A nearly $100,000 appraisal contract and a long-range road improvement project topping $1 million headlined a wide-ranging April 7th meeting of the Grant County Board of Commissioners, where decisions made today are poised to shape county finances and infrastructure for years to come.
Meeting in regular session, commissioners moved through a full agenda that blended routine departmental updates with forward-looking investments and policy discussions, touching nearly every corner of county operations.
The board unanimously approved a three-year, $94,700 agreement with Kubert Appraisal Group to conduct commercial appraisals on major industrial properties, including Birla Carbon, Scout Energy Group, and Linde (Praxair). The expense will be paid from the Appraiser’s fund and ensures updated valuations on some of the county’s most significant tax contributors.
Looking further ahead, commissioners also approved a Kansas Department of Transportation programming request for improvements to Road 21, a project slated for 2028. The plan calls for adding paved shoulders and edge lines along a 4.5-mile stretch east of K-25, carrying a total estimated cost of $1.175 million. Under the proposal, the county would be responsible for 20 percent, or approximately $233,000.
County Operations Show Steady Activity
Department reports painted a picture of steady—and in some cases increasing—activity across the county.
Public Works Shaun Minks reported ongoing road maintenance efforts and preparations for Spring Cleanup, scheduled April 13–18 at the landfill, with hazardous waste training to follow April 21–23.
At the Health Department, Denise James reported serving 400 patients in the past month while also passing a Kansas Board of Pharmacy inspection. The department distributed 42 senior food boxes and participated in the Governor’s Public Health Conference in Wichita.
Meanwhile, Senior Center Director Nancy Borthwick reported a notable increase in demand, with meals averaging 77 per day so far in 2026—up from 65 daily last year—highlighting growing community reliance on the service.
Emergency services also remained active, with 47 EMS calls, nine transfers, and six standbys recorded in March.
Other departments reported continued progress and preparation for upcoming events. The Civic Center is entering a busy season filled with community gatherings, while maintenance crews continue upgrades at county facilities, including electrical work at the courthouse and ongoing evaluation of repairs at the swimming pool.
Policy Changes and Facility Improvements
Commissioners approved updates to county personnel policy regarding immediate family definitions and paid funeral leave.
Discussion also centered on smoking policies, with consensus reached to align county building rules with Kansas statute while prohibiting smoking and vaping in all county vehicles. Updated policy language is expected to return for formal approval at the next meeting.
Sheriff Biddle received approval to purchase a new insulated steel overhead door at a cost of $2,179.98 to support operations at the sheriff’s office.
Looking Ahead: Partnerships and Planning
Representatives from LiveWell Finney County Health Coalition met with commissioners to discuss expanding collaboration in Grant County. The organization focuses on improving access to healthcare resources and strengthening community outreach across multiple counties.
Airport Board members also initiated discussions on updating the airport manager’s contract, which has remained unchanged since 2011. A formal review process is expected before recommendations are brought back to the commission.
Two executive sessions were held—one regarding real estate acquisition and another concerning financial matters tied to the hospital retirement plan—with no action taken following either session.
Staffing and Closing Actions
Commissioners approved several personnel items, including a new part-time employee at the Senior Center, a probationary firefighter, and a part-time EMT.
The meeting adjourned at 12:32 p.m. Commissioners will reconvene April 21.
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