Thomas County sets revenue neutral hearing as budget work narrows proposed tax increase
July 13, 2026
After weeks of budget workshops, months of work by the county clerk and treasurer, and difficult funding decisions, the Thomas County Commissioners came one step closer to finalizing the 2027 budget on Monday, approving their intent to exceed the county's revenue neutral rate.
The commissioners also reviewed projected health insurance costs, approved a vehicle-use request for the landfill director, heard the Pioneer Memorial Library's annual funding request, and approved routine accounts payable during their July 13 meeting at the Historic Thomas County Courthouse.
The meeting began with no public comments or additions to the agenda before commissioners approved accounts payable totaling $72,761.27 from the Courthouse General Fund and $26,384.08 from the Road and Bridge Fund.
Pioneer Memorial Library Director Melany Wilks appeared before the commission seeking continued county support for the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging grant, which helps the library provide large-print books and audiobooks for senior citizens. Documentation included in the board packet showed the grant provided $1,225 during 2025 to purchase those materials.
Wilks thanked the commissioners for their past support, noting that approximately 25 percent of the library's adult circulation now comes from large-print books and audiobooks. Wilks asked the commissioners to continue supporting the program as they work through discretionary funding decisions for the 2027 budget.
Commissioners unanimously approved allowing the Landfill Director to use a county vehicle for travel between his home and the landfill. This was in line with previous directors use of county vehicles.
One of the meeting's largest discussions centered on Thomas County's projected employee health insurance costs for 2027.
Nick Johnston of IMA presented virtually to the commission the renewal estimates for participating in the Kansas State Employee Health Plan. Current projections show premiums increasing approximately 11.5 percent, or $146,154 over 2026, largely because of escalating prescription drug costs.
Johnston explained that much of the increase is being driven by GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and similar drugs approved for diabetes treatment. While those medications typically are covered for diabetic patients under the state plan, but use by the general public for weight-loss has increased overall pharmacy expenses.
Johnston also noted Thomas County's own claims experience contributed to the increase. Medical claims nearly doubled in 2025 compared to 2024, while dental claims declined.
County attorney Chris Rohr questioned what future increases might look like and whether remaining in the State Employee Health Plan continues to make financial sense.
Johnston said Thomas County is currently under a three-year agreement that began in August 2025. Leaving the plan before the contract expires would trigger an estimated $52,238 penalty and prevent the county from rejoining the state plan for five years. Johnston recommended the commissioners shop the market as the penalty and increased premiums could be offset by a competitive offer.
Commissioners directed IMA to conduct a full market analysis in September, when firm insurance proposals for 2027 become available.
Because updated premium estimates came in lower than earlier assumptions, County Treasurer Layn Bruggeman said they could reduce the proposed 2027 budget by roughly $30,000 if they remain in the State Employee Health Plan.
The final portion of Monday's meeting returned to the topic that has dominated commission meetings throughout the past month — the 2027 county budget.
County officials said additional requests had been received from four agencies after last week's budget workshop, even as commissioners continue searching for reductions to limit the tax increase.
Commissioners noted many discretionary organizations serving senior citizens have already seen their proposed appropriations reduced by 50 percent as part of the county's effort to close the budget gap.
Following the revised insurance estimates, the county's projected mill levy decreased from approximately 47.958 mills discussed last week to about 47.758 mills.
For comparison, commissioners noted the county's revenue neutral rate for 2027 is estimated at 46.935 mills.
Under the current proposal, the county would increase the levy by roughly 0.823 mills above revenue neutral, generating an estimated $174,116 in additional property tax revenue countywide. Officials said that would equate to roughly a $20 annual increase in county taxes for the owner of a $200,000 home.
To continue the budget process, commissioners approved publishing their intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate, which requires a public hearing before the budget can be adopted.
That hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m.