request to purchase a new remounted ambulance from Osage Ambulance
• Adoption of the 2024 Finney County Governance Model
• Consideration of KDOT 50/400 detour reimbursement agreement

The Finney County Commission approved its consent agenda, including minutes, $1,143,902.21 in accounts payable and tax‑roll changes. It also approved several contracts: a $30,000 architect agreement, a KDOT detour reimbursement agreement, a $3,209,570.67 bituminous surfacing contract, and a $179,677 ambulance remount purchase. The board adopted the 2024 Governance Model, proclaimed National Public Health Week and County Government Month, and recertified the March 19 2024 Presidential Preference Primary results.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $1,143,902.21 accounts payable, tax roll changes) (5-0)
• Approved parcel plat for Charie Subdivision at 2970 N. Anderson Road (5-0)
• Approved $30,000 HMN Architects agreement funded from reserve (5-0)
• Approved KDOT 50/400 detour reimbursement agreement (5-0)
• Approved $3,209,570.67 bituminous surfacing contract with APAC‑Kansas, Inc. funded from Special Highway Fund (5-0)
• Approved $179,677 ambulance remount purchase funded from EMS Reserve (5-0)
• Adopted 2024 Finney County Governance Model (5-0)
• Recertified March 19, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary results (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider a waiver of purchasing policy to issue an RFP for the Fairgrounds project, along with approval of FY25 Juvenile Services and Adult Corrections comprehensive plans and budgets. Other items include awarding 2024 CM-A and chip seal bids, waiving the $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for Holcomb's spring cleanup, and approving consulting agreements with Justice Planners and the City of Garden City. The commission will also approve consent agenda items including accounts payable totaling $775,971.03 and tax roll changes.

• Waiver of purchasing policy requirements for RFP for Fairgrounds project
• Consideration of FY25 Juvenile Services Comprehensive Plan and Budget
• Consideration of 25th JD Adult Corrections FY25 Comprehensive Plan and Budget
• Consideration of 2024 CM-A and Chip Seal bids
• Waiver of $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for City of Holcomb's 2024 Spring Cleanup

The Finney County Commission approved its consent agenda, including $775,971.03 in accounts payable. It waived a purchasing‑policy publishing requirement for the Fairgrounds RFP and adopted FY25 plans and budgets for juvenile and adult corrections. Several contracts were approved, notably a $998,527.50 agreement with B & H Paving and a $129,200 bid from Huber Sand, plus a fee waiver for Holcomb’s spring cleanup and a consulting agreement with Justice Planners. The board also appointed County Administrator Robert Reece to assist Justice Planners.

• Approved consent agenda including $775,971.03 accounts payable (unanimous ayes)
• Waived publishing time in purchasing policy for Fairgrounds RFP (unanimous ayes)
• Approved JD Youth FY25 Comprehensive Plan and Budget (unanimous ayes)
• Approved JD Adult FY25 Comprehensive Plan and Budget (unanimous ayes)
• Accepted Huber Sand bid $129,200 for CM‑A material (unanimous ayes)
• Accepted B & H Paving contract $998,527.50; Chairman to sign (unanimous ayes)
• Waived $2.00 per ton waste fee for Holcomb 2024 Spring Cleanup (unanimous ayes)
• Approved Justice Planners consulting agreement and appointed Robert Reece to assist (unanimous ayes)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider multiple 2025 budget requests from the Library, Committee on Aging, Spirit of the Plains CASA, Fair Board, and Convention and Visitors Bureau. They will also discuss a recommendation for the 2024 fireworks season, authorize purchase of a Zoll X-Series Cardiac Monitor for EMS, and consider the 2025 High Risk Rural Road Project Agreement. The meeting includes approval of accounts payable totaling $1,955,490.12 and certification of 2024 Presidential Preference Primary election expenses for state reimbursement.

• Consideration of 2024 Fireworks recommendation
• Request to purchase Zoll X-Series Cardiac Monitor for EMS
• 2025 Budget requests from five county entities
• Approval of 2025 High Risk Rural Road Project Agreement
• Certification of 2024 Presidential Preference Primary election expenses for state reimbursement

The board approved Hutton as the Construction Manager at Risk for the EMS/Health Department facility, with a 4‑1 vote. It also approved the Fairgrounds Electrical Receptacle Addition project for $149,618, and modified the fireworks resolution to allow sales but ban discharge outside city limits. Additional actions included purchasing a $40,614.58 cardiac monitor, approving a $113,000 High‑Risk Rural Roads project, and appointing a committee to continue negotiations with the City of Garden City.

• Awarded Hutton construction‑manager contract for EMS/Health Dept. facility (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; nays: G. Schultz)
• Approved Fairgrounds Electrical Receptacle Addition project $149,618 (ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Modified Resolution 03‑2021 to allow fireworks sales and ban discharge outside city limits (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved purchase of Zoll X‑Series cardiac monitor for $40,614.58 (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved 2025 High‑Risk Rural Roads Project Agreement $113,000 (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Certified election expenses for 2024 Presidential Preference Primary $41,021.94 (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Directed broker capabilities review for property & casualty insurance (ayes: D. Drees, L. Jones, L. Pishny; nays: D. Jones)
• Appointed committee (Chair, Vice Chair, three designees) to negotiate Neighborhood Development Services interlocal agreement (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hear budget requests for 2025 from the Economic Development Corporation, Historical Museum, Child Advocacy Center, Russell Child Development Center, Southwest Developmental Services, Conservation District, and Compass Behavioral Health. Commissioners will also consider a High Risk Rural Roads engineering design agreement, a contract with McCully & Associates for valuation, and a proclamation for EMS Week. A bond counsel presentation on funding options is scheduled.

• Consideration of 2025 budget requests from eight organizations including FCEDC, Historical Museum, and Compass Behavioral Health
• Approval of 2025 High Risk Rural Roads Engineering Design Agreement
• Consideration of McCully & Associates contract for the 2025 valuation year
• Waiver request to construct a trash enclosure within the road right-of-way at 3104 W Jones Ave
• Bond counsel presentation on funding options from Gilmore & Bell

The Board approved the consent agenda, reappointed a library board member, and adopted the 2025 High Risk Rural Roads engineering design agreement. It also adopted proclamations for Emergency Medical Services Week and approved a $38,100 contract with McCully & Associates. Several 2025 budget requests were taken under advisement, and a waiver request for 3104 W Jones Ave. was rejected.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, accounts payable $781,131.16, tax roll changes) – motion carried
• Reappointed Marsha Wright to Finney County Library Board (4 ayes) – motion carried
• Approved 2025 High Risk Rural Roads Engineering Design Agreement with Kirkham, Michael & Associates (4 ayes) – motion carried
• Adopted proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week May 19‑24, 2024 (4 ayes) – motion carried
• Approved McCully & Associates contract for 2025 tax year, $38,100 (4 ayes) – motion carried
• Took 2025 budget request for Finney County Economic Development Corp. under advisement (4 ayes) – motion carried
• Took 2025 budget request for Finney County Historical Museum under advisement (4 ayes) – motion carried
• Rejected waiver request to move receptacles at 3104 W Jones Ave. (2 ayes, 2 nays) – motion failed

County Commission Regular Session

At its June 3, 2024, meeting, the Finney County Commission will hear presentations on employee benefits and the 2023 county audit, and consider a funding request from Garden City Community College. The board will also vote on waiver requests at 4150 E. Schulman Avenue and 3104 W Jones Ave, and an amendment to the Advance Correctional Health contract. Consent agenda includes approval of minutes, accounts payable totaling $531,281.01, and tax roll changes.

