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

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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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