Thomas County Commissioners Press Forward at Dec. 8 Meeting
December 8, 2025
The Thomas County Commissioners worked through a wide-ranging agenda Monday morning, addressing ongoing IT transition issues, overdue hazardous waste cleanup requirements at the landfill, and heightened public frustration over Jake brake noise north of Colby. The meeting was held December 8 at the courthouse and began with routine announcements of receipts totaling $120,922.98 and $60,461.50 for the half-cent and quarter-cent sale tax revenue.
Public Comment: Renewed Concerns on Jake Brakes
During public comment, area resident Jim Deibert again raised concerns about persistent Jake brake noise both north of town and within city limits. Deibert said he has seen little evidence of enforcement and asked the commission to request a report from the sheriff’s office on how many citations have been issued. He also noted continued speeding through the corridor, calling for increased visibility from law enforcement.
Agenda Additions and IT Off-Boarding Issues
Commissioners added two items to the agenda: a maintenance-related raise discussion and tax roll corrections.
The meeting’s first major discussion centered on the continuing IT off-boarding process with outgoing vendor Anchor. David Becker, Emergency Management and IT Director, outlined the challenges experienced in obtaining essential information Anchor is required to provide under its contract through December 31. Representatives from Corsica, the county’s incoming IT provider, joined virtually to explain the remaining data they need—including full IT Glue documentation—which has not been delivered despite multiple requests.
County Attorney Chris Rohr recommended commissioners not sign Anchor’s proposed off-boarding contract, citing the company’s refusal to attend the meeting and answer questions. Commissioners unanimously agreed to invite Anchor back for a December 22 discussion, with the possibility of a special session if progress stalls. Frustration from commissioners was clear, as they emphasized the need for a smooth handoff and the risk that delays could impact county operations.
Hazardous Waste Clean-Out Approved Amid Compliance Concerns
Landfill Director Tom Fischer presented a $21,557.39 bid from Clean Harbors to remove and properly dispose of hazardous materials that have accumulated in the county’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility. KDHE requires counties to clean out HHW once each year, but Thomas County has not completed a clean-out since May 2023 due to prior management issues.
The lapse could put the county out of compliance, Commissioners noted, making the issue urgent. Chairman Mike Baughn questioned whether the delay stemmed from county negligence, while Commissioner Brad Flipse pointed out that failing to act could leave Thomas County vulnerable if inspected.
Despite questions about whether additional bids should be sought, Commissioners ultimately approved moving forward with Clean Harbors this year, with the understanding that the city will traditionally reimburse 50 percent of the cost. Fischer also noted Clean Harbors may be able to complete the work before year-end.
Environmental Sanitary Code Review Moved to December 22
The commission postponed discussion of the draft Environmental Sanitary Code update to December 22, allowing time for the public to offer comments. Commissioners rejected forming an advisory committee, saying sufficient time has already been allowed for review.
Register of Deeds Seminar Donation Approved
Register of Deeds Lora Volk requested support for the statewide Register of Deeds seminar. Commissioners allocated $500 from the remaining 2025 budget.
Commission Meeting Times to Remain at 9 a.m.
Following a public suggestion to consider evening meetings, commissioners discussed whether the first meeting of each month should be moved to 5 or 6 p.m. Commissioners Flipse and Luedke opposed a time change due to their schedules and the impact on county staff. Baughn suggested one evening meeting per month, but the motion failed, and meetings will continue to begin at 9 a.m.
Jake Brake Enforcement: Commissioners Approve Overtime for Patrols
Returning to the earlier public comment, commissioners invited Sheriff Tom Nickols to discuss current enforcement levels. The sheriff’s office noted its limited morning staffing—often only one road deputy is available while deputies also cover school zones in Brewster and Rexford. Taylor said they are attempting to gather data on past citations, though none was immediately provided during the meeting.
Commissioner Luedke pushed for increased patrols and suggested using overtime if needed. Flipse voiced frustration with the state-required $20,000 traffic study necessary to adjust speed limits, calling the system slow and unresponsive to local needs. Commissioners directed County Attorney Rohr to draft a resolution urging state officials and KDOT to take immediate action.
A motion to authorize sheriff’s department overtime to increase enforcement of Jake brake violations and related concerns passed unanimously.
Cereal Malt Beverage License Fee Increased
Commissioners approved a 2026 cereal malt beverage license for High Plains Properties but also updated the county fee, raising it from $50 to $75 to align with surrounding areas in the state. Applicants must now pay the state directly before submitting materials locally.
Executive Sessions and Personnel Items
Commissioners entered executive session for department head evaluations of Scott Reese, Kendra Glassman, and David Becker. No action was taken following the sessions.
A probationary raise for maintenance employee Johnny Hilly was approved, as well as an adjustment for Maintenance Director Jaime Valle. Both changes are effective retroactively.
Additional Business
The meeting adjourned shortly after 11 a.m.