Thomas County Commissioners update

Thomas County commissioners worked through a packed agenda during their November 26 regular meeting at the courthouse, hearing ongoing complaints about north-side truck noise, environmental compliance requirements for a local feedyard, IT transitions, and employee holiday scheduling. The meeting followed the agenda as published by the county clerk, with presentations from multiple county departments and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) officials.

Resident Renews Push for Action on Jake Brake Noise

Public comment centered on the long-running issue of engine-braking noise north of Colby. Resident Jim Deibert once again urged the commission to act, saying neighbors have dealt with constant nighttime and early-morning truck noise for years with little visible enforcement from law enforcement. He criticized the $14,500 PENCO traffic study, arguing that residents already understood the problem without the expense.

County Attorney Chris Rohr responded that state statute required the study before any speed-limit reduction could be considered, explaining that KDOT would not support a change without updated traffic data despite having conducted its own study in 2022. Rohr told Diebert that all letters and photos submitted by residents have been forwarded to PENCO as part of the traffic-control request process.

KDHE Officials Outline New Compliance Requirements for TJ Cattle

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updated environmental compliance plans for T.J. Cattle LLC. Kendra Glassman the Thomas County Health Administrator and KDHE personnel—including project engineer Jacob Zortman via Zoom and district representative Dan Wells in person—reviewed how the facility reached the point of state involvement and what steps are now required.

According to KDHE’s official approval letter dated November 5, 2025, T.J. Cattle must implement a redesigned runoff-control plan to keep wastewater from leaving the property. The plan centers on a shallow 6- to 8-inch bench paired with a grass buffer up to 300 feet long, designed to slow and filter water flow before it reaches surrounding land. The bench cannot hold standing water for more than 10 days, and the operator is responsible for keeping the structure cleaned and maintained.

The letter further states the facility has until May 31, 2026 to establish vegetation in the buffer area and until the end of 2026 to complete all required improvements. KDHE also noted the certificate of compliance is not transferable to new ownership; any future owner must meet modern standards and apply for a separate certificate.

Commissioners expressed concern about the lack of fixed inspection schedules, noting that previous compliance lapses went unchecked for decades. KDHE clarified that while there is no mandated interval between inspections, district staff drive by often and can perform informal checks, with full inspections conducted once improvements are finished.

County Approves Datto Backup Purchase, Tables Off-Boarding Contract

Officials also reported that the facility has purchased a grinder to prevent coyotes from dragging bones offsite. Ground material is now incorporated into a fenced compost area, which KDHE verified appears secure.

Emergency Management Director David Becker requested approval to purchase the county’s existing Datto backup appliance from Anchor, the county’s current IT provider, for $12,000. The device will be retained as part of the county’s transition to Corsica Technologies. Becker said the new vendor confirmed compatibility and that retaining the hardware would protect historical backups.

Commissioners approved the purchase using wind-farm funds, noting the importance of continuity during the system changeover.

However, the county tabled Anchor’s off-boarding contract. Commissioners expressed concern about unclear costs and whether the transition would exceed Anchor’s allotted 10 hours of labor before additional hourly billing begins. Becker will meet jointly with Anchor and Corsica to obtain a detailed breakdown before the December 8 meeting.

Becker Appointed to Regional Homeland Security Council

Commissioners approved the appointment of Emergency Management Director David Becker to represent Thomas County on the Northwest Kansas Regional Homeland Security Council for the 2026–2028 term.

Commission Balances Employee Holiday Request With Budget Concerns

Department heads, speaking on behalf of county employees, requested an additional paid holiday on Friday, December 26. They noted that surrounding counties—planned to close the same day and that the courthouse historically sees almost no foot traffic on the Friday after Christmas.

Commissioners discussed the cost implications, particularly the added double-time pay for emergency personnel. After debate, the board approved a compromise: the courthouse will close at noon on December 24, and remain closed on December 25 and 26. Employees will receive four hours of paid holiday on Christmas Eve afternoon. Commissioner Brian Luedke voted no and later clarified his vote was based on taxpayers’ concerns about additional paid leave costs.

2026 County Holidays and Meeting Schedule Approved

Commissioners unanimously approved the 2026 county holiday calendar and adopted Resolution 2025-17, officially setting commission meeting dates for 2026. The resolution lists all scheduled meeting dates for each month and specifies that no binding business may occur outside those dates.

EMS Facility Awning Replacement Approved for Bid

EMS Director Scott Reese presented photos showing significant deterioration of the vinyl lettering on the EMS building awning. At only four years old, the awning has faded badly and no longer reflects the professionalism of the department. Commissioners authorized him to begin the bidding process, with guidance to explore more durable materials and ensure the signage clearly identifies EMS rather than emergency management.

Final Approvals and Adjournment

Commissioners approved:

October 20, October 31, and November 12 minutes, November payroll totaling $533,405.08, and Accounts payable, including $44,289.11 for Road & Bridge and $297,577.63 for Courthouse General

A public suggestion to hold at least one monthly meeting after 5 p.m. was discussed but tabled until the next meeting so department heads could weigh in on staffing and overtime implications.

The meeting adjourned following closing comments.