• Consideration of Garden City Community College funding request
• Presentation of 2023 Finney County Audit
• Waiver request at 4150 E. Schulman Avenue
• Waiver request for trash enclosure at 3104 W Jones Ave
• Amendment to Advance Correctional Health contract

The commission approved the consent agenda, including minutes, accounts payable of $531,281.01, and tax‑roll changes. It granted a waiver for a permanent storage container at 4150 E. Schulman Avenue and approved an addendum to the Advance Correctional Health (ACH) contract. The waiver request for trash containers at 3104 W. Jones Avenue was tabled, and commissioners appointed Larry Jones to the Economic Lifelines Committee and scheduled a budget work session for July 1.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $531,281.01 accounts payable, tax‑roll changes) – ayes all listed
• Granted waiver for 4150 E. Schulman Avenue storage container – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; nays: G. Schultz
• Approved addendum to Advance Correctional Health (ACH) contract – ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Tabled waiver request for trash enclosure at 3104 W. Jones Avenue – postponed to June 17
• Appointed Larry Jones to represent Finney County on the Economic Lifelines Committee – consensus
• Scheduled a budget work session for July 1 – consensus

County Commission Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will discuss fireworks sale and discharge regulations and review the US-83 project with KDOT. The body is also considering several land use requests and updated Fairgrounds usage fees.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $821,115.12
• Resolution 10-2024 regarding fireworks regulations
• Waiver request for trash enclosure at 3104 W Jones Ave.
• Public sewer easement for 2109 Grandview East Drive
• Frito Lay request to tap into Sewer District 4 pump station

The board approved its consent agenda, authorized a renovation of the Treasurer’s Office, and adopted new fireworks regulations while waiving the 2024 ban on fireworks in unincorporated areas. It also approved a parcel plat for Thackery Acres, a sewer easement at 2109 Grandview East Drive, updated fairgrounds usage policies, issued a 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage license to Black Bear Diner, and authorized a $500 tap fee for Frito Lay.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $821,115.12 accounts payable, tax roll changes) – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Authorized renovation of the Treasurer’s Office – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Repealed Resolution 03-2021 (fireworks) – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Adopted Resolution 10-2024 establishing fireworks regulations – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Waived the ban on fireworks discharge in unincorporated areas for 2024 – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny; nays: L. Jones
• Approved Thackery Acres First Addition parcel plat – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved sewer easement at 2109 Grandview East Drive – ayes: G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny; nays: D. Jones
• Authorized $500 tap fee for Frito Lay – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a work session to discuss priorities and direction for the 2025 budget. No formal action is planned; the session is for discussion only. The meeting also notes upcoming regular and work session dates in July.

• Discussion on 2025 budget priorities and direction
• Next regular session scheduled for July 1 at 8:30 AM
• Work session following regular session on July 1

Commissioners discussed priorities for the 2025 budget but took no formal action. A motion to adjourn the work session was made by Commissioner L. Jones, seconded by Commissioner D. Jones, and carried. The next regular and work sessions are scheduled for July 1 and July 15, 2024.

• Adjourn work session (motion carried)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will discuss the transfer of 5 miles of US Highway 83 and review insurance renewals. The body is also considering two parcel plats and the approval of over $2.3 million in accounts payable.

• Transfer of 5 miles of US Highway 83
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $2,330,042.18
• FC2024-17 Parcel Plat - Grandview Circle Addition (306 Grandview Circle)
• FC2024-16 Parcel Plat - McGraw Second Addition (10515 S. Road 17)
• 2024-2025 Insurance renewal presentation from Iron Insurance Partners

The Finney County Commission approved its consent agenda, which included the June 17 minutes, $2,330,042.18 in accounts payable and tax‑roll changes. Both parcel plats for the Grandview Circle and McGraw Second additions were approved. The board accepted Iron Insurance Partners’ property/casualty renewal for July 1 2024‑July 1 2025. Commissioners voted not to take ownership of the newly paved US‑83 segment and to return it to gravel.

• Approved minutes from 06/17/2024 regular session (5-0)
• Approved accounts payable of $2,330,042.18 (5-0)
• Approved tax‑roll changes (5-0)
• Approved parcel plat for Grandview Circle Addition at 306 Grandview Circle (5-0)
• Approved parcel plat for McGraw Second Addition at 10515 S. Road 17 (5-0)
• Accepted Iron Insurance Partners property/casualty renewal (4-1, Chairman abstained)
• Voted not to accept paved US‑83 segment, to return it to gravel (4-1)

County Commission Work Session

The County Commission will meet for a work session to discuss the 2025 budget. County Administrator Robert Reece will lead the discussion. No formal action is required at this meeting.

• 2025 Budget Workshop

The commission instructed staff to remove a $25,000 mediation expense from the District Court budget, eliminate two vacant EMS positions, cap all 2025 staff salary increases at 5%, and drop four of five proposed miles of road maintenance. A motion to adjourn the work session was carried with four ayes. No other actions were taken.

• Remove $25,000 mediation expense from District Court budget (directed)
• Eliminate two of four vacant positions from EMS budget (directed)
• Cap 2025 staff salary increases at 5% across all departments (directed)
• Delete four of five proposed miles of road maintenance from Road and Bridge budget (directed)
• Adjourn work session (motion carried; ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a regular session on July 15, 2024, to consider several business items, including a waiver request for a trash enclosure at 3104 W Jones Ave., a proposal for Highway 83 access at Southbend Ranch, and a pedestrian tunnel on US 83. The board will also discuss and set hearing dates for the 2025 budgets for Finney County and three sewer districts, with preliminary consideration of user fee changes for Eastside Sewer District No. 1. Routine approvals include minutes, accounts payable totaling $1,136,004.27, tax roll changes, and appointments.

• Waiver request to construct a trash enclosure within the road right-of-way at 3104 W Jones Ave.
• Proposal from Jim Carlson for Highway 83 access at Southbend Ranch Addition (Buffalo Dunes south all gravel)
• Consideration of a US 83 pedestrian tunnel
• Preliminary discussion on potential user fee changes for Eastside Sewer District No. 1
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,136,004.27, including payroll and invoices

The commission added a County Attorney Office remodel bid item to the agenda and approved the consent agenda, including minutes, accounts payable of $1,136,004.27, and tax roll changes. It denied a waiver request for a trash enclosure, approved a fairgrounds electrician contract, the semi‑annual CDBG report, and designated two electors for ballot destruction. The board also directed an increase in Eastside Sewer District user fees and rejected the $2.5 M remodel bid, opting to rebid the project.

• Added County Attorney Office remodel bid to agenda (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved consent agenda – minutes, accounts payable $1,136,004.27, tax roll changes (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Waiver for 3104 W Jones Ave. trash enclosure denied (ayes: D. Jones, L. Jones; nays: D. Drees, G. Schultz, L. Pishny)
• Fairgrounds electrician contract with 3G Electric approved (ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny; nays: D. Drees)
• Semi‑annual CDBG report approved (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Designated electors Carol Geier and Sheri Nelson for ballot destruction (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Directed staff to increase Eastside Sewer District No. 1 user fees (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Rejected Dick Construction bid of $2.5 M for County Attorney Office remodel, to rebid (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will discuss several infrastructure projects along US Highway 83, including a pedestrian tunnel and access for Southbend Ranch. The body is also considering health insurance renewals and the addition of a 'Choose to Lose' program for employees.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $4,226,417.18
• Consideration of a US 83 Pedestrian Tunnel
• Review of 2024 Health Insurance and Benefit Renewal
• Proposal for Southbend Ranch addition access on Highway 83
• Appointment of a Clerk for the Terry Township Governing Board

The commission amended the agenda to include the Western Kansas Corridor notice. It approved the consent agenda covering minutes, $4.23 M in accounts payable, and tax‑roll changes. Commissioners accepted the floor plan and authorized full design of the EMS & Health Department facility. They also approved the 2025 health‑insurance renewal with added wellness programs and a $44,000 contract for road work.

