Neosho County commissioners held their final meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, Dec. 30, where they finalized several agreements before the end of the year.
Commissioners approved an amended fuel purchase agreement with Fleet Fuels after a tax error was discovered following approval at a previous meeting. The company’s new computer system had removed federal and state fuel taxes from quoted prices, requiring a correction.
Under the amended agreement, Clear Diesel pricing was adjusted from $2.27 to $2.55 per gallon for approximately 130,000 gallons, and pricing for the E10 gasoline blend was corrected from $1.89 to $2.15 per gallon. The motion passed unanimously.
Fleet Fuels, based in Kansas City, Missouri, operates 17 locations, including four in Kansas, and also provides environmental services for reclaimed oil.
Commissioners also approved extending a gravel agreement with Mallard Oaks, owned by Jim Chappel. The updated agreement runs through August 2026, extending the term from one year to two years.
Road and Bridge Director Mike Brown said the gravel operation has performed well, particularly in the south-central portion of the county, holding up under heavy agricultural traffic.
A transfer of $24,937 from the pilot fund to the county’s ARPA fund was approved to finalize accounting now that all ARPA funds have been fully expended. Commissioners expressed satisfaction with how ARPA funds were used.
Dr. Brian Inbody, president of Neosho County Community College, presented proposed changes to the county scholarship agreement, effective for the fall 2026 semester.
The revisions include converting the scholarship to a “last-dollar” program, which requires students to apply for Pell grants and other forms of aid first. The scholarship would continue to cover tuition and standard fees, but not course-specific fees, and would be limited to fall and spring semesters only.
Inbody said the changes align the program with the Kansas Scholarship Act and help preserve funding long term. The application process will remain unchanged.
Commissioners approved the revised agreement unanimously.
MRH Insurance President Ross Hendrickson reported that the county’s cyber liability insurance premium increased slightly from $14,515 to $14,917, while maintaining the same carrier. No action was required at this time.
Sheriff Greg Taylor reported a hit-andrun accident involving a county vehicle Friday night. A suspect has since been arrested. Taylor also noted another accident earlier in the month involving a deer, resulting in approximately $7,100 in damage.
Taylor said the department is facing vehicle shortages, including a 2020 truck with a failed transmission. Replacement availability remains limited, particularly for pickup trucks.
Commissioners approved the 2026 holiday schedule and discussed pay structures, including overtime, compensatory time, and Fair Labor Standards Act considerations for road and bridge and solid waste employees.
A new hire was approved for the Road and Bridge department, effective Jan. 6, 2026.
Commissioners discussed upcoming road projects, including potential improvements near Shaw Road and Elk Road, and raised concerns about inter-county road conditions involving Wilson County.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13, with reorganization and appointments planned later in the month. A forensic audit of diversion funds was also discussed as a future agenda item.
