Grant County Commissioners convened November 18, opening their meeting with a Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before moving into a full slate of business items spanning technology needs, tax matters, infrastructure, staffing, and county-wide services.
Technology and Personnel Updates County Clerk Anita Lane presented two administrative items: the need to price a new computer for a county employee and authorization for a new credit card for Daniel Monzano. The card was approved, and the computer cost will be investigated thoroughly.
Commissioners then entered an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel matters following a report from Treasurer Terri Trotman about delinquent property taxes and returned mail from the Tax Statements. Trotman also updated the board on efforts to clean up outstanding mineral tax issues.
Road Department Purchases Approved Road Supervisor Sam Minks reported on bids for tires and grader blades. The county approved purchasing 120 eight-foot blades with a six-inch surface from Foley for $15,926.40 and authorized purchase of tires from Frank’s Tire Center for $16,332.64.
EMS Staffing and Insurance Considerations EMS Director Jeff Baier requested approval to hire two full-time employees by the new year. The discussion centered around health-insurance costs, noting that a family plan for a single employee could run up to $2,000 per month. Commissioners encouraged continued use of part-time staff when feasible. Baier also outlined current EMS reimbursements and training progress for part-time EMT staff. It was authorized for Jeff to add One to the staff.
Fees, Infrastructure, and Airport Updates Register of Deeds Julie Widder requested a price adjustment for 11x14 document copies, increasing the fee from 75 cents to $1 beginning in January. The board approved the change.
Commissioners also evaluated bids for concrete related to the ongoing airport fence project, choosing Croell’s $158-per-yard bid with a cost cap of $50,000. Discussions touched on fence-line footage, cattle guard needs, and broader airport plans. Additional updates were provided later in the meeting by airport representatives Sheila and Loren regarding ongoing project timelines.
Contract Amendments and Communications Work A conference call with Nick Brown revisited Resolution 00-04 concerning a Seaboard contract tied to a facility sale and new partnership considerations. Commissioners asked that Brown forward documentation to the County Attorney for review and potential revisions.
Separately, Pioneer Communications and Western Kansas irrigation submitted road-crossing permits, which the board approved.
Wage Adjustments and Holiday Scheduling Commissioners authorized wage increases for a part-time EMS employee and approved the hiring wage for a new Corrections Officer at the Sheriff’s Office.
The Treasurer’s Office requested it to close at noon on December 24th; however, commissioners directed the office to remain open the full day on Christmas Eve and then close fully on December 25th and 26th.
Community Engagement & Insurance Savings City Administrator Luke Grimes invited the commissioners to participate in a Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner tentatively scheduled for sometime in January. The board agreed to attend and it was voiced support for further community efforts tied to the event.
Hadley from Freedom Health Insurance presented renewal information, noting that the county has saved approximately $250,000 through the firm’s services. Premiums will increase just 1% in the upcoming year. Freedom currently saves the county around 83% on generic prescriptions and 17% on brand-name medications. Discussion also covered additional coverages Freedom offers.
Closing Session Before adjourning, the commission entered another executive session with Nancy Borthwick from the Senior Center to discuss non-elected personnel matters. No action was announced following the session, further questioning yield that no action was made on the matter.
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