• Amended agenda to add Western Kansas Corridor Notice of Acceptance (motion carried, G. Schultz abstained)
• Approved consent agenda: minutes, $4,226,417.18 accounts payable, and tax‑roll changes (motion carried)
• Accepted floor plan and authorized full design for EMS & Health Department facility (motion carried)
• Directed administrator to work with KDOT on US‑83 options recommendation (consensus)
• Approved 2025 health‑insurance renewal, adding Tria Choose to Lose program and switching EAP to Compass (motion carried)
• Approved Authority to Award Contract to Phillips Southern Electric Co. for $44,000 from Road & Bridge fund (motion carried)
• Authorized signing of Western Kansas Corridor infrastructure acceptance upon final payment (motion carried, G. Schultz abstained)
• Appointed Tanya Bradley as Clerk for Terry Township (motion carried)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider certification of the 2024 primary election results and provisional ballots. It will also review and approve user rate schedules and 2025 budgets for Eastside Sewer District No. 1 and Sewer Districts 2 and 3. Additional items include a sheriff’s office pay increase, a county attorney budget revision, and updates on US‑83 projects and parcel plats.

• Certification of 2024 primary election results (Board of County Canvassers)
• Consideration of Eastside Sewer District No. 1 2025 user rate schedule
• Public hearing on 2025 budget for Eastside Sewer District No. 1
• Public hearing on 2025 budget for Sewer District No. 2
• Sheriff's Office pay increase for jail new hires and selected staff

The commission approved the US 83 pedestrian tunnel contingent on 100% funding and directed staff to work with KDOT to determine its final location. It also adopted the 2025 budgets for Eastside Sewer District No. 1 and Sewer Districts 2 and 3, approved two parcel plats, and certified the 2024 primary election results. Additional actions included authorizing a health department staff‑retreat closure and making several appointments.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $1,349,542.96 accounts payable, tax roll changes) – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved US 83 pedestrian tunnel contingent on full funding – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; Nays: G. Schultz
• Directed administrator to work with County Engineer and KDOT on tunnel location – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Adopted 2025 budget for Eastside Sewer District No. 1 – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Adopted 2025 budgets for Sewer Districts 2 and 3 – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved parcel plat for Country Acres Addition Phase 1 (2060 & 2070 Whitetail Lane) – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved parcel plat for Deann Gillen‑Lehman Addition (6390 Lear Road) – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Certified 2024 Primary Election results – Ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding the countywide 2025 budget. The body will also consider several carryover budgets and a request to set a hearing date for the 2024 CDBG Fund budget amendment.

• Public hearing for the 2025 Finney County Budget
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,149,018.14
• Contract for program services on LEC with HMN Architects
• Proposal to waive the $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for 2024 Annual Fall Cleanup
• Consideration of FY25 carryover budgets for Youth Services and Adult Corrections

The Finney County Commission adopted Resolution 12‑2024, allowing a property‑tax levy above the revenue‑neutral rate for the 2025 budget. It also approved the 2025 observed holidays, a partial‑day building closure for workplace‑violence training, and a contract for Register of Deeds scanning services. FY25 carryover budgets for Youth Services ($84,424.80) and Adult Corrections ($303,942.13) were authorized, and the $2‑per‑ton waste‑fee waiver for the fall clean‑up was granted. A motion to pay a $628.75 library plumbing invoice failed for lack of a second.

• Adopted Resolution 12‑2024 to levy property tax above revenue‑neutral rate (5‑0)
• Approved 2025 observed holidays and building closures (5‑0)
• Authorized partial‑day closure for workplace‑violence training on Oct 11, 2024 (5‑0)
• Approved Register of Deeds scanning contract with US Imaging (5‑0)
• Authorized FY25 Youth Services carryover budget of $84,424.80 (5‑0)
• Authorized FY25 Adult Corrections carryover budget of $303,942.13 (5‑0)
• Waived $2.00 per ton municipal waste fee for Garden City, Holcomb, and county fall clean‑ups (5‑0)
• Failed to approve library plumbing invoice of $628.75 (motion died for lack of second)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will review funding requests, tax abatement applications, and several service contracts. The body is also considering the placement of delinquent sewer accounts on the tax roll for Sewer Districts No. 1 and 2.

• Request for $50,000 funding for Western Kansas Career Showcase
• Tax abatement requests for American Implement and Garden City Co-op
• Construction Manager at Risk agreement with Hutton Construction
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $836,700.17
• Issuance of a 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage License

The commission approved $50,000 funding for the Western Kansas Career Showcase and appointed Ivan Gutierrez to the Board of Zoning Appeals. It also authorized a parcel plat for Lightner Second Addition, tax abatements for American Implement and Garden City Co‑op, library expense payments, a HVAC assessment contract, and placement of delinquent sewer accounts on the tax roll.

• Approved $50,000 funding for Western Kansas Career Showcase (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Appointed Ivan Gutierrez to Board of Zoning Appeals (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved parcel plat for Lightner Second Addition at 11480 Beef Land Road (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved 20% EDX tax abatement for American Implement for 10 years (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; Chairman G. Schultz abstained)
• Approved 60% EDX tax abatement for Garden City Co‑op for 10 years (ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny; Commissioner D. Drees abstained)
• Approved payment of library emergency maintenance bills totaling $1,579.03 (ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Pishny; nays: D. Drees, L. Jones)
• Approved HVAC assessment agreement with Integrated Consulting Engineers up to $34,500 (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved placement of Sewer District No.1 delinquent accounts on the 2024 tax roll (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Work Session

The work session will review a redlined draft of the Travel/Training Policy that was last updated in 2020. Commissioners will consider any additional changes before formal adoption. The meeting will also examine proposed updates to the Employee Handbook.

• Review redline of current Travel/Training Policy
• Discuss and approve additional changes to Employee Handbook

The Board directed staff to finalize the Travel/Training Policy and the Employee Handbook for adoption at the October 21, 2024 regular session. A motion to adjourn the work session was made by Commissioner D. Drees, seconded by Commissioner L. Jones, and carried by a vote of ayes.

• Directed staff to prepare final Travel/Training Policy for adoption at Oct 21, 2024 Regular Session
• Directed staff to prepare final Employee Handbook for adoption at Oct 21, 2024 Regular Session
• Motion to adjourn work session carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a public hearing to amend the 2024 CDBG fund budget. Other business includes a proclamation declaring October 24 as 4-H Month, appointment of new Fair Board and CVB members, and consideration of the Grow Well Clinic contract renewal for 2025. The commission will also consider a project programming request for the Off-System Bridge Program and an agreement for the 2025 Solid Waste Management Plan update.

• Hearing to amend 2024 CDBG Fund budget
• Proclamation declaring October 24 as 4-H Month in Finney County
• Request to authorize approval of Grow Well Clinic Agreement for 2025 Services
• Consideration of Project Programming Request for FFY 2026 Off-System Bridge Program
• Consideration of agreement with Kirkham Michael for the 2025 Solid Waste Management Plan Update

The board approved the consent agenda, which included $1,263,810.56 in accounts payable and tax‑roll changes. It also adopted several appointments, budget amendments, and contracts covering the CDBG fund, off‑system bridge program, high‑risk rural road, solid‑waste plan, and placed Sewer District 3 delinquent accounts on the tax roll.

