Sumner County Commissioner minutes: Jan. 8 – Jan. 9, 2024
January 8, 2024 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commission room of the Sumner County Courthouse. Those present were Chairman John Cooney, Commissioner Jim Newell and Commissioner Steve Warner. County Clerk Debra A. Norris was also present.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes of January 1 and 2.
Attorney Doug Pfalzgraf provided updates to the Commission, including a prepared resolution, to the Commission for retaining Pfalzgraf to handle tax sales, and hereby order to prepare the necessary petition. After review and discussion, the Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2024-03.
Holly Harper, CFO and Vice-President of Cowley College presented Sumner Campus updates. Spring enrollment has opened, with classes starting next week. The student count is up about 2% for the spring semester. Sumner County currently has 195 high school students enrolled in college classes. The college is conducting interviews for filling Jan Grace’s position. Ms. Harper advised they are hoping to have someone in place in the next month.
Road and Bridge Director Doug Finch discussed issues with township roads. Township roads are under the authority of elected township officers. Director Finch advised the Commission he continues to work closely with the township officers when issues arise.
Additional discussion included culverts needing to be moved to build a bridge. Director Finch and the City of Wellington are working on the project.
County Counselor Jack Potucek provided general reviews and updates to the Commission.
The Commission reviewed an application for a license to retail cereal malt beverages submitted by Dean Bruey d/b/a/ Sokol Hall. Clerk Norris reported that the required notices were sent to required township. The Commission unanimously approved the renewal and authorized Chairman Cooney to sign the license.
The Commission reorganized, as provided by statute. The unanimous consensus was to have Chairman Cooney remain as Chairman with Commissioner Warner to serve as vice-chairmen for 2024. The Commission additionally reviewed the staffing levels and holidays for the county offices. In addition to the dates listed in the policy and procedure manual, the Commission added the Courthouse would close at noon on December 24 for an additional 4 hours of holiday.
The Commission discussed the year-end audit and closing of the county offices. The Commission unanimously approved closing the offices at noon on December 31, not as a holiday.
January 9, 2024 – 9 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the Commission room of the Sumner County Courthouse. Those present were Chairman John Cooney, Commissioner Jim Newell and Commissioner Steve Warner. Also present was County Clerk Debra A. Norris.
County Treasurer Administrative Assistant Jennifer Helpingstine advised the Commission the amount received from sales tax in December was $141,625.66.
County Counselor Jack Potucek provided general reviews and updates to the Commission.
The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved mid-month payables for $313,799.61.
There being no further business, the Board of County adjourned at 10:46 a.m.
