By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Ellis County commissioners will discuss a request from the Ellis County Library Board regarding bonding coverage for officials authorized to handle library funds.
Jennifer Teget, Library Board Treasurer, will ask commissioners to clarify and approve the board's bond amount as required under Kansas law. The library board sought quotes from two insurance companies, although only one responded despite multiple attempts to contact the other provider.
In June, the library board voted to obtain $80,000 in bond coverage for the board president and treasurer, the two officials authorized to sign on behalf of the library. However, after commissioners approved the request at their June 16 meeting, questions arose about whether the approval covered $80,000 total for both positions or $80,000 for each position. Tomorrow’s discussion is expected to clarify the amount and formally approve the coverage.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drum scale grant
Environmental Services Director Justin Craig will present to commissioners a $1,536.45 Household Hazardous Waste grant to purchase two 1,000-pound portable digital drum scales. The department's current platform scales were purchased in the early 1990s and have reached the end of their useful life. The new equipment is being purchased through a 60/40 grant program, according to the agenda.
2027 Budget
Also on the agenda, County Attorney Aaron Cunningham will review and discuss the 2027 budget with commissioners.
In other business
- Joe Tongoy, IT Director, will seek approval from commissioners to purchase a new uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, battery backup system. The purchase would be covered through an insurance claim following equipment damage.
- Commissioners will consider changing the Ellis County Landfill's winter operating hours.
- Darin Myers, County Administrator, will present a correction to elected officials' salaries for commissioner review.
- Craig also will provide an update on the Local Environmental Protection Program septic grant.
- Commissioner Nathan Leiker requested a discussion regarding the proposed Lincoln School redevelopment RHID and whether the county should oppose the RHID incentives.