Commission approves $1.5M asphalt project, addresses legislative concerns

The Thomas County Commissioners met Monday, February 9, at the Thomas County Courthouse for a regular session that included infrastructure approvals, annual agreements, legislative concerns, and extended executive sessions tied to personnel and landfill matters.

Chairman Mike Baughn called the meeting to order, followed by routine opening items and announcements. During that portion of the meeting, commissioners discussed concerns with two bills currently moving through the Kansas House that could limit county authority. One bill would centralize certain water-related decisions under a state-level official, while another would redirect taxpayer dollars toward expanded conservation programs tied to federal matching funds. Commissioners expressed concern that both measures could reduce local control and impact private property rights.

There was no public comment.

The commission approved revisions to the agenda to add discussion items, including Resolution 2026-5 and a revisit of recently approved salary adjustments for the sheriff and undersheriff.

Accounts payable were approved for both fiscal years. The commission approved $7,905.28 in 2025 expenditures and $691,243.22 for 2026 after review.

A major portion of the meeting focused on road infrastructure. Commissioners opened asphalt bids and received a single submission from Bettis Asphalt & Construction. The bid covered a 1.5-inch asphalt overlay along a 12-mile stretch of County Road 27 north of Gem. The proposal included mobilization costs and 14,405 tons of hot mix asphalt at $104 per ton, bringing the total project cost to $1,536,920. After discussion about rising material costs and limited bidder participation, the commission approved the bid.

Commissioners also approved the 2026 Noxious Weed Management Plan, presented by County Weed Director Clair Schrock. The plan outlines right-of-way spraying, spot treatment, and continued coordination with KDOT and local townships. Projected costs include approximately $65,864 in personnel expenses, $71,145 in operations, and $11,987 in equipment costs. The plan is required annually and must be submitted to the Kansas Department of Agriculture for approval.

The commission approved its annual one-year agreement with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK), which provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Thomas County. The agreement remains unchanged from prior years and is funded through a county mill levy, allowing DSNWK to continue serving residents through December 31, 2026. Supporting documentation included confirmation of DSNWK’s independent audit and legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of community-based disability services.

Multiple executive sessions followed. Commissioners entered a closed session regarding non-elected personnel in the Noxious Weed Department, followed by two extended executive sessions related to landfill operations. No formal action was taken after any of the closed discussions.

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After returning to open session, commissioners revisited the previously approved salary increases for the sheriff and undersheriff. Commissioner Brian Luedke raised concerns about the size of the adjustments and whether the increases should be rebalanced. Commissioner Brad Flipse expressed opposition to reversing the earlier decision, citing the demanding nature of law enforcement work and broader challenges facing the profession. A motion to modify the salary adjustments failed, leaving the original increases in place.

Later in the meeting, commissioners reviewed township and cemetery annual reports, tax roll corrections, and routine correspondence. Among the items acknowledged was a request for support from the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature, an organization advocating for seniors statewide through volunteer representatives and policy recommendations at the state level.

The commission also shared information about the upcoming Thomas County and Township Officials Annual Meeting scheduled for February 17, along with updates from the Road and Bridge Department and January bank reconciliation reports.

by Derek White