Thomas County Commissioners Approve Recovery Way Funding, Review Valuation Proposal
January 12, 2026
The Thomas County Commissioners convened for their regular meeting on January 13, 2026, at the Thomas County Courthouse, addressing a range of items including sworn oaths for newly elected officials, behavioral health funding, internal budget transfers, and a lengthy discussion on a proposed property valuation cap that raised concerns about long-term tax impacts for local residents.
The meeting opened with the swearing-in of recently elected officials from USD 315, formally seating new school board members who had not yet taken the oath of office. Commissioners welcomed the officials and briefly acknowledged the importance of continuity and collaboration between county government and local school leadership. New members Dan Kuhlman, Mike Hamilton, and Micheal Juenemann were officially sworn in.
One of the first action items involved approval of a letter of agreement with Recovery Way Counseling Services, authorizing the allocation of $17,249.12 in alcohol tax funds for 2026. The funds will support a variety of outpatient behavioral health services, including individual therapy, group counseling, substance abuse evaluations, and indigent services for Thomas County residents.
According to documentation provided to the commission, Recovery Way served 64 county residents in 2025 using alcohol tax funding, completing 44 evaluations and providing outpatient services to dozens of individuals, including free evaluations for indigent clients. Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement and authorized Chair Mike Baughn to sign on behalf of the county.
The commission also approved a line-item transfer totaling $7,730.59 to allow the Register of Deeds to move funds into a special equipment reserve account. The transfer was described as an internal budget adjustment permitted under Kansas statute, ensuring funds are available for future technology or equipment needs within the department.
A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to discussion of a possible property valuation proposal currently being debated at the state level. The proposal would place a 3 percent cap on valuation increases, a concept commissioners examined using scenario data shared by the county appraiser.
Commissioners raised multiple concerns about unintended consequences, noting that while the proposal may appear to offer relief, it could shift tax burdens unevenly among homeowners and force cities and counties to raise mill levies to meet budget requirements. Discussion also touched on recent tax exemptions and abatements for large projects, with commissioners warning that continued exemptions could place increasing pressure on residential taxpayers over time.
Chairman Baughn expressed concern over state-level decisions removing certain property categories from local tax rolls, such as trailers, which further limit revenue at the county level. Commissioner Brian Luedke questioned how long-term abatements for businesses might impact homeowners if local governments are forced to compensate through higher taxes. No action was taken on the proposal, as commissioners emphasized the need for additional clarity and caution moving forward.
The commission approved multiple tax roll corrections for the 2025 tax year, including abatements and additions resulting from classification errors, construction status changes, ownership splits, and clerical corrections. These corrections were approved as presented.
Commissioners also approved the minutes from the December 22, 2025 meeting and authorized accounts payable for both fiscal years. General fund accounts payable totaled $58,668.27 for 2025 and $714,587.78 for 2026. January is typically higher for accounts payable due to the one-time payments to various organizations throughout the community that the county provides funding for.
Commissioner Brad Flipse voiced discomfort approving items that were fully redacted due to federal medical privacy laws, noting the lack of detail provided to the commission. Despite the concern, the accounts payable were approved in compliance with statutory requirements
The meeting included receipt of the 2025 Sheriff’s Office annual report, which showed a total of 12,326 inmate nights, with a highest daily population of 50 and a low of 24. The report also indicated that 68 percent of traffic violations issued during the year were related to speeding. Commissioners noted that the report does not include a specific category for engine brake, or “Jake brake,” complaints north of Colby, prompting an apology to residents who have raised ongoing concerns.
Under miscellaneous items, commissioners acknowledged an invitation to the Thomas County Conservation District’s annual meeting scheduled for February 11, a retirement reception for Undersheriff Ray Schweitzer on Thursday January 15 at 1 p.m. in the Justice Center lobby, and an invitation to the Citizen Medical Center South Campus grand opening on January 22.
The meeting adjourned with no additional action items.