Commission Approves Maintenance Hire, Adjusts Purchasing Limits at April 6 Meeting
April 6, 2026
The Thomas County Commissioners met April 6 at the Thomas County Courthouse, covering a range of operational decisions including equipment repairs, departmental purchasing authority, staffing needs, and long-standing tax write-offs.
During announcements, Commission Chair Mike Baughn raised concerns over Senate Substitute for House Bill 2745, noting he hopes for a governor veto. Baughn indicated provisions within the bill could place additional burdens on local governments. Commissioners also noted a scheduling change for the upcoming Economic Development meeting, which has been moved from April 15 to April 22. Two additional items were added to the agenda, including consideration of a Go Rail support letter and a proposed handbook revision, though the handbook revision item was later rescinded.
One of the first action items involved the Thomas County Landfill, where Director Tom Fischer requested approval of a $9,983 retroactive repair related to the steering system on a CAT M8 machine. Fischer explained that while addressing an initial issue, technicians identified a failing steering pump requiring immediate replacement. Commissioners approved the expense despite the work already being underway.
Commissioners also revisited internal purchasing policies under handbook item I-7. Baughn proposed increasing the threshold for capital purchases requiring commission approval from $5,000 to $15,000, which would allow departments more autonomy for mid-level expenditures. That motion failed. A second proposal, brought forward by Commissioner Brian Luedke, sought a more moderate increase to $10,000. Following discussion with the county attorney regarding policy limitations and oversight, the commission approved the revised threshold in a 2-1 vote, with Baughn voting against.
Staffing needs within the county’s maintenance department prompted extended discussion. Commissioners reviewed a proposal to add a full-time assistant maintenance director; a move intended to improve on-call coverage and support ongoing grounds and facility upkeep. The department currently consists of one full-time director and two part-time custodians.
While commissioners unanimously approved the job description, compensation became a point of debate. Commissioner Brad Flipse expressed concern over the proposed salary level of $54,000, advocating instead for an hourly wage in the $18 to $20 range to better manage overtime costs. Luedke made a motion to set the position at $24 per hour. The motion passed 2-1, with Flipse opposed.
The commission also approved Resolution 26-09, allowing the county to write off uncollected personal property taxes under Kansas statute KSA 60-2403. According to information presented in the meeting and supporting documents, some of these delinquent taxes date back as far as 1989. The treasurer’s office reported 75 outstanding accounts totaling approximately $35,000, with collection efforts expected to cost the county more than $7,000 and likely exceeding any recoverable amount. Commissioners approved the write-off.
Additional routine business included approval of a $439.61 line-item transfer from the landfill budget to Road and Bridge to account for shared labor costs.
Commissioners also approved a request from Go Rail, an organization focused on rail safety and federal rail policy, to submit a letter of support on behalf of the county.
Non-action items reviewed during the meeting included correspondence from the Chamber of Commerce, the March bank reconciliation report, and a newsletter from the Brewster Senior Center.
The meeting adjourned following completion of the agenda.