[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,73,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},"mediaId",6505081,"mediaKeyId","5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac","parentId",5436480,"title","Votes at a glance: Juvenile detention termination, precinct updates, culvert help and landfill worksheet","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",13849000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac&start=13849&end=13849","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac/thumbnail_13849000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6505081/Bourbon-County/Kentucky/Votes-at-a-glance-Juvenile-detention-termination-precinct-updates-culvert-help-and-landfill-worksheet","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505081-bdf0bf821353cd3858b9073b061cd88a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173058&Signature=TWeuEIOKH66NUePAs-XqanDJt51gFjlJveFt1IgujxLUfQfyWpCftc1bxW5Le~fpbNLCFdl4PWo0YIm3ASaBVqN3QcZT9gQCI5SUQmiO0wLiJb9EodPYhIAQv8W1rpygN-yTPckfVsvL~vG67rt09xnNqGy9ERORLAazMmspVlY12XSW873QnhvsUckTiHRRHGcVSv~YHvf8LAaAqNw7hvhu8k485PJvInmKAdReldaohWyqCiTK4nkamdXjaRBk3tPQHt~sLD824EKeXuem4Zb1cXxLbEO4X9~TSBfd2MVZDevw-3TofHLb4m~QB3wxO6583B-HZCWU-Q9Jzk7sFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-22T03:30:58.743Z","article","The Bourbon County Commission recorded several formal actions on July 21. This roundup lists the motions, tallies and immediate next steps for each item the commission acted on.

Juvenile detention contract — termination for 2027 budget year
Motion: \"I move that we terminate the juvenile detention with Gerard Juvenile Detention Center for the 2027, budget year.\" (mover: Commissioner Millburn)
Vote: Approved (Yea: commissioners recorded as Yes in roll call)
Outcome: Commissioners directed staff to prepare a termination letter for the chairman's signature and to coordinate budget planning for alternatives; staff noted the termination notice timing is required before July 1 to affect the next budget year.

Precinct legal descriptions — adoption for transition to five commissioners
Motion: \"I move we adopt resolution 28 25, outlining the precinct legal descriptions because of moving from 3 to 5 commissioners.\" (mover: commissioner)
Vote: Approved (roll call recorded Yes)
Outcome: Resolution adopted and staff directed to publish required legal notices and file the precinct descriptions as required by statute.

Marion Township culvert request — county assistance approved
Motion: Commissioners considered a request from Marion Township trustee Steve Geiger for county manpower and equipment to install a culvert at a cemetery access point; county staff reported culverts available from prior wind‑project inventory.
Vote: Approved (roll call recorded Yes)
Outcome: County will provide labor and one culvert in stock per public works recommendation; staff to coordinate timing and confirm logistics with Marion Township.

Landfill closure cost worksheet — reserve requirement approved
Motion: Approve and submit the landfill closure cost worksheet to Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) and ensure funds are reserved to cover estimated closure costs.
Vote: Approved (roll call recorded Yes)
Outcome: County acknowledged an estimated closure/reclamation reserve requirement of roughly $209,017.40 and directed staff to ensure reserves are identified and maintained.

Other administrative actions
- Boards and committee assignments: Commissioners accepted several board assignments (regional planning, aging, fair board, mental health and others) and asked staff to follow up with appointment communications.
- Insurance committee: Commissioners directed staff to solicit employee volunteers for an employee insurance advisory committee ahead of open enrollment.

