The Linn County Commissioners began their meeting on Monday, July 10, with the approval of the minutes of the regular and special meetings held last week. Commissioners then approved claims in the amount of $239,829.59.

Commissioners entered in an executive session with Public Works Administrator Shaun West as previously requested with 15 minutes set aside for personnel and five minutes for legal matters. 

Following the executive session, West reported the new track hoes were delivered on Friday and training on them had begun that day. 

At the request of West, commissioners voted 2-0 to hire Dennis Hardy, Jr. as South Shop Foreman at $22.2187 and Donnie Snyder as assistant foreman at $20.3890.

West then presented a contract with BNSF Railroad for a permit and easement for work on the Hell’s Bend Bridge. Commissioners gave West permission to sign those documents.

Linn County Attorney Burton Harding presented the budget for his department noting an increase in payroll as previously approved. He noted that capital outlay which is increasing and a notation that their copier is in need of replacement. Harding noted that his assistant attorney, Justin Meeks, coming on full-time has helped tremendously with the caseload which has increased with the addition of judges. Following a brief discussion on the budget as presented, the commissioners voted for tentative approval of the budget in the amount of $378,409.97.

Harding reported that, to his knowledge, all cases in relation to the Tanglewood Lakes gate incident are filed and cases are moving forward. He noted that as incidents continue and new cases are being filed, bonds are being revoked in an effort to curb those actions and stated he plans to meet with the Tanglewood board regularly to keep them apprised of the judicial process.

Commissioners then looked at bids from realtors on the current Pleasanton meals site. Commissioner Danny McCullough opened the bid noting it is from Clinch Realty for a six month listing at a proposed purchase price of $76,000, with six percent commission. County Counselor Gary Thompson reviewed the proposal and commissioners voted 2-0 to enter into the sales contract with Clinch Realty for that property and to allow McCullough to sign the agreement.

West then presented the budget for the Noxious Weed Department. He explained that the proposed budget includes expected increases in payroll and commodities with the budget increasing from $175,500 for this year to $188,850. Commissioners gave tentative approval of the budget.

West then presented the Elderly Fund budget for senior sites and the transportation program. West noted this year’s budget is set at $245,161 decreasing to $237,000 for 2024. McCullough asked if it includes the payment on food and West stated it does include the payment to East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging for meals.

Joyce Hall spoke about the van ordered for transportation and the fact that the cost was slightly higher than anticipated; as a result the state is picking up another 10 percent of the cost. Commissioner Jason Hightower moved to tentatively approve the Elderly budget as presented.

Park Manager Sherri Loveland presented the proposed budget for the Linn County Park and Marina and began with a synopsis of her department, including the number of employees and profit amounts for the last two years. Loveland then spoke on various projects as planned, including the work on the lagoon, the docks and other areas. She added that the lake will be purchasing their own portable restrooms for the lake area rather than rent them by the month. She then gave an overview of the Ventek machine and cabin rentals for the last couple years Commissioner Jim Johnson joined the meeting by telephone at this time and commissioners gave tentative approval of the budget with a total of $404,000.

Ali Hamilton with the Trading Post Museum spoke to the commissioners regarding the budget for her museum, requesting the county provide a budget for her of $49,000. 

Commissioner Johnson’s call was dropped, Lamb called Johnson back, but the call soon dropped again.

McCullough noted there should be a Historical Society committee representing each museum or historical society for accountability. Commissioner Hightower asked for clarification asking if she was requesting a budget of $49,000. He further noted that the budget was previously approved several weeks ago. McCullough moved to deny Hamilton’s request. Commissioner Hightower seconded the motion and it carried on a 2-0 vote. 

MEETINGS

LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

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The Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, Oct. 23, and began their weekly meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $272,818.97. Linn County Rural Fire Chief Randy Hegwald presented... [More]

LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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Among actions at the regular La Cygne council meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 18, was a split vote in which the city accepts a draft agreement for title search and warranty deed preparation of seven lots at 402 S. Broadway in exchange for absorbing a $16,400 house demolition bill.... [More]

LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 23, 2023

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The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present.    Following approval of the October 9th and October 14th meeting minutes, Mayor Smith opened the floor... [More]

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NEWS

Linn County News website gets new update

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Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]

Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

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County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000   The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]

Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

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The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]

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SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]

Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

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The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9.  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different.  The derby was divided into three age... [More]

Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

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The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson.  Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]

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