The Neosho County Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, covering health department grants, county appraisal requests, human resources updates, road and bridge projects, and a newly proposed county purchasing policy. Commissioners addressed ongoing operations, budget considerations, and public safety initiatives.
Commissioners approved a service contract with Foley Equipment for the two new road graders that the county has purchased.
Taylor Noice, head of the Neosho County Health Department, reported on grant applications for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. The department is applying for family planning, immunizations, maternal and child health, universal home visiting, emergency preparedness, and state formula grants. Noice noted that grant funding levels have remained steady, with the WIC program providing approximately half of all grant support. She confirmed that grants continue to fund staff wages and benefits and highlighted the hiring of an additional nurse to support multiple programs. The department is also hosting community events, including “Mommy and Me” sessions on the first Thursday of each month, an Easter egg drive-thru on March 26, and the county baby shower on June 11. Commissioner Paul Westoff discussed the potential acquisition of LifeVac suction devices for choking emergencies, with Noice indicating that training is minimal.
Tohnjua Stipp, county appraiser, presented a new Neighborhood Revitalization Program request from James and Rosemary Venamman for a property at 1405 UD Doll Road, with an approximate construction cost of $532,000. The commission approved the request unanimously. Stipp requested a five-minute executive session to discuss matters related to potential litigation in the appraiser’s office, which was granted.
Cindy Graff, HR department head, reported progress on AirMed insurance applications and shared updated overtime reports for all departments. She noted that earned compensatory time, if unused, rolls over into the following year and must be factored into budget planning. Graff highlighted policy considerations around overtime, earned comp payouts, and shift differentials for certain departments, emphasizing accurate tracking to manage payroll and budget impacts.
She also announced the first policy manual review meeting for March 4 at 9:30 a.m., aiming to update ADA compliance, safety committee policies, and other departmental procedures.
Mike Brown, head of the Neosho County Road and Bridge Department, outlined upcoming projects, including the March 10 bid letting for the 70th Road overlay and four bridge overlays. He requested approval to increase tire disposal fees at the Neos County landfill to $300 per ton for bulk tires and $1 per individual tire, citing a $15 per ton price increase from the disposal contractor. The commission approved the adjustment. Brown presented an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for the North Island Bridge replacement, which was also approved. He discussed the potential purchase of plow trucks at a March 24 auction and outlined the remaining funds available from previous auctions and pilot programs. The commission addressed drainage concerns and maintenance for Brown Cemetery Road and 40th Road, emphasizing the need for written agreements before performing work on private property. Brown also reviewed grading operations, noting current limitations with five operators and suggesting adjustments to district assignments to ensure equitable road maintenance.
The commission reviewed a revised county purchasing policy, clarifying thresholds for formal and informal bids. Under the proposed policy, purchases exceeding $5,000 require formal bids, with certain exceptions outlined separately. Commissioners discussed the need for detailed bid documentation, including legacy costs, maintenance agreements, and contract lengths, to ensure informed fiscal decisions. Staff recommended developing standardized forms for informal and formal bids, drawing from policies in other counties. The policy complements existing regulations, such as the county credit card policy.
Interim Neosho County Attorney Sheryl Bussell also provided an update to County Commissioners, that report will be in Tuesday’s edition of the Tribune.