All votes recorded in this summary reflect the roll call recorded in the July 21 meeting transcript. For each motion above, staff were directed to prepare required letters, notices or follow‑up work and to return with details as appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bourbon County Commission meeting 07/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved termination of the juvenile detention contract for the 2027 budget year, adopted new legal precinct descriptions for the move to five commissioners, approved a Marion Township culvert request using county equipment and approved the landfill closure cost worksheet.","taxTitle","Bourbon County, Kentucky","taxId",71615,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":74,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":75,"_41":76,"_43":77,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6505085,"County counselor to draft planning commission resolution as next step toward zoning; commissioners set timeline",284,6060000,6344000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac&start=6060&end=6344","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac/thumbnail_6060000.jpg","/articles/6505085/Bourbon-County/Kentucky/County-counselor-to-draft-planning-commission-resolution-as-next-step-toward-zoning-commissioners-set-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505085-3dcd23f19fce4534fc00cc7ebf988a68/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173058&Signature=TIHRJR-1rtTosD2P16J4duNIvIJQazz21ViTyFAaYy9w2v3dvYBl4inOnSparwjiqqY0l2H9eFl81zLLxmaCmYgti3c~1UIbZLNfeIE2VBnnoQRm85r-2bzmcUhfTKlNWkd9khkMmnpF7RAedrW6t-ZaXGdl2lLtrOueOJsYmfkIiUN5fxH61QmxyXoZcDisbfdMXsEAkbIezFSU1Du-eZimdi2ukY6YcL-XND1DOaD3dGCAhC9yXFKIXEw7sVpspzrfXdCPlVVwafUOxk2Lsi43W4DPIdXOM0ss4M1oYwk1gbve1Vs8sM3ZCzUpJOGo1xfKOjVvJTavz9hc0prdVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bourbon County's county counselor advised commissioners on July 21 that establishing a planning commission is the statutory step required before adopting county zoning regulations.

County Counselor Robert Johnson (\"Bob\" in the transcript) reviewed the statute that governs fence viewers and zoning procedures and said a planning commission (often called a zoning board) should be created as a formal body to hold public hearings, consider public input and report recommendations to the commission. \"If you take that formal action, we could draw up a a resolution to establish the planning commission to start that,\" Johnson told the commission.

Johnson said the planning commission would hold at least one public hearing after notice and provide a recommendation back to the board of county commissioners; the commissioners retain the ultimate authority to adopt zoning. Counsel also said the commission must follow statutory notice requirements for hearings and that creating the planning commission is not the same as adopting zoning — it only creates the body that would eventually consider zoning proposals.

Next steps: Johnson said he would draft a proposed resolution forming the planning commission and email it to the commissioners for review. Commissioners agreed to place the draft resolution on the August meeting agenda for formal consideration.

Why it matters: Formally establishing a planning commission is often the first legally required step before adopting county zoning. Commissioners and staff noted the action would trigger public hearings and outreach, and that it could be contentious depending on the commission's eventual recommendations.

No vote or ordinance was adopted July 21; counsel will return a draft resolution for the commission to consider in August.","Bourbon County counsel told commissioners that forming a planning commission (also known as a zoning board) is the next statutory step if the county intends to pursue zoning; counsel will draft a resolution for commissioners to review at an upcoming meeting.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6505090,"Payroll vendor pitches PayEntry platform to Bourbon County; commissioners raise integration and procurement questions",682,367000,1049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac&start=367&end=1049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac/thumbnail_367000.jpg","/articles/6505090/Bourbon-County/Kentucky/Payroll-vendor-pitches-PayEntry-platform-to-Bourbon-County-commissioners-raise-integration-and-procurement-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505090-c5812cb40ebc9898a2093d8f19495f14/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173058&Signature=cA1nMt865vxcqXpnjiZ-0DURWoWbW9LNIOvVWlhjGahz9aV9iF5OEh5EbHiBd77XyxnGvVdP1rTPy2MRbfa38lHGp9ZGF-mx7FhnhfIKomR47m40eW1-z3hBoMHi2oCiy~s83Cp9s5Q-1SqF~h~vviFgvhPO~rTpRCkOzMm85HwracCErN5qUcl0eadu0evfgmg~XwqmEOjJFCtSNlvDwc4hTGJHU3NgAcIokU5F3dP4XBXUhz35d6ZOqTZwlJBtryI98lZmqKJ2YWuRloWWOeMUdfuj0kHhOse2TzfRGbWAJHWwWypkDBze6CX7jgQi2EyEnGEStmEIGF7qiKyDzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Emerson and Company presented a payroll and HR services proposal to Bourbon County commissioners on July 21, describing PayEntry — a payroll and benefits administration platform — as the vendor the consultant recommends for county payroll and time‑and‑attendance functions.