• Approved consent agenda with $1,263,810.56 accounts payable and tax‑roll changes (5‑0)
• Proclaimed October 2024 as National 4‑H Month (5‑0)
• Adopted amendment to 2024 CDBG Fund budget (5‑0)
• Appointed Sonja Taylor to Convention and Visitors Bureau Board (5‑0)
• Approved LEC Occupancy Agreement (4‑1)
• Approved Off‑System Bridge programming request for KDOT funding (5‑0)
• Approved Cost‑Plus Net Fee Construction Engineering Agreement for 2024 High‑Risk Rural Road ($44,000) (5‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 14‑2024 placing Sewer District 3 delinquent accounts on tax roll (5‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider several items, including approving the minutes from the October 7 meeting and a $1.87 million accounts payable batch. The board will vote on tax roll changes affecting 2901 Nancy Pl, Garden City, and will hear a zoning waiver request for 3095 Mason Court. Additional agenda items include a revised Neighborhood Development Services agreement, a contract renewal for Grow Well Clinic services in 2025, and the designation of a voting delegate to the Kansas Association of Counties.

• Tax roll changes for 2901 Nancy Pl, Garden City (net tax change $1,654.14)
• Waiver request from zoning regulations for 3095 Mason Court
• Revised Neighborhood Development Services (NDS) agreement
• Grow Well Clinic contract renewal for 2025 services
• Designation of voting delegate(s) for the Kansas Association of Counties annual meeting

The commission adopted its consent agenda, proclaimed Red Ribbon Week, and approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Garden City. It authorized a waiver allowing the property at 3095 Mason Court to park up to five semi‑trucks, and renewed the Grow Well Clinic contract for three years. The board also accepted FY24 Adult Corrections and Youth Services outcomes and designated a delegate for the Kansas Association of Counties meeting.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable of $1,873,418.20, and tax roll changes (motion carried)
• Proclaimed October 23‑31, 2024 as Red Ribbon Week (motion carried)
• Authorized drafting of a waiver to permit five semi‑trucks at 3095 Mason Court (motion carried)
• Approved interlocal cooperative agreement with the City of Garden City (motion carried)
• Accepted FY24 Adult Corrections year‑end outcomes (motion carried)
• Accepted FY24 Youth Services year‑end outcomes (motion carried)
• Renewed 3‑year Grow Well Clinic contract with Revere Healthcare Solutions (motion carried)
• Designated County Administrator Robert Reece as voting delegate for the 2024 KAC Annual Meeting (motion carried)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider several consent agenda items, including approval of minutes, accounts payable of $1,488,655.15, and tax roll changes for 2910 N Farmland Rd. Business items include updates on the EMS/Health Department project, funding transfers for that project, and resolutions for new stop and yield signs on VFW Rd, 7 Mile Rd, Chmelka Rd, and Rodkey Rd. The board will also review a renovation bid for the County Treasurer’s Office and a request for road construction assistance for a truck wash project.

• Approve tax roll changes for 2910 N Farmland Rd (Danny Weippert Trucking) for 2022 and 2023
• Approve accounts payable totaling $1,488,655.15 covering payroll and vendor invoices
• Consider EMS/Health Department funding transfers to dedicate project funding
• Consider adoption of Stop Sign Resolution 16-2024 for VFW Rd and 7 Mile Rd
• Consider renovation bid for the County Treasurer’s Office

The commission approved the consent agenda, including $1,488,655.15 in accounts payable and tax roll changes. It authorized $6,726,360.66 in transfers to the Health Department/EMS Building Fund. Several infrastructure projects and resolutions were also adopted, and a request for a truck‑wash road was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $1,488,655.15 accounts payable, tax roll changes) – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Authorized $6,726,360.66 transfers to Health Dept/EMS Building Fund – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 15-2024 supporting Operation Greenlight – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Accepted Lee Construction bid $412,400 for Treasurer’s Office renovation – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Accepted public infrastructure improvements for Randall Estates – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolutions 16-2024 and 17-2024 for traffic control devices – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Authorized signing of agreement with Rural Water District No. 1 – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; G. Schultz abstained)
• Tabled request for road funding for truck wash project until Nov 18 – motion carried

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will consider provisional ballots and certify the final results of the 2024 General Election. The body will also review infrastructure improvements for the Northwest Industrial Park and a new employee handbook.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,547,368.59
• Certification of 2024 General Election results
• Waiver request for property at 2207 W. Maple Street, Lot 4
• Consideration of Charter Resolution 01-2024 regarding school sanitary inspections
• Infrastructure improvements for the Northwest Industrial Park

The commission appointed a vacant canvasser seat and made a series of motions on provisional ballots, all of which carried. They also appointed Clemencia Zermeno to the Board of Zoning Appeals, approved a parcel plat at 3680 W. Jones Avenue, granted a zoning waiver for 2207 W. Maple Street, adopted Charter Resolution 01‑2024 for school sanitary inspections, and adopted an updated employee handbook. Finally, the board certified the November 5, 2024 general election results.

• Appointed Kathleen Whitley to vacant canvasser seat – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Accepted and rejected specific provisional ballot groups (e.g., accepted C217‑C245, C246, C301‑C628; rejected C001‑C216, C247‑C300, etc.) – all motions carried
• Appointed Clemencia Zermeno to Board of Zoning Appeals (term expires Dec 31, 2024) – ayes: G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Approved parcel plat “LNC Addition” at 3680 W. Jones Avenue – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Granted waiver for 2207 W. Maple Street, Lot 4 with nine conditions – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Adopted Charter Resolution 01‑2024 exempting county from certain school sanitary inspection provisions – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Adopted updated Employee Handbook effective Dec 1, 2024 – ayes: D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny
• Certified November 5, 2024 general election results – ayes: K. Whitley, D. Jones, G. Schultz, L. Jones, L. Pishny

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider signing City of Garden City Resolution 3140-2024 to establish Urban Area Boundary Lines. The body will also review tax roll changes and approve various accounts payable.

• Consideration of City of Garden City Resolution 3140-2024 regarding Urban Area Boundary Lines
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,019,395.64
• Approval of tax roll changes pursuant to K.S.A. 79-1475, 79-1701, 79-1701a, and 79-1702
• Approval of minutes from the 11/18/2024 Regular Session

The Finney County Commission approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from 11/18/2024, accounts payable of $1,019,395.64, and tax roll changes. Commissioners also approved signing City of Garden City Resolution 3140‑2024 establishing urban area boundary lines and a letter of support for a KDOT economic development grant. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

• Approved Minutes from 11/18/2024 Regular Session (3‑0)
• Approved Accounts Payable totaling $1,019,395.64 (3‑0)
• Approved Tax Roll Changes (3‑0)
• Approved signing City of Garden City Resolution 3140‑2024 establishing Urban Area Boundary Lines (3‑0)
• Approved Letter of Support for KDOT Economic Development Grant (3‑0)
• Adjourned Regular Session at 9:00 a.m. (3‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider approving a project to bid for the EMS/Health Department update, presented by Hutton Construction. Other business includes a planning commission appointment, an update on the LEC/Jail project, and acceptance of infrastructure for Country Acres Addition Phase One. The commission will also approve accounts payable totaling $747,585.17 and set 2025 cereal malt beverage licenses.

• Approve project to bid for EMS/Health Department update from Hutton Construction
• Update on LEC/Jail project including space needs and next steps from HMN Architects
• Consider acceptance of public infrastructure improvements for Country Acres Addition Phase One
• Approve appointment to Planning Commission
• Approve accounts payable totaling $747,585.17

The Finney County Commission approved a $100,000 bid for a 2025 aerial orthophotography project using GIS reserves. It also accepted infrastructure improvements for Country Acres Phase One, authorized a bid request for the Health Department/EMS Facility, and adopted a new fee schedule for health services. Additional actions included appointing Trevor Hands to the Planning Commission and issuing 2025 cereal malt beverage licenses.

