ERIE — The Neosho County Commission on Monday approved the release of $2 million in ambulance sales tax funds and addressed a range of administrative, budget, and infrastructure matters during its Feb. 10 meeting.
Chair Gail Klaassen called the meeting to order with all commissioners present. The commission moved into executive session early in the meeting, with the county counselor available by phone. No action followed.
Klaassen thanked organizers of a recent county equipment auction, which raised approximately $6,000. Commissioner comments noted all items sold, and additional space was cleared. Proceeds will help replenish the county’s equipment reserve, with some vehicles to be replaced.
Representatives from Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, David Brake, and Richie Reissig presented a funding request for the county ambulance service.
Brake said that despite increased revenue since 2021, the service has operated at a roughly $300,000 annual loss for four to five years.
Brake requested $2 million from the ambulance sales tax fund, leaving open the possibility of returning later in the year for additional support to offset accumulated losses. He noted the fund currently holds about $2.3 million, which would allow the county to cover the request while maintaining a balance.
Reissig, speaking on ambulance operations, said call volume increased by more than 200 runs compared to the previous year. Long-distance transfers have also risen significantly due to limited specialty care in southeast Kansas, averaging about three transfers per day. The service maintains one ambulance in Erie and one in Chanute.
Commissioner Gail Galemore suggested the county may need to revisit the sales tax for ambulance service in the future. Brake said the service would likely return with similar ballot language if needed.
Klaassen moved to release $2 million from the ambulance sales tax fund. Galemore seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners also approved a $35,000 fuel invoice from a new vendor that had been added to the agenda late. The consent agenda passed unanimously.
County Treasurer Gabby Sands presented proposals from four banks for a new county account. After reviewing bids from Community National Bank, Emprise Bank, Commercial Bank and the Bank of Commerce, Sands recommended the Bank of Commerce based on competitive interest rates, no fees and a $1,000 minimum balance requirement. Commissioners approved the bid and authorized view-only online access for Sands.
The commission entered another brief executive session regarding a non-elected employee. No action was taken afterward.
Commissioners approved a transfer from the treasurer’s office to the appraiser’s office.
Human Resources Director Cindy Graff presented concerns regarding how call-out pay and compensatory time are tracked and reported, particularly for potential FEMA reimbursement during emergencies such as floods. She explained that current coding automatically applies time-and-a-half pay for call-outs, which can create tracking complications if employees elect compensatory time instead of overtime pay.
Commissioners indicated they were not concerned about continuing to track call-out pay separately but asked for clarity in reporting. Graff said department heads are expected to use discretion in approving overtime and compensatory time, and that policies may need clarification to ensure accurate recordkeeping and prevent excessive carryover of comp time.
The commission also discussed updating the employee handbook and establishing a safety committee. Graff noted potential benefits, including safety-related insurance discounts and ADA compliance updates. Klaassen said commissioners should be included in discussions since they hold final authority.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Mike Brown reported the county will open bids on March 10 for a 70th Road overlay project and four bridge overlays. Required project advertisements will run soon. Work is underway related to a bridge closure, and traffic impacts are not expected to be as significant as the recent U.S. 59 closure. Brown said right-ofway work is progressing near Galesburg and that speed limits on gravel roads have been lowered to 30 mph, with further adjustments possible based on traffic counts.
Brown reported ongoing staffing updates, including a new blade operator starting next week and the upcoming retirement of David Starr at the end of the month. The department is also addressing damaged and missing road signs, noting eight were knocked down over the weekend.
Clerk’s office staff discussed deadlines for outside entities to submit budget requests by March 17 as the county begins work on its 2027 budget. Commissioners set a special budget- related meeting for 10 a.m. Feb. 24.
Commissioners approved closing out a county credit card account tied to a former county attorney, authorizing a final $49.75 payment from the county attorney’s budget.
Under unfinished business, Klaassen reviewed updates to the county’s proposed purchase policy, including written bid requirements and spending limits intended to assist department heads and the clerk’s office. She also emphasized completing updates to the employee handbook this year.
During public comment, Jacob Cochran offered assistance in working with federal agencies if needed.
Commissioner Paul Westoff adjourned. Neosho County Commission’s next regular meeting will be held at the Courthouse on Feb. 24th at 1 pm.
