The Linn County Commissioners met for a special meeting on Wednesday, July 5, with Commissioner Jason Hightower attending via telephone, for the purposes of reviewing departmental budgets and to hear detailed findings on the newly revised zoning and subdivision regulations as they had requested several weeks ago.

The meeting began with the presentation of the budget for the county Register of Deeds department and heard a detailed explanation on that budget from department head Kristy Schmitz.

Schmitz told commissioners that all books from her department are now available on computer and many of the visitors to her office have commented on the ease of use of the software they chose to use for this purpose. She added that the software is now completely paid for and the department is now only paying for maintenance of the software to keep it up to date. She noted that she currently has one full-time employee and one part-time employee in her department, but had budgeted for a second full-time employee in 2024. Commissioners then gave tentative approval of the budget on a 3-0 vote.

Commissioners then heard from Public Works Administrator Shaun West and those who report to him with regard to the budget for Road and Bridge. West gave a rundown on each area of the department and the number of employees in each one and how they are used in other areas when not busy in their own particular area.

Asphalt Foreman Tod Moeller explained to the commissioners what his area is responsible for. Moeller further noted that when he pulls road graders to work on asphalt projects he utilizes a rotation schedule so that he is not keeping any grader from their regular duties any longer than necessary.

Moeller then gave a rundown on the process of repairing and repaving roads compared to patching.

Traffic Control (Signage) Foreman Kevin Amer explained that his area follows the mandatory requirements of traffic safety laws; as well as, replacing and repairing signage in the county that may be damaged or in a state of disrepair.

South Shop Foreman Harry Wisdom and North Shop Foreman Mike Nation each spoke regarding their area within the department and the various equipment requirements and employees needed to complete their work.

Commissioners then gave tentative approval of the budget for Road and Bridge at $4,577,838.30, reduced by $51,670 from this year.

The commissioners reviewed County Counselor Gary Thompson’s budget and after several questions approved it. See separate story in this edition.

Lamb then explained to commissioners that he doesn’t feel he can have everything done on time and asked that he be allowed to file the notice that he plans to exceed revenue neutral which will give him time to finish the budget and still reach revenue neutral though at this time it does not appear that the county will. Commissioners agreed to allow Lamb to file the document.

MEETINGS

LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

thumb

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

thumb

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

thumb

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]

More Meetings

PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

special: SCOTUS agrees to hear Women's Sports Case

thumb

  Case paves the way for states to continue to protect women and girl's athletic opportunities Topeka, Kan. July 3, 2025 - Today, the Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari in Hecox v. Little and West Va., v. BPJ.  Rep.... [More]

SPECIA;: Schmidt Votes to Cancel Massive Tax Hike, Secure Border, and Lower Federal Spending

thumb

    WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) issued the following statement regarding passage of the budget reconciliation bill by the U.S. House of Representatives, also called the “One Big Beautiful Bill”:   “Last November,... [More]

NOTICE:

thumb

The Linn County News and Linn County Printing offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in honor of the holiday.

More News

SPORTS

Gratton at Nationals

thumb

Pleasanton’s Ashton Gratton qualifies for the Adidas Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina after winning the 100 and 200 meter dashes in the KSHSAA 2A State tournament in Wichita on May 31. The Adidas Nationals took place from June 20-22 and Gratton did well in both the... [More]

Summer Ball Tournaments

thumb

The Parker 8-11 baseball team 1 places first in their league tournament at La Cygne on June 28. See more photos on page B1 of this week's edition.

More Sports

View Legals for Free Business Directory