At Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth County Commission, Ellsworth County Emergency Management Director Keith Haberer discussed the status of a 2015 Ford F-250 pickup and two trailers which were formerly licensed in Russell County but are now Ellsworth County property according to state emergency management officials.

In other business:

• Approval was given to proceed with the fascia replacement project at the Ellsworth County Health Department, confirming a $29,800 bid from Doubrava Construction, Ellsworth. The work will be paid for with funds from the health department capital outlay fund.

• Jessica Kootz and Midway Extension District staff, along with Stacie Minson, K-State Watershed specialist; Pamela Hays and Phil Chegwidden of the Ellsworth County Conservation District and Teresa Shute from the Ellsworth County Recycling Program, met with commissioners to update them on the “Know Your Water” project, which is planned to begin in the fall to make property owners more aware and to get their water tested.

Minson said students from Fort Hays State University will be taking samples of water from private water wells in Ellsworth County for testing.

In addition, a mailer will be sent to every residence and business in Ellsworth County with information on the importance of water testing, along with a magnet with important information related specifically to Ellsworth County.

Minson said information will be given to the public on private irrigation and how to determine if it is efficient. K-State publications dealing with water have also been updated.

• Approval was given to the county EMS to purchase a new computer from LockIT, not to exceed $1,700. The funds will be taken from the LATCF fund.

• After a 15-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel (job applicants) with County Appraiser Carl Miller, commissioners said the interview process will begin soon to replace Miller, who is retiring. The hope is to contract a new appraiser by the end of September.

• Approval was given to have Haberer apply for the Emergency Management Performance Grant.

From the Sept. 5 meeting: • County Road and Bridge Superintendent Dale Houston informed the commissioners Barton County wants to reclassify a road because of minimal traffic flow and will approve a resolution for that. This includes a halfmile portion which is in Ellsworth County. The commissioners told Houston they will wait until Barton County does so to approve their own resolution.

• Houston said he will take a look at the low water crossing near Terry Kueser’s house and see what needs to be done because of safety concerns raised by Kueser.

• Ellsworth County Health Department Director Kerianne Ehrlich said she got the email up and running.

• Approval of the Five Star Consulting proposal for IBM iOS software for the AS/400 computer was tabled until more information is received.

• A $5,848.83 payment to LockIT Technologies, LLC for managed services was approved. The funds will be taken from the Local Assistance Tribal Consistency Fund.

• August accounts payable and pre-written warrants in the total amount of $472,694.45 were approved.

• August payroll in the amount of $288,359.58 was approved.

From the Aug. 26 meeting: • Kueser asked if the commissioners had talked about the bridge by his house. Kueser said the bridge needs rebuilt or the road needs closed. Commissioners will schedule a meeting with Houston to discuss the matter.

• Ellsworth County Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Jim Kirkbride said David Wesseler has agreed to be on the hospital board to replace Jennifer Nemnich. Approval was given to appoint Wesseler as the new hospital board member for the Lorraine area to fill the vacancy.

• Miller was requested by the commissioners to be on the interviewing board for his replacement when he retires Nov. 1. Commissioner Shawn Thomas said Miller would be a good resource for knowledge of the qualifications needed in the position. Miller accepted the request. He also said he has found someone to replace Nancy Hysong when she retires, but did not budget for extra wages. Miller would like her replacement to start Oct. 1, giving the replacement two months working with Hysong. The commissioners thought that should be OK since the appraiser’s budget is in the general fund.

• During a public hearing on the Revenue Neutral Rate for 2025, Bob Fredrickson asked the commissioners to review Grow Ellsworth County. Frederickson said he would like to see better financials from GEC. He asked if taxpayers were getting their monies’ worth. He also asked that the commissioners request more accountability from GEC.

• Approval was given to a motion to exceed the RNR of 57.745 mills for the 2025 budget. Approval was also given to a motion to pass Resolution 2024RO6, a resolution giving Ellsworth County the authority to levy a property tax rate exceeding the RNR of 60.647. The RNR hearing was then approved to be closed.

• The 2025 budget hearing was then opened. After no public comment, approval was given to adopt the 2025 budget for Ellsworth County as printed.

• Shute presented a list of acceptable items for e-waste. Commissioners told Shute that once she sets a specific time and date for the e-waste to be picked up, they are fine with adding it to the recycling.

• Representatives of the Goldberg Group Architects distributed preliminary drawings of the courthouse and sheriff ’s office and discussed the cost of the projects.

• County Attorney Paul J. Kasper said KWORCC, a worker’s compensation self-funded pool, requested some policies be added to the county employee handbook before they are distributed to county employees.

The next meeting of the Ellsworth County commissioners is at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at the county courthouse. The late start is due to several commissioners attending a roundtable discussion at the invitation of Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Ellsworth County Medical Center Administration Building Conference Room to receive an update on issues in the county. Also invited to attend are local business and community leaders.