Thomas County Commissioners Approve Storm Disaster Declaration, Update Towing Resolution During Lengthy Budget Meeting
June 22, 2026
Thomas County Commissioners approved a local disaster declaration following last weekend's destructive windstorm, adopted revisions to the county's towing ordinance after weeks of public discussion, and continued work on the 2027 county budget during a lengthy meeting Monday, June 22, at the Historic Thomas County Courthouse.
Commissioners also approved $27,573.71 in Courthouse General accounts payable before moving through a full agenda that included emergency medical equipment, road and bridge funding, right-of-way concerns and multiple executive sessions.
One of the meeting’s most significant actions came when Emergency Management Director David Becker requested a local disaster declaration following the severe thunderstorms that swept across northwest Kansas over the weekend.
According to Becker, the National Weather Service recorded winds speed above 100 mph throughout the county, with localized estimates topping 120 mph in some areas. Damages were noted at approximately 150 Midwest Energy utility poles destroyed, derailed roughly 35 railroad cars in two separate locations near Colby and Gem, damaged airport hangars, destroyed grain bins and other outbuildings near Rexford, and caused widespread damage to irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure.
Becker reported that 192 loads of storm debris were received at the landfill where officials had extended operations for storm clean-up. Residents within Colby city limits were reminded they can place storm debris along the curb for collection by city sanitation crews.
While National Weather Service personnel observed damage patterns consistent with possible tornadic activity near Rexford, Becker said meteorologists did not find radar evidence confirming a tornado.
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2026-11 declaring a local disaster emergency, allowing the county to pursue additional assistance for cleanup and recovery efforts.
Becker also cautioned homeowners to do their research prior to hiring contractors for roof repair, he encourages homeowners to verify roofing contractors through the Kansas Attorney General's registration directory to avoid fraud.
Another item that drew considerable public interest was continued discussion surrounding the county's tow vehicle ordinance.
Several towing companies attended the meeting after weeks of discussion over accident scene response procedures and rotation practices. Business owners expressed concerns that rival towing companies are monitoring emergency calls then responding to scenes of accidents without being dispatched, saying the practice creates both safety concerns and an uneven playing field.
County Attorney Chris Rohr explained that the Kansas Highway Patrol operates under its own procedures, creating limitations on how county regulations can be enforced. Sheriff Tom Nickols also addressed the commission, noting recent Federal Communications Commission changes regarding scanner use and stating that using first responder radio traffic for commercial profit is already prohibited under federal regulations.
Commissioners ultimately approved Resolution 2026-12 after increasing the maximum fine for violations from $500 to $1,500. Before the vote, Terry Cox from Butch’s Body Shop noted that concerns raised during previous meetings had already led to noticeable improvements in how recent incidents were handled.
Emergency Medical Services Director Scott Reese also presented a proposal to begin replacing aging cardiac monitors carried aboard county ambulances.
The proposal would purchase two new Stryker Lifepak 35 monitors at a total cost of $112,992.92 through an interest-free three-year payment plan, with annual payments of approximately $37,664.
Commissioners also spent considerable time discussing county road right-of-way maintenance after several residents voiced concerns about inconsistent mowing and enforcement.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Clair Schrock explained how his crew schedules mowing and spraying are determined and noted that weather conditions caused crews to begin earlier than usual this year. County Attorney Rohr recommended documenting right-of-way violations as they are discovered, then his office will notify affected landowners through written correspondence.
Several residents, including Bill Miller and Bernie Myer, questioned whether county practices have been applied consistently. Commissioners agreed current state laws already provide sufficient authority but indicated they would continue evaluating future mowing costs and enforcement procedures. No formal action was taken.
Road and Bridge funding was addressed later in the meeting when commissioners approved paying a previously awarded $141,500 crushed concrete contract through the county's Wind Farm Fund until reimbursement is received from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Any remaining project costs will be paid from the Special Highway Fund.
Commissioners also formally offered the Thomas County Landfill Supervisor position following executive sessions. No other binding action resulted from four executive sessions held throughout the afternoon.
Much of the meeting was devoted to reviewing the proposed 2027 county budget.
Finance staff outlined rising personnel costs, including projected increases in employee benefits and health insurance. Employee benefit expenditures are expected to increase more than 16 percent next year, driven largely by anticipated insurance costs, while overall courthouse general expenditures currently reflect an increase of approximately 3.3 percent over 2026.
Commissioners also adjusted appropriations from the county's Special Alcohol Fund after state liquor tax revenues declined. Rather than subsidizing the difference through local tax dollars, commissioners approved reducing distributions proportionally, allocating $12,250 to Recovery Way and $5,000 to the Smoky Hill Foundation.
Additional discussion centered on appropriations requested by outside organizations. Commissioners indicated they want organizations receiving county funding to appear before the board and explain their needs before final budget approval. Requests from Thomas County Economic Development, the Thomas County Coalition and several senior citizen organizations remain under review.
Without those pending appropriations, commissioners noted the proposed 2027 budget currently reflects an overall increase of only about one-tenth of one percent compared to the current year.
Commissioners also postponed a scheduled presentation from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence after no representative attended the meeting. The organization's request for $3,000 in 2027 funding will be considered at a future meeting.