• Approved $100,000 bid for 2025 aerial orthophotography project (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Accepted public infrastructure improvements for Country Acres Addition Phase One (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Authorized Hutton Construction to issue request for bids on Health Department/EMS Facility project (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Adopted Resolution 18-2024 establishing new fee schedule for health department clinical and laboratory services (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Appointed Trevor Hands to a 3‑year term on the Planning Commission (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Authorized issuance of 2025 Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses to seven businesses (5 ayes, motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, accounts payable of $747,585.17, and tax roll changes (5 ayes, motion carried)

County Commission Special Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a special session to canvass and certify the 2021 General Election results, including provisional ballots. They will also review an updated design for a new East Side EMS/fire station and provide feedback. Additionally, the board will administer the oath of office to the new Register of Deeds and review a draft retiree policy.

• Canvass and certification of 2021 General Election results
• Presentation of proposed design for East Side EMS joint facility
• Oath of Office for Register of Deeds appointee Stephanie Shockley
• Draft review of early retiree policy
• Next scheduled meetings on November 15 and December 6

The Commission voted to certify the 2021 General Election results as official. It also adopted Resolution 19‑2021 establishing the Early Retiree Program. Several motions to accept or reject specific provisional ballots were carried, and the agenda was approved as modified.

• Certify 2021 General Election results as official – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny, W. Clifford)
• Adopt Resolution 19‑2021 (Early Retiree Program) – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, W. Clifford)
• Approve agenda as modified – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, W. Clifford)
• Reject provisional ballots C002‑C009 – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny, W. Clifford)
• Reject provisional ballots C010‑C011 – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny, W. Clifford)
• Accept provisional ballots C012‑C038 – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny, W. Clifford)
• Accept provisional ballots C039‑C048 for partial count – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny, W. Clifford)
• Accept provisional ballot C057 – motion carried (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny, W. Clifford)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission approved the consent agenda, which included $914,114.58 in payroll and invoice payments, and adopted several resolutions: a public hearing for a Western Kansas Corridor TIF district, authorization to sell two county properties, and issuance of a refunding bond series 2022. All votes were unanimous (Commissioners D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Pishny). No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved consent agenda and $914,114.58 accounts payable (3-0)
• Approved minutes from 11/01/2021 regular and 11/08/2021 special sessions (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 22-2021 to set public hearing for Western Kansas Corridor TIF district (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 20-2021 authorizing sale of 510 E Burnside Dr, Lot 22b and 3008 W Mary St (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 21-2022 authorizing offering of General Obligation refunding bonds, series 2022 (3-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will open sealed bids for two properties, consider a new appointment to the Committee on Aging, and review economic development projects.

• Sale of Real Property - Sealed Bid Opening for 510 Burnside Drive #22b and 3008 West Mary
• Board Appointment - Finney County Committee on Aging (Sandy Hawley)
• Great Plains Development - Membership Renewal ($4,050)
• ARPA Project Review & Program Discussion
• RHID Establishment (Finney County Economic Development)

The Finney County Commission approved its consent agenda, including $877,855.23 in accounts payable and several 2022 cereal malt beverage licenses. Commissioners appointed Sandy Hawley to the County Committee on Aging for a three‑year term. The board accepted sealed bids for two properties (510 Burnside #22B for $500 and 3008 W Mary for $25,500) and adopted a resolution expanding the Board of Zoning Appeals members. It also approved a rezoning from Agricultural to Rural Residential at the Hwy 83 & W Five Mile Rd location and approved the Wehkamp Addition parcel plat.

• Approved consent agenda with $877,855.23 accounts payable and licensing authorizations (4-0)
• Appointed Sandy Hawley to the Finney County Committee on Aging Board (4-0)
• Accepted $500 bid for 510 Burnside Drive #22B property (4-0)
• Accepted $25,500 bid for 3008 W Mary property (4-0)
• Adopted resolution expanding Board of Zoning Appeals members (4-0)
• Approved rezoning from Agricultural to Rural Residential at Hwy 83 & W Five Mile Rd (4-0)
• Approved parcel plat for Wehkamp Addition (4-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a public hearing and consider adopting Resolution 27-2021 consenting to the City of Garden City's establishment of a tax increment financing district for the Western Kansas Corridor Redevelopment District. The district aims to support commercial and light industrial development at the U.S.-50/400 and U.S.-83 interchange. Other business includes approval of accounts payable totaling $1,000,102.82, a GAAP waiver resolution, certification of the 25th Judicial District budget, and administering the oath of office to a new District 4 commissioner.

• Public hearing and consideration of Resolution 27-2021 consenting to Western Kansas Corridor Redevelopment District TIF
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,000,102.82 (payroll $254,866.43 and invoices $745,236.39)
• Adoption of Resolution 29-2021 waiving GAAP requirements for county financial statements
• Authorization for Chair to sign 25th Judicial District budget certification for FY2021
• Oath of Office for District 4 Commissioner appointee Bob Kreutzer

The commission adopted Resolution 27-2021, giving written consent for the City of Garden City to establish the Western Kansas Corridor Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment District. The consent agenda items—including approval of the prior meeting minutes, $1,000,102.82 in accounts payable, a GAAP waiver, and authorization for the Chair to sign the 25th Judicial District budget certification—were all approved unanimously. Commissioner‑elect Bob Kreutzer was sworn in, and the board recessed twice for executive sessions on non‑elected personnel matters.

• Oath of Office administered to Commissioner‑elect Bob Kreutzer (unanimous ayes)
• Consent agenda approved: minutes from 12/06/2021, $1,000,102.82 accounts payable, GAAP Waiver 29‑2021, and 25th Judicial District budget certification (unanimous ayes)
• Agenda as modified approved (unanimous ayes)
• Resolution 27‑2021 adopting Western Kansas Corridor TIF Redevelopment District approved (unanimous ayes)
• Public hearing on TIF district opened and then closed (unanimous ayes)
• Motion to recess into 30‑minute executive session on non‑elected personnel approved (unanimous ayes)
• Second motion to recess into 30‑minute executive session on non‑elected personnel approved (unanimous ayes)
• Recognition of three employees for 20 years of service (no vote recorded, noted as action)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will approve the minutes from the Dec. 20, 2021 session and approve accounts payable totaling $687,582.96, which includes payroll and out‑of‑cycle invoices. Commissioners will consider filling one vacant Planning Commission seat and two vacant Board of Zoning Appeals seats. The body will also vote on a bond‑refinancing resolution and a proposed rezoning of the property at 1503 N. IBP Rd. from an Agricultural district to an I‑3 Heavy Industrial district.

• Rezoning request for 1503 N. IBP Rd. from “A” Agriculture to “I-3” Heavy Industrial (163.97 acres).
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $687,582.96 (payroll $317,237.01, invoices $363,991.38, out‑of‑cycle $6,354.57).
• Appointment to one vacant Planning Commission seat (three‑year term Jan 1 2022‑Dec 31 2024).
• Appointment to two vacant Board of Zoning Appeals seats (two‑year terms Jan 1 2022‑Dec 31 2023).
• Bond refinancing sales and issuance resolution authorizing the chair to sign closing documents.

The Finney County Commission approved a bond refinancing resolution that will save $182,613.33 and authorized the sale of general obligation refunding bonds series 2022. It also approved a rezoning of 1503 N. IBP Rd. from Agriculture to Heavy Industrial. Several budget transfers and appointments were adopted.

• Approved consent agenda with County Treasurer's bond (4-0)
• Approved minutes from 12/20/2021 regular session (4-0)
• Approved accounts payable totaling $687,582.96 (4-0)
• Approved rezoning of 1503 N. IBP Rd. to Heavy Industrial (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 02-2022 authorizing bond refinancing, saving $182,613.33 (4-0)
• Appointed Steve Michel and John Fort to Board of Zoning Appeals (4-0)
• Approved $500,000 transfer from Road & Bridge to Special Equipment (4-0)
• Approved $650,000 transfer from Road & Bridge to Special Highway (4-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission is reviewing a final plat for the Country Acres Addition-Phase One, which would develop 46.17 acres into 34 single-family homes. The body is also considering several administrative appointments and financial resolutions.

