Grant County Commission handled a wide range of county business during its regular meeting April 21, including approving major equipment purchases, adopting a temporary moratorium on data center applications, and discussing future impacts of renewable energy taxation.
The meeting opened at 9 a.m. with all commissioners present, along with County Clerk Anita Lane. Commissioner Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance and Pastor Swann gave the opening prayer.
One of the first actions involved the Grant County Fire Department. Fire Chief John Crosby presented a quote from Pilot Engines for a 2018 Fire Pump D902 engine totaling $7,310, including a refundable core deposit. Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase using Fire Fund dollars.
Commissioners also addressed community concerns regarding the location of fire department training exercises. Crosby said he will work with city officials and the Road & Bridge Department to identify a more suitable training location.
Republican precinct committeemen and committeewomen Steve Alford, Sheila Brown, Mary Sullivan and Rhonda Anderson appeared before the commission to discuss allowing political candidates to meet with residents in county facilities. Commissioners agreed the Senior Center could host candidates during regular business hours, while the Civic Center and Fire Department facilities could be used after hours and on weekends with approval from department heads. Candidates will also be allowed to distribute literature directly to individuals.
Civic Center Manager Mari Honstead received approval to rehire summer employees, including two returning workers and one new hire. Commissioners also approved the purchase of replacement batteries for the courthouse floor burnisher at a cost of $2,025 from Williams Janitorial Supply Warehouse.
The commission approved Road Crossing Work Order 26092 from Pioneer Communications and later accepted a bid from Amazon for an HP 936 printer and ink package for county maintenance operations at a cost of $365.78.
State Representative Marty Long met with commissioners to discuss possible state-level tax changes affecting renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and battery storage developments. Long said new renewable energy taxes could be implemented within the next one to two years and may affect county revenues, PILOT agreements, zoning requirements and future projects such as data centers.
Commissioners approved minutes from the April 7 meeting, county payroll totaling $169,577.88 and vouchers totaling $104,021.66.
The commission also unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-03, establishing a temporary moratorium on applications related to the establishment, operation or expansion of data centers in Grant County.
Museum Director Ginger Anthony introduced Beth Mathes, who will assume leadership of the museum following Anthony’s retirement in May.
County Attorney Kelly Premer Chavez advised commissioners to seek outside counsel regarding the Rupart Solar documents, a recommendation the board accepted.
A lengthy discussion followed the opening of sealed bids for a new motor grader for the Road & Bridge Department. Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. submitted bids for two John Deere models, while Foley Equipment presented bids for two Caterpillar graders. After discussion, commissioners approved the purchase of a John Deere 770 P-Tier Motor Grader from Murphy Tractor & Equipment for $358,359.51, including a 250-hour air filter change-out package.
Commissioners also approved revisions to the county smoking policy. The updated policy prohibits smoking in county-owned buildings, vehicles and equipment and requires smoking to occur at least 10 feet away from entrances, windows and ventilation systems.
The Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging requested matching county funds to continue services in Grant County. According to the agency, county residents received $127,225 in services during 2025, including insurance counseling, meals, in-home care, case management and housing vouchers. Commissioners approved a $1,490 funding match request.
Commissioners approved a new part-time hire for the Senior Center and heard funding requests from Southwest Developmental Services and the Russell Child Development Center for 2027 appropriations.
Grant County Treasurer Terri Trotman informed the commission that Senate Bill 325 will take effect July 1, adding an additional $5 fee to all vehicle registrations.
The board also discussed efforts to restore NOAA weather radio service to Grant County. Commissioners directed the county clerk to contact state officials after the county tower is inspected and deemed usable.
Finally, commissioners directed county staff to publish notice for sealed bids to replace the swimming pool electrical box. Bids will be opened during a special meeting scheduled for May 12.
The meeting adjourned at 12:53 p.m. The next regular meeting was scheduled for May 5 at 10 a.m. at Grant County Courthouse.
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