Thomas County Commissioners Focus on 2027 Budget Process; Minutes Still Pending
Thomas County commissioners spent the first two weeks of July laying the groundwork for the 2027 budget, with three meetings focused on budget requests, projections, and hearings. However, minutes from all three sessions have not yet been published, so only the agendas — not any final decisions or votes — can be confirmed at this time.
2027 Budget Requests Dominate July 6 Agenda
The Board of County Commissioners met July 6 to discuss 2027 budget requests from the Fair Board and for discretionary funds. The agenda also included advisory board recommendations on 2027 landfill tipping fees, a discussion about an Information Technology position, and routine reports on June road and bridge conditions. Noxious weed and sales tax collection reports were also listed.
Because minutes have not been published, it is not possible to confirm what was decided, what votes were taken, or what dollar amounts were discussed.
Special Meeting Set for Budget Hearings
On July 9, the commission held a special meeting at the Courthouse, 3rd Floor, 300 N Court Ave., Colby, KS 67701, beginning at 10:30 A.M. The purpose was to hear requests for 2027 discretionary funds. Attendees listed were Chairperson Mike Baughn, Member Brad Flipse, and Member Brian Luedke.
Again, minutes are not yet available, so no outcomes can be reported.
July 13 Meeting Adds Library, Landfill, and Insurance Items
The July 13 meeting agenda included 2027 budget hearings, the Pioneer Memorial Library 2027 budget request, and a review of the 2027 Thomas County Budget Projection V2. Commissioners were also scheduled to consider a vehicle request from the Landfill Director and review a 2027 health insurance estimate from IMA.
No minutes have been published for this meeting either.
What Residents Should Know
The 2027 budget process is now underway. These meetings determine how county dollars are allocated across departments and programs — from the fairgrounds to the library to landfill operations. Once minutes are published, residents will be able to see which requests were approved, modified, or deferred, and at what funding levels.
Coming Up
July 20 — Board of County Commissioners. The board will consider approving minutes from the June 30, July 6, and July 9 meetings, which could provide the first confirmed record of recent budget discussions. Aaron Brinkerhoff is scheduled to give a presentation titled "Washington National Benefits." Commissioners will also review economic development minutes. A public comment period is listed on the agenda.
Residents who want to follow the budget process should watch for the approval of those prior minutes, as that will be the first opportunity to see official records of the July budget discussions.