• Proposed final plat for Country Acres Addition-Phase One (34 homes on 46.17 acres)
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,285,406.24
• Resolution 06-2022 to waive GAAP requirements for the year ending December 31, 2022
• Resolution 07-2022 authorizing participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program
• Purchase of a new tractor for the Finney County Fairgrounds

The Finney County Commission approved a series of actions, including a GAAP waiver, a parcel plat, several appointments, a tractor purchase, and a resolution to join the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program. All items were adopted by vote, with most receiving unanimous support.

• Approved consent agenda (accounts payable $1,285,406.24, GAAP waiver, CDBG report) – 5 ayes
• Approved parcel plat for Country Acres Addition Phase One – 5 ayes
• Appointed Steve Michel to Planning Commission (3‑year term) – 5 ayes
• Reappointed Sam Hands and Stewart Nelson to Economic Development Board – 5 ayes
• Approved purchase of Kioti PX Series tractor for $68,159.50 – 5 ayes
• Adopted Resolution 07-2022 Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program – 5 ayes
• Appointed Garden City Telegram as official newspaper – 5 ayes
• Appointed Lon Pishny as Chair for 2022 – 4 ayes

County Commission Work Session

The Finney County Commission will discuss the remaining $3.16 million in ARPA funds and hear a presentation from the Convention and Visitors Bureau on proposed improvements to the exhibition building. Other discussion items include space needs for the Health/EMS facility, how to proceed with the Law Enforcement Center HVAC, and a review of the county's facilities repair and maintenance program. No formal action is scheduled.

• ARPA fund balance of $3,158,287 after $3,925,000 in authorized projects
• Discussion on fairground facility and CVB proposed improvements to exhibition building
• Health / EMS Facility space needs assessment and architect selection
• Law Enforcement Center HVAC: discuss how to proceed
• Board vacancies appointment process update for outside agency boards

The Board directed staff to develop a Request for Qualifications for a health and EMS facility needs assessment. It also directed staff to prepare a Request for Qualifications for the Law Enforcement Center HVAC replacement. Additionally, the Board asked staff to review existing building maintenance agreements and consider clarifying contracts during the 2023 budgeting process. All other agenda items were noted with no action required.

• Directed staff to develop a Request for Qualifications for a health/EMS facility needs assessment
• Directed staff to prepare a Request for Qualifications for the Law Enforcement Center HVAC project
• Directed staff to review building maintenance agreements and consider contract clarifications in the 2023 budget

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold its regular session on February 7, 2022, to approve the consent agenda including $864,585.34 in accounts payable and payroll, and to discuss several planning items. Key business includes an annual review of the Solid Waste Management Plan, a road petition (SPEER), multiple parcel plats for Gregory D. Stone and others, a comprehensive plan amendment and rezone at 4260 W. Jones Ave, and resolutions appointing a local health officer and adopting a 401(a) plan. An update on the EMS/Fire Station design will also be presented.

• Accounts payable and payroll totaling $864,585.34
• Annual approval of the Finney County Solid Waste Management Plan
• Rezone and comprehensive plan amendment for property at 4260 W. Jones Ave
• Road Petition SPEER
• Resolution 08-2022 appointing a Local Health Officer

The Commission appointed Shruti Chhabra as the county's Public Health Officer. It also approved the 2022 Solid Waste Management Plan and adopted a 401(a) profit‑sharing plan for county employees. The Board rejected a road right‑of‑way petition and approved multiple parcel plats and a rezoning of 4260 W. Jones Ave.

• Approved consent agenda with $864,585.34 accounts payable (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Approved Finney County Solid Waste Management Plan for 2022 (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Appointed Clint Floyd to the Indigent Defense contract, replacing William Wright (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Rejected Garrett Speer road petition as presented (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 08-2022 appointing Shruti Chhabra as Public Health Officer (ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 09-2022 approving a Finney County 401(a) profit‑sharing plan (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 11-2022 amending the comprehensive plan (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 12-2022 rezoning 4260 W. Jones Ave from Suburban Estates to Commercial Recreation (ayes: D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will review a petition to lay out a road in Garden City Township and consider several board appointments. The body is also asked to approve accounts payable totaling $841,856.49.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $841,856.49, including $263,544.98 for payroll
• Road petition to lay out a road adjacent to 2345 S. Old Highway 83 in Garden City Township
• Proposed appointments of Carlos Murillo and Hazel Elliott to the Adult Community Corrections Advisory Board
• Proposed appointment of Walker Frey to the 25th Judicial Nominating Committee
• Discussion of a potential vacancy on the FCEDC Board of Directors

The Finney County Commission approved its consent agenda, including $841,856.49 in accounts payable, and appointed two members to the Adult Community Corrections Advisory Board. It also approved appointments to the Judicial Nominating Committee and the Economic Development Board, authorized a letter of support for a BASE grant, rescinded a prior rejection of a road petition and accepted it as legal, and adopted two resolutions—one amending the comprehensive plan and another rezoning a parcel from Agricultural to Rural Industrial district.

• Approved consent agenda and $841,856.49 accounts payable (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Appointed Carlos Murillo and Hazel Elliott to 25th Judicial District Adult Community Corrections Advisory Board (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Appointed Walker Frey to 25th Judicial Nominating Committee (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Recommended Vicki Germann to Finney County Economic Development Board (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Authorized letter of support for Western Kansas Corridor BASE Grant (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Rescinded prior rejection and accepted Garrett Speer Road Petition as legal (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny)
• Adopted Resolution 13-2022 amending the comprehensive plan (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; Nays: D. Drees)
• Adopted Resolution 14-2022 rezoning parcel from Agricultural to Rural Industrial district (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones, L. Pishny; Nays: D. Drees)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider multiple rezonings, a joint fire and EMS station plan, and approve accounts payable totaling $856,562.65. Consent items include 2022 Parks & Recreation grants of $8,415 and an indigent defense contract. The agenda also includes introduction of a new Emergency Management Director and approval of crack seal bids.

• Rezoning for property at N. Hwy 83 & E. Hwy 50 (FC2022-7)
• Rezoning for property west of N. 8th St. & E. Hwy 50 (FC2022-10)
• Rezoning for property south of W. Jones Ave. & N. Sherlock Rd. (FC2022-11)
• Preliminary plan approval for joint Fire and EMS station
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $856,562.65 including ARPA distributions of $225,000

The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included $856,562.65 in accounts payable and several grant authorizations. It also approved rezoning resolutions for four properties, the EMS design for a shared Fire/EMS station, and several contract and bid actions. Additional actions included appointing a township treasurer and authorizing renegotiation of the Indigent Defense contract.

• Approved consent agenda items, including payroll $249,585.96, invoices $227,503.80, out‑cycle invoices $154,472.89, ARPA distribution $225,000.00 (total $856,562.65) – ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny
• Approved rezoning resolutions for properties at N. Hwy 83 & E. Hwy 50; west of N. 8th St. & E. Hwy 50; south of W. Jones Ave. & N. Sherlock Rd.; and parcel plat at 11600 Crist Rd. – ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny
• Approved and authorized Chair to sign the 2021 Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report and 2022 Noxious Weed Management Plan – ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny
• Approved EMS portion design of the shared Fire/EMS station – ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny
• Appointed Steven Douglass as Treasurer for Garden City Township – ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny
• Authorized renegotiation of the Indigent Defense Contract with notice to be given by April 1 – ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny
• Accepted bid from Huber Sand, Inc. for CM‑A cover material ($133,225) – ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny
• Accepted bid from B&H Paving for 2022 Crack Seal project ($127,350) – ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny

County Commission Special Session

The Finney County Commission at a special session will consider a joint resolution to dissolve the Northwest Development Industrial District (NWID). Approval would set a public hearing on April 4, 2022, for community input. The NWID board has already voted in favor of dissolution.

