County Commissioner’s close the year out
December 31, 2025
The Thomas County Board of Commissioners capped off 2025 with a year-end meeting held Wednesday morning, Dec. 31, at the Thomas County Courthouse, addressing a wide range of financial close-out actions, appointments, and policy decisions ahead of the new year.
Chairman Mike Baughn called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., opening with routine announcements that included October sales tax receipts. Baughn reported a total of $120,932.26 from the ½ percent sale tax and $60,466.13 on the ¼ percent tax.
Early in the meeting, commissioners approved an amended agenda that included additional items such as an Emergency Medical Services council appointment, tax roll corrections, and consideration of a compensation adjustment for custodial staff. With no public comment offered, the commission moved quickly into action items.
One of the larger expenditures approved was the county’s annual premium invoice from Kansas County Association Multiline Pool (KCAMP) in the amount of $353,505, representing Thomas County’s contribution for coverage beginning in 2026. Commissioners approved the invoice unanimously.
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A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to a series of year-end resolutions, numbered 2025-18 through 2025-34, authorizing the transfer of remaining balances from numerous county funds into designated capital outlay or special equipment reserve funds. These routine year-end actions ensure that unused balances are properly reallocated within budgetary and cash balance limitations. Funds addressed included emergency services, emergency management, county elections, register of deeds, rural fire districts, road and bridge, sanitary landfill, public transportation, noxious weed, township, sheriff, general, information technology, maintenance and custodial services, and the county attorney’s special equipment fund. All resolutions were approved without opposition.
Commissioners also adopted Resolution 2025-35, expressing Thomas County’s intent to participate in the Kansas Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program for calendar year 2026. The program, which operates on a five-year irrevocable commitment once approved, allows counties to partner with the state to help repay qualifying residents’ student loan balances as an incentive for workforce recruitment and retention. While commissioners noted the need for continued research and coordination, including additional information to be provided by Economic Development Director Vernon Hurd, the resolution was approved to preserve the county’s eligibility.
Additional administrative actions included acknowledgment of 2025 inventory reports received from several departments, including the appraiser, district court, maintenance and custodial services, treasurer, transportation, and the county attorney.
Appointments were also made to the Region 1 Emergency Medical Services Council, with Alan David and Scott Reese approved to serve terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 1, 2028. The appointments ensure continued representation for Thomas County on the regional EMS body.
The commission approved tax roll corrections related to property payments made under protest and assessed errors, authorizing the necessary adjustments moving into the 2026 tax year.
In personnel matters, commissioners approved a 3 percent pay increase for the Office Complex custodian, raising the monthly salary to $2,237.96. Commissioners noted the individual had not received an increase in several years and agreed the adjustment was warranted.
The board also approved December payroll totaling $506,256.88, along with accounts payable of $211,214.31 from the general fund and $8,610.90 from the road and bridge fund. Commissioners noted that this marked the final month of accounts payable review for Commissioner Brian Luedke, with duties moving to Commissioner Brad Flipse.
Before adjournment, commissioners announced the county employee Christmas party, scheduled for Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned, officially closing the county’s legislative actions for 2025.