Thomas County Commissioners Approve Signage, EMS Camera System, and Ballot Resolution in July 31 Meeting
by Derek White
July 31, 2025
The Thomas County Board of Commissioners met July 31 at the Thomas County Courthouse for a packed agenda addressing county infrastructure, community improvements, and upcoming election issues.
Commissioners reviewed May's sales tax receipts, with the half-cent tax generating $131,777 and the quarter-cent bringing in $65,888. Public works and landfill operations were also a focus, with commissioners extending thanks to staff and volunteers—including David Becker, Roy Elfers, and Teresa Gill—for assisting during the landfill's recent transition.
The landfill is expected to reopen to the public with normal hours on August 6, pending a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) meeting on August 5.
The Commission approved a retroactive pay raise of $1.25 per hour for landfill employee Teresa Gill, effective July 23, as she was the only employee to remain on staff after the previous director resigned. The Commissioners then gave new landfill director authority to approve overtime as needed, while they work to rebuild the sanitation team.
Representatives from the Prairie Museum of Art and History presented a plan to upgrade and expand museum signage throughout Colby. Many current signs are faded, outdated, or missing altogether, making it difficult for visitors to find the facility. The proposed project will be a joint effort between the county, the City of Colby, and the Colby Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The goal is to replace worn signs and add new wayfinding locations in high-traffic areas like Willow Avenue, Country Club Drive, and Highway 24. Commissioners expressed interest in ensuring that the signs follow federal highway standards and suggested coordination between all three entities to ensure consistency and cost-efficiency.
Keegan Bailey of the North Central Regional Planning Commission joined the meeting via Zoom to announce a forthcoming housing assistance initiative. Funded in part by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the program will provide:
The program does not require any county funding and is expected to roll out publicly in the coming month.
EMS Director presented a bid for a long-awaited security camera system for the EMS building, which currently has no active surveillance. After reviewing options, the commission unanimously approved the purchase of both interior and exterior cameras at a total cost of $18,744.15. Funds will come from this year’s Wind Farm account.
The purchase includes a three-year warranty and will provide motion-activated recording with mobile access for staff. Commissioners opted against a $425/month service subscription over five years, which would have totaled over $25,000, citing low anticipated maintenance needs.
In a unanimous decision, the commissioners adopted Resolution 2025-11, which will place a measure on the Nov. 4 general election ballot asking voters whether Thomas County should remove the 30% food-sales requirement for establishments selling liquor by the drink.
Currently, businesses must show that at least 30% of their gross sales come from food to maintain a liquor license. The rule, a holdover from Kansas’ prohibition-era laws, has caused complications for businesses with limited kitchen operations. If approved by voters, the change would align Thomas County with recent state reforms and neighboring counties like Sherman, where similar measures have passed.
Supporters said the change would help support local businesses, especially breweries and establishments with occasional food service interruptions, without opening the door to bars without kitchens, given the county’s size and market.
Other Business
The next Thomas County Commission meeting will be held on August 11th.