ST. JOHN — These are the approved minutes from the Stafford County Board of County Commissioner meeting.

The Stafford County Board of County Commissioners met on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Commission Room in the Annex. Chairman Garner called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Bryce Garner and Jim Stanford.

Marissa Woodmansee, Director and Mike Daniel, Assistant Director, presented information on the 2027 state block grant application for the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services. Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Stanford seconded, to approve the 2027 budget as presented and authorize it’s submission to the Kansas Department of Corrections - Juvenile Services. Motion carried 2-0.

Judy Lyon, District Court Clerk met with the commissioners to discuss installing a 24-hour accessible drop box. Judy advised that the state is requiring these drop boxes to enable the public to have 24/7 access to the court. The commission agreed to allow a smaller sized drop box to be installed in the hallway of the North building entrance outside of the dispatch office.

Marshal Sanders, Rural Fire Director, met with the commission to discuss the purchase of a truck to use the motor as a replacement for the motor that went down in one of the existing trucks. Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Stanford seconded, to approve the purchase of the truck from Jerry Sanders in the amount of $7,800 and also the expense of $10,000 to swap out the motors. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Stanford seconded to approve the minutes of the Feb. 11 meeting. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Stanford seconded, to approve the presented tax toll corrections. Motion carried 2-0.

Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Stanford seconded, to recess to executive session pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception to discuss an issue which occurred with the Solid Waste Department. Motion carried 2-0. Open session to continue at 9:25 a.m. Those present: Commissioners, County Clerk, and County Counselor.

Gregg Knoche met with the commission and Marshal Sanders, Rural Fire Director, regarding an invoice he received from the Rural Fire Department due to an ongoing burning issue. Discussion was held regarding the situation of burning without prior approval and leaving a burning fire unattended. This has been an ongoing habitual issue which has resulted in repeated response by fire and law enforcement personnel as well as endangering surrounding property.

During the meeting Accounts Payab1e vouchers and checks were signed from the following funds:

General - $34,146.40

Road & Bridge - $22.980.12

Heatlh - $2,224.74

Rural Fire - $8,614.88

Noxious Weed - $1,493.42

Appraiser - $601.16

Solid Waste - $5,315.53

EMS - $3,441.19

E911 - $1,208.22

PHEP Grant - $88.06

Sheriff Home Arrest - $1,400

Total - $81,513.72

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.