• Consider Joint Resolution 18-2022 for dissolution of NWID
• NWID covers the SE quarter of Section 36, Township 23 South, Range 33 West
• Public hearing on dissolution scheduled for April 4, 2022
• Resolution to be published twice in the Garden City Telegram
• County would assume all NWID powers and duties after dissolution

The Finney County Board of Commissioners and the Northwest Industrial Development District approved Joint Resolution 18-2022, which authorizes the dissolution of the district. The resolution also schedules a public hearing for April 4, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. The motion carried with ayes from Commissioners Kreutzer, Drees, Jones and Chairman Pishny. No other business was taken.

• Approved Joint Resolution 18-2022 to dissolve Northwest Development Industrial District (ayes: Kreutzer, Drees, Jones, Pishny)

County Commission Regular Session

The commission will hold a public hearing on a petition to lay out a road adjacent to 2345 S. Old Highway 83. The appointed viewers recommend denying the petition, finding it does not meet county road standards. The commission will also consider consent agenda items including $1.17 million in accounts payable, a crack seal contract with B&H Paving for $124,200, and a waiver of the $2/ton municipal waste fee for spring cleanup. Business items include membership in Kansas Natural Resource Coalition, approval of AFAC grants, bids for a skid steer, and an inmate medical services contract for the Finney County Jail.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,172,440.13 for payroll and invoices
• Authorize signature of 2021 Crack Seal contract with B&H Paving for $124,200
• Waive $2/ton municipal waste fee for spring cleanup (April 4-15, 2022) and use county work force at three designated sites
• Public hearing on road petition by Garrett and Megan Speer; viewers recommend denial
• Consider inmate medical services contract for Finney County Jail

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a public hearing on dissolving the Northwest Development Industrial District, then vote on whether to proceed. If approved, the county would acquire the district's assets and assume maintenance costs. Other business includes a rezoning request at 7855 N. Anderson Rd., approval of accounts payable totaling $676,684.41, and a contract for inmate medical services.

• Public hearing and vote on dissolution of Northwest Development Industrial District
• Rezoning of 7855 N. Anderson Rd. from Agricultural to Rural Residential
• Approval of accounts payable: $676,684.41 total, including $60,061.50 out-of-cycle
• Contract with B&H Paving for 2022 Crack Seal Project
• Consideration of inmate medical services contract for FICO Jail

The commission voted to dissolve the Northwest Industrial Development District, transferring its assets and liabilities to the county. It also rezoned 7855 N. Anderson Rd from Agricultural to Rural Residential, approved a zoning waiver for 1541 S. Raceway Rd, and appointed two members to the county library board. Additionally, the board set a 15‑year reimbursement period for Rural Housing Incentive Districts, accepted a Nutrien herbicide bid, and appointed Paul Resley as Emergency Management Coordinator.

• Dissolved Northwest Industrial Development District (motion carried)
• Rezoned 7855 N. Anderson Rd from "A" Agricultural to "R‑R" Rural Residential (motion carried)
• Approved zoning waiver for 1541 S. Raceway Rd (motion carried)
• Appointed Rebecca Price and Paula Kimbrel to Finney County Library Board (motion carried)
• Adopted 15‑year maximum reimbursement period for Rural Housing Incentive Districts (motion carried)
• Accepted Nutrien bid for 2,4‑D and Glyphosate (motion carried)
• Appointed Paul Resley as Emergency Management Coordinator (motion carried)
• Authorized redemption of 2014 General Obligation Sales Tax Bonds (motion carried)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider approving $3,472,147.60 in accounts payable and voting on FY23 comprehensive plans and budgets for the 25th Judicial District Community Corrections and Youth Services, which include state funding of $445,400.41 for adult corrections and a $677,497.19 grant for youth services. They will also hear an update on the Finney County Humane Society animal shelter and discuss establishing a Rural Housing Improvement District (RHID) in unincorporated areas. The meeting includes executive sessions for non-elected personnel and county attorney discussions.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $3,472,147.60, including $3,471,665.24 in invoices and $482.36 out-of-cycle
• Approval of FY23 Comprehensive Plan and Budget for 25th Judicial District Community Corrections with $445,400.41 from Kansas Department of Corrections
• Approval of FY23 Juvenile Comprehensive Plan Grant application for Youth Services requesting $677,497.19 from KDOC
• Update on Finney County Humane Society animal shelter by Marketing Director Beverly Schmitz Glass
• Discussion on establishing a Rural Housing Improvement District (RHID) in unincorporated areas

The commission adopted the consent agenda, approving $3,472,147.60 in accounts payable and authorizing signatures for two FY2023 district grants. It also adopted Resolutions 22-2022 and 23-2022 to create and incentivize Rural Housing Incentive Districts. A $10,000 salary increase for County Attorney Susan Richmeier was approved, and a commemorative sign for the late J. Russell Jennings was authorized.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, $3,472,147.60 accounts payable, and authorizations for 25th Judicial District Community Corrections FY2023 grant and Youth Services FY2023 grant (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones) – Motion carried
• Adopted Resolution 22-2022 establishing Rural Housing Incentive Districts in unincorporated areas (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones) – Motion carried
• Adopted Resolution 23-2022 setting policy to incentivize rural housing developments (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones) – Motion carried
• Authorized $10,000 salary increase for County Attorney Susan Richmeier within budget authority (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Jones, L. Jones; Nays: D. Drees) – Motion carried
• Approved acquisition and installation of a sign at the Correctional Complex honoring the late J. Russell Jennings (Ayes: B. Kreutzer, D. Drees, D. Jones, L. Jones) – Motion carried

County Commission Regular Session

The Commission will consider a consent agenda including approval of $976,593.05 in accounts payable and a resolution authorizing sale of 13 time clocks for $5,000 to Saline County. Public hearings are scheduled for zoning waivers at 8405 N. Big Lowe Rd., 3304 N. VFW Rd., and 107 Mayfair Ct. The board will also discuss contracts for inmate medical services at the FICO Jail and bids for the JDC security system.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $976,593.05
• Sale of 13 time clocks to Saline County for $5,000
• Consideration of zoning waiver at 8405 N. Big Lowe Rd.
• Consideration of zoning waiver at 3304 N. VFW Rd.
• Consideration of zoning waiver at 107 Mayfair Ct.

The commission adopted the Emergency Operation Plan and authorized the chair to sign it. It approved a contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare for inmate medical and mental health services, using ARPA funds. Several zoning waivers were granted for properties at 8405 N. Big Lowe Rd., 3304 N. VFW Rd., and 107 Mayfair Court. The consent agenda, library board appointment, and a security system upgrade contract were also approved.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $976,593.05 accounts payable, property sale) – unanimous
• Appointed Jay Cook to Finney County Library Board – unanimous
• Granted waiver for 8405 N. Big Lowe Rd. pending KDHE affirmation and MOU – unanimous
• Granted waiver for 3304 N. VFW Rd. pending foundation, guttering, and MOU – unanimous
• Granted waiver for 107 Mayfair Court pool cover – unanimous
• Adopted Emergency Operation Plan and authorized chair to sign – unanimous
• Approved contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare for inmate medical services, authorized ARPA funds – unanimous
• Approved security system upgrade contract with INA Alert for $285,874.34, authorized CSC funds – unanimous

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Board of Commissioners will approve routine items and consider a rezoning request. Items include approval of the May 2 minutes, payment of $851,807.34 in accounts payable, renewal of the McCully & Associates contract, and a proposal to change the zoning of 3023 W. Jones Ave. from General Commercial to Light‑Medium Industrial. The board will also hear 2023 budget requests from multiple county departments.

