The Neosho County Commission approved the purchase of a new patrol vehicle, authorized multiple road and bridge payments, and discussed longterm financial and policy planning during their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday at the Neosho County Courthouse.
During commissioner comments, Commission Chair Gail Klaassen reported attending a pre-construction conference for the U.S. 59 overpass project, which is expected to take about a year to complete. She said Neosho County was the only county represented at the meeting. Klaassen also attended a Neosho County Farm Bureau board event and reported on regional planning commission activities, including the county’s participation in a revolving loan program.
The commission approved the consent agenda on a 3-0 vote. No public comment was offered.
Sheriff Greg Taylor addressed the commission regarding a long-delayed patrol vehicle order, saying there is still no anticipated delivery date for a Dodge vehicle ordered nearly a year ago. Taylor presented an option to cancel the order and purchase a Chevrolet instead. Commissioners discussed the cost difference between the vehicles, noting the Chevrolet would cost $49,898 compared with $45,454 for the Dodge. Klaassen said sufficient funds had been set aside to cover the difference. Commissioner Nicholas Galemore moved to cancel the Dodge order and authorize the Chevrolet purchase, which passed unanimously.
“Let’s go ahead and get that done,” Klaassen said. “I think our deputies deserve that. It does deplete the equipment reserve, but these were things we needed.”
Taylor also requested approval to add surplus equipment to an upcoming auction.
The commission approved funding for courthouse window tinting to reduce glare and improve efficiency. The exterior glass on the north and west sides of the building will be tinted at a cost of $2,213 after a discount. Interior tinting and doors will be paid from the appraiser’s budget.
Commissioners discussed a software issue affecting the county’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program. County Appraiser Tohnjua Stipp said rebate checks cannot currently be distributed to participants who paid in full because of incorrect system computations.
She said they are working with the vendor to resolve the issue and will continue responding to taxpayer questions.
“I would be unhappy also if I scraped together to pay it in full,” Stipp said. “All we can say is that we’re working on it and it is a top priority.”
The commission entered executive session for personnel matters and returned without taking action.
Road and Bridge Director Mike Brown reported that preparations are underway for the U.S. 59 train overpass detour, expected to begin Feb. 23. Brown said the sheriff’s office, 911, and emergency management have been notified. He added that the county will meet with the Kansas Department of Transportation regarding reimbursement for detour road work. Brown also reported the county received an $80,000 FEMA reimbursement for 2024 flood damage, with bridge reimbursement still pending.
Commissioners approved the final payment for the Elk Road Neosho River bridge project in the amount of $434,558.87, including a change order related to additional base rock needed during construction. The payment will be made from the special bridge account.
The commission also approved payment to Bettis Asphalt totaling $513,536.56 for the Elk Road overlay project, including added work on Country Club Road. Commissioners authorized the purchase of upgraded fuel tank gauges from BPCO at a cost of $14,970 to improve fuel monitoring and ordering efficiency. They also approved the county’s updated solid waste plan, which includes changes to landfill hours and days of operation.
During later discussion, commissioners discussed future planning needs, including capital improvement planning, procurement and purchasing policies, vendor conflict-of-interest disclosures, and potential policy updates related to artificial intelligence use. Klaassen said the county currently has about $1.6 million in sales tax funds available, with approximately $2 million already committed to projects. She noted future payments in lieu of taxes are expected to total about $3.5 million and said the county should begin planning for long-term infrastructure needs.
“We need to start thinking five to 10 years out,” Klaassen said.
Commissioners agreed to continue policy discussions at future meetings and emphasized the importance of quarterly financial reviews and clearer budgeting practices. The meeting adjourned without further action.
