Thomas County Commissioners address environmental code revisions, idle funds, and public safety
January 30, 2026
The Thomas County Commissioners met Friday morning, Jan. 30, at the Thomas County Historic Courthouse to close out the month with a wide-ranging agenda that included revisions to the county’s environmental code, a quarterly idle fund report, public safety expenditures, and administrative updates from multiple departments.
Commission Chair Mike Baughn called the meeting to order with fellow commissioners Brad Flipse and Brian Luedke present. After routine opening items, the commission moved through several agenda items tied to long-term planning and fiscal oversight.
One of the most time-intensive discussions centered on the ongoing review of the Thomas County Environmental Code draft. Commissioners worked through multiple sections of the proposed code, focusing on definitions, construction specifications, system requirements, and alignment with state regulations. Much of the discussion revolved around ensuring the county code was clear, enforceable, and not more restrictive than state minimum standards unless explicitly intended.
Several technical clarifications were suggested during the discussion, including revisions to section references, system definitions, and construction criteria. Commissioners emphasized the importance of readability and consistency throughout the document, noting that ambiguity could lead to confusion for property owners, contractors, and enforcement staff. No final adoption took place, but the commission indicated the draft would continue to be refined before moving forward.
County Treasurer Layn Bruggeman presented the quarterly report on idle funds as of Dec. 31, 2025. Bruggeman walked commissioners through reserve balances, interest earnings, and projected spending timelines. The report showed how idle funds are tracked across multiple accounts and how interest earnings factor into overall county financial health.
During the discussion, Bruggeman proposed placing certain reserve funds, including health department reserves that are not currently earmarked for transfers, into certificates of deposit to capture higher interest rates rather than leaving them idle. Commissioners discussed the proposal as an informational item, acknowledging the benefit of earning additional interest while maintaining flexibility for future budget years.
The conversation expanded to include opioid settlement funds, with commissioners and department heads discussing eligible uses under settlement guidelines. Potential uses mentioned included training, public education, and resources such as Narcan. Officials noted the importance of coordinating across departments and planning ahead, particularly with budget hearings approaching later in the year.
Emergency Management Director David Becker brought forward an invoice from Federal Signal for the annual CommanderOne system subscription used to monitor tornado sirens throughout the county. The total cost of the renewal was $5,175, which Becker noted had been budgeted for 2026 and would be paid from the Emergency Management budget. Commissioners approved allowing payment of the invoice, citing the system’s role in countywide emergency preparedness.
Sheriff Tom Nickols also provided an update regarding staffing within the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioners acknowledged the resignation of Undersheriff Ray Schweitzer, whose last official day is Feb. 1, 2026, due to National Guard training commitments. Nickols explained that the change was made to maintain continuity within the department and that there would be no reduction in pay associated with the transition. Kirt Nichols Jr. was appointed as the new undersheriff based on experience and training.
Additional administrative items included approval of accounts payable, payroll, and minutes from previous meetings, as well as routine updates and informational materials provided to the commission.
The meeting concluded with commissioners reiterating the importance of long-range planning, transparency, and continued coordination between county departments as Thomas County moves into the remainder of 2026.