• Approve minutes from the 05/02/2022 regular session
• Approve accounts payable totaling $851,807.34 (payroll and invoices)
• Recommend signing the McCully & Associates contract for 2023
• Consider rezoning 3023 W. Jones Ave. from “G-C” to “I-1/I-2” Light‑Medium Industrial
• Review 2023 budget requests from county agencies and commissions

The commission approved its consent agenda, authorizing $851,807.34 in accounts payable and a contract with McCully & Associates. It rezoned the property at 3023 W. Jones Ave. from General Commercial to Light‑Medium Industrial (I‑1/I‑2). It also dissolved the Northwest Development Industrial District. Several 2023 agency funding requests were taken under advisement.

• Approved consent agenda, including $851,807.34 accounts payable and McCully & Associates contract (5-0)
• Rezoned 3023 W. Jones Ave. from General Commercial to Light‑Medium Industrial (I‑1/I‑2) (5-0)
• Dissolved Northwest Development Industrial District (5-0)
• Took Compass Behavioral Health 2023 funding request under advisement (5-0)
• Took Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center 2023 funding request under advisement (5-0)
• Took Spirit of the Plains CASA 2023 funding request under advisement (5-0)
• Took Finney County Committee on Aging 2023 funding request under advisement (5-0)
• Took Finney County Conservation District 2023 funding request under advisement (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The County Commission will consider a proposal to renovate Courthouse Room 208 into a public meeting room and a parcel plat for the Dietz Grass Land Estate. The body will also review accounts payable totaling $1,859,539.83 and bids for corrugated metal culvert pipe.

• Approval of accounts payable totaling $1,859,539.83
• Proposed $23,235 renovation of Courthouse Room 208 funded by the Finney County Law Library
• Culvert pipe bid from J & J Drainage Products for $13,461.20
• Parcel plat for Dietz Grass Land Estate at 2305 N Sherlock Rd.
• Review of indebtedness and reports from the County Administrator and Counselor

The commission approved the consent agenda, which included $1,859,539.83 in accounts payable for payroll and invoices. It also accepted a $13,461.20 low bid for a culvert, authorized renovation of Courthouse Room 208, approved the Dietz Grass Land Estate parcel plat, authorized signing of the Local Emergency Operating Plan, and approved engagement to refinance Sewer District No. 3 debt.

• Approved $1,859,539.83 accounts payable (5-0)
• Accepted low bid from J & J Drainage Products for culvert $13,461.20 (5-0)
• Authorized renovation of Courthouse Office Suite 208 (5-0)
• Approved Dietz Grass Land Estate parcel plat at 2305 Sherlock Road (5-0)
• Authorized Chair to sign Local Emergency Operating Plan (5-0)
• Authorized Administrator to engage firm for Sewer District No. 3 debt refinance (5-0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider a tax abatement MOU for Noble Dairy, amend the PTO policy, appoint members to the Convention and Visitor Bureau and Committee on Aging, and review the Solid Waste Management Plan. The commission will also reorganize by selecting a chair and vice chair for 2026.

• Noble Dairy Tax Abatement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Amendment to Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
• Appointments to Finney County Convention and Visitor Bureau and Committee on Aging
• 2027 High Risk Rural Road - KDOT Agreement
• Finney County Solid Waste Management Plan Annual Review

The commission approved a tax abatement memorandum with Noble Dairy, granting a 60% property tax reduction for ten years after project completion. It also adopted a KDOT agreement for the 2027 High‑Risk Rural Road project on Old Highway 83 and amended the paid‑time‑off policy. Appointments were made to the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Committee on Aging, and the board selected Vicki Germann as chair and Mike Utz as vice chair for 2026.

• Approved Noble Dairy tax abatement MOU (ayes: Gerry Schultz, Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann)
• Approved KDOT agreement for FFY 2027 High‑Risk Rural Road project on Old Highway 83 (ayes: Gerry Schultz, Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Vicki Germann; nays: Kevin Bascue)
• Approved amendments to the Paid Time Off policy (ayes: Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann; nays: Gerry Schultz)
• Appointed Jim Randall, Rick Kant, and Linda Hall to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board (ayes: Gerry Schultz, Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann)
• Appointed Verlene Kunz and Shelley Stroup to the Committee on Aging (ayes: Gerry Schultz, Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann)
• Approved the 2026 annual review of the Solid Waste Management Plan (ayes: Gerry Schultz, Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann)
• Selected Vicki Germann as Board Chair for 2026 (ayes: Gerry Schultz, Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann)
• Selected Mike Utz as Board Vice Chair for 2026 (ayes: Gerry Schultz, Larry C Jones, Mike Utz, Kevin Bascue, Vicki Germann)

Joint session of the Governing Bodies of Finney County, City of Garden City, and City of Holcomb

The governing bodies of Finney County, Garden City, and Holcomb will meet to discuss the Finney County LEC/Jail Project, sanitary sewer capacity east of Jenny Barker Road, and state highway system improvements. The session will also include scheduling the next joint meeting.

• Finney County LEC/Jail Project discussion
• Sanitary Sewer Capacity East of Jenny Barker Road
• State Highway System Improvements and 83 Highway Bypass
• Work session on Finney County Fairgrounds Grandstand
• RFQ/RFP Selection Committee findings

The Finney County Commission, Garden City Commission, and Holcomb City Council met on January 20, 2026. Chair Vicki Germann called the meeting to order and participants were listed. The bodies discussed the Finney County LEC/Jail Project, sanitary sewer capacity east of Jenny Barker Road, state highway improvements, and other items, but no actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will consider several items, including a resolution to set a new speed limit on Boots Road. Other agenda items involve appointments, contract amendments, and updates to employee handbook policies. Public comment will be allowed, but no formal actions are taken on those remarks.

• Resolution 02-2026: Speed limit change on Boots Road
• Finney County Planning Commission appointment
• 2027 HRRR KDOT agreement
• Amendments to employee handbook (EMS essential personnel and shared leave policy)
• Amendment to Paid Time Off (PTO) policy

The board approved its consent agenda, including minutes, $3.89 M in accounts payable and tax‑roll changes. Commissioners appointed Lance Rupp to a three‑year term on the Holcomb‑Garden City‑Finney Area Planning Commission. Several policy updates were adopted, such as designating EMS personnel as essential and removing caps on donated leave hours. Additional actions included a speed‑limit signage approval, a water‑project scope change, a beverage license issuance, and a GAAP waiver resolution.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, $3,891,328.88 accounts payable, tax roll changes) – motion carried (4‑0)
• Appointed Lance Rupp to the Holcomb‑Garden City‑Finney Area Planning Commission (3‑year term) – motion carried (4‑0)
• Approved change in scope for the Water Technical Assistance Project – motion carried (4‑0)
• Approved 40 mph speed limit signage on Boots Road between W Mary St and Jones Ave – motion carried (4‑0)
• Amended Employee Handbook to list EMS and Emergency Management as essential personnel – motion carried (4‑0)
• Amended Shared Leave Policy to remove cap on donated hours – motion carried (4‑0)
• Issued 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage License to Buffalo Dunes – motion carried (4‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 01‑2026 waiving GAAP requirements for FY 2026 – motion carried (4‑0)

County Commission Regular Session

The Finney County Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed 2025 Budget Amendment for Eastside Sewer District No.1. They will also consider three rezoning requests, several plats, appointments to the Planning Commission, and approval of 2026 cereal malt beverage licenses. A joint resolution with Garden City and a contract with First Due for emergency services are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing on 2025 Budget Amendment for Eastside Sewer District No.1
• Rezone request for property at 6600 E Weldon Road (Resolution 36-2025)
• Two rezone requests for property at 4950 W Jones Ave (Resolutions 37-2025 and 38-2025)
• Joint resolution with the City of Garden City
• Contract with First Due for emergency services