Dec. 22 Meeting: Commissioners Delay Traffic Study, Review IT and Policy Items
December 22, 2025
The Thomas County Commissioners convened for their regular meeting on December 22, addressing a wide range of agenda items that included budget amendments, transportation concerns, an IT transition clarification, and an extended review of proposed updates to the county’s Environmental Sanitary Code.
No public comments were offered at the beginning of the meeting, and commissioners first approved an amended agenda that added a landfill-related item. A budget amendment was then considered and approved, increasing the county’s budget from $2,108,013 to $2,121,013.
A significant portion of discussion centered on an update from PENCO Engineering regarding the ongoing speed study tied to safety concerns north of Colby. Commissioners were informed that the Kansas Department of Transportation, which conducted a study in 2022, has agreed to perform a new speed study in the same area.
PENCO representatives explained that the state already has internal data and expects results by March. Based on that information, commissioners approved a motion to place the county’s independently funded traffic study on hold while awaiting the state’s findings. Some public concern was noted regarding the timeline, as residents have been dealing with the issue since February. Commissioners discussed potential ways to accelerate the process and agreed to invite a KDOT representative, Jeff Stuart, to a future meeting for further discussion.
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The meeting also included discussion of the county’s IT onboarding and offboarding process as it transitions between service providers. David Becker addressed the procedural aspects of the transition, while Anchor Network Solutions representative Jacee Dobbs appeared to clarify statements made during the December 8 meeting that she said were inaccurate or incomplete. Dobbs referenced her documentation outlining the timeline of Anchor’s involvement and transfer of responsibilities, stating her intent was to protect the company’s professional reputation and correct the public record.
Chair Mike Baughn expressed disappointment that Anchor’s earlier request to meet with the county had not been addressed prior to the December 8 meeting and acknowledged that misinformation had been presented at that time. The clarification was presented without formal action by the commission.
An extended portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the proposed Environmental Sanitary Code. Community members Larry Heier and Mike Shultz, along with Bryce Cronin of the Northwest Kansas Local Emergency Planning Group, provided detailed feedback. Heier raised concerns that the proposed code is modeled for regions with abundant water resources and could significantly increase costs for local residents, particularly due to required materials sourced outside Kansas.
Shultz emphasized the importance of clean water while recommending that industry professionals be included in advisory discussions. He also raised concerns related to septic system definitions, water table proximity, wastewater disposal practices, lagoon construction standards, licensing durations, bonding requirements, and water testing protocols. Commissioners indicated they would review all feedback before taking action, with further discussion scheduled for January 30.
Additional items approved during the meeting included a cereal malt beverage license for a J J Travel Plaza, a maintenance department wage increase, the reappointment of Sue Evans to the Planning Commission, and a change in the county’s Economic Development Alliance representative. A landfill request to take the Saturday following Christmas off without pay was approved on a 2–1 vote.
The commission entered multiple executive sessions related to IT cybersecurity and department head evaluations, though no action was taken following those closed discussions. Tax roll corrections and accounts payable were approved, along with a retroactive salary adjustment for the county appraiser after commissioners acknowledged a missed six-month evaluation.
The meeting concluded with non-action informational items and adjournment.