The Neosho County Commission approved multiple contracts, purchases and administrative actions during its regular meeting Jan. 13 at the Neosho County Courthouse in Erie.
Commissioners approved payroll clearing totaling $187,372.46, time-off requests and accounts payable in the amount of $185,474.90.
The commission granted a one-year extension for a Neighborhood Revitalization Program project for Steve and Pam Kline. The extension was requested due to unexpected structural issues discovered during renovation work.
Commissioners approved renewal of law enforcement contracts with the city of St. Paul, and Thayer, continuing agreements that have remained unchanged for several years.
Sheriff’s officials reported that a 2023 Ram truck involved in a recent accident was totaled by the insurance company, which agreed to pay $25,940 after the county’s deductible. Commissioners approved the purchase of two 2026 Chevrolet 1500 patrol trucks with police packages from a Wich-ita area dealer at a cost of $49,898 each, using funds from the equipment reserve. Commissioners also approved a special accounts payable payment totaling $99,796 and directed that insurance proceeds from wrecked sheriff’s vehicles be deposited into the equipment reserve.
The commission entered multiple executive sessions during the meeting to discuss non-elected personnel matters involving road and bridge, 911 operations, the health department and other county departments. No action was taken following those sessions.
Commissioners approved the purchase of new adjustable dispatch desks for the county’s 911 center from ZyCybex at a cost of $60,914.43, to be paid from the equipment reserve. Commission Chair Nicholas Galemore voted against the measure, claiming the cost was too high. The purchase replaces desks that have been in use for approximately 17 years, according to 911 Director Lori Nally.
The commission approved payment of a $1,200 invoice to Life Benefits for electronic data interchange setup related to employee benefits and accepted the county’s 2026 payroll calendar, which includes adjusted pay dates due to holidays.
Road and bridge officials presented updates on ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including bridge work near Galesburg, asphalt overlay projects and planned work along Elk Road. Commissioners approved a proposal from Bettis Asphalt to install a rock edge along Elk Road to the county line at a cost of $42,272.50, to be paid from the county tax account.
Commissioners discussed anticipated traffic impacts from the upcoming Kansas Highway 59 railroad overpass project north of Parsons and potential speed limit adjustments on surrounding gravel roads. No formal action was taken.
The commission approved hiring Button Auction to conduct a one-day auction of surplus county equipment on Feb. 7 at a cost of $300, with proceeds to be deposited into the equipment reserve.
During annual reorganization, commissioners selected leadership for 2026, approved meeting dates and times, reaffirmed official county newspapers and designated financial institutions, including the Kansas Municipal Investment Pool. Commissioners also approved committee assignments as presented.
The commission approved a $150,000 transfer from the general fund to the equipment reserve as outlined in the adopted 2026 budget. Discussion was held on tabling a resolution related to the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan program pending further review.
Commissioners discussed setting priorities for the coming year and expressed concerns about potential state and federal policy changes affecting county funding, including proposals related to property taxes.
The meeting adjourned with the next regular commission meeting scheduled for Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. at the courthouse.