Presenter Tim Emerson Jr., who identified himself as owner of Emerson and Company in Kansas City, said Emerson acts as a service bureau and recommended PayEntry because it offers a dedicated account advocate and an integrated benefits administration interface. \"One thing that we typically would like to do is we would recommend that departments, somebody in each department, would be responsible for submitting the time and attendance,\" Emerson said, describing how PayEntry can handle geo‑fenced mobile punches, tablet or IP‑based clocking and optional biometric add‑ons.

County department heads and staff raised questions about technical integration. The county's payroll/accounting system does not accept direct imports, so staff asked how payroll files would be exported and posted; Emerson said PayEntry can produce CSV or Excel exports and that Emerson's team can map outputs to the county's chart of accounts to create journal entries. Commissioners and department heads asked about KPERS pension deductions and how healthcare and FSA/HSA arrangements would be handled; Emerson said PayEntry can manage deductions and provide allocation reports and that PayEntry’s team would work with brokers and third‑party benefit vendors to reconcile enrollments and billing.

Procurement questions: Several commissioners asked why the county was considering a single vendor and whether the work should be put out to formal bid. One commissioner said the county's budget process had not included this expense and that department heads had not been consulted; another asked whether the county should solicit other proposals for ADP, Paychex or other platforms. Emerson said he was willing to submit quotes for other platforms and that Emerson works with multiple payroll platforms.

Next steps: Emerson recommended a software demonstration and a discovery process to identify the county's needs and to plan timeline. Emerson suggested a start at the beginning of a quarter (October 1 or January 1) if the commission decides to move forward. No procurement decision or vote occurred at the July 21 meeting.

Speakers quoted in this piece are identified in the meeting transcript.","Emerson and Company presented PayEntry payroll and HR tools as a candidate to replace the county's payroll/benefits system. Vendor said PayEntry offers a dedicated account advocate and onboarding support; county staff asked about general ledger/import formats, KPERS integration and whether services should be competitively bid.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6505095,"County leaders, public works staff warn of staffing shortfalls that could delay roadwork and paving",7540,6685000,14225000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac&start=6685&end=14225","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac/thumbnail_6685000.jpg","/articles/6505095/Bourbon-County/Kentucky/County-leaders-public-works-staff-warn-of-staffing-shortfalls-that-could-delay-roadwork-and-paving","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505095-2996df736e11adcf84595e6cc26035cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173058&Signature=fYpNi-ImDfsj3OeXFPsLm87QBKMUw5Y9XVAd0ofj0EvCxmj16TZdMzuiIU0YGFauFZ2RsAVm9P-XHBDJY~BUmGvBJO4p36v3vhFcux2T1O16e6RwjFXYw0t6n3TVqdbIA2Zdc2Y1U5jexkZV1EBJqIqcqPGzGWF6sYeQ3-OIVfUT~PAELdF5mK0yOIsJjSyOaOiCJO5wNshPQn~C8357tGtIKTiSzAjA~QWS3FaSEXrIMufjDGw3IHxfXZ4YzhbJHdraA~gS2LyhHCveeqkHTajcZfXtL4niP5K6vo3xMViIo~x4s0fiM2yKVgDnKmatxiEd49KHluvLz1FyjL-zqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public works employees and a stream of public comments at the July 21 Bourbon County Commission meeting flagged a staffing shortfall that county staff and commissioners said could reduce the county's capacity to complete scheduled paving, chip sealing and maintenance this season.

\"We have a pay issue,\" said Clay Campbell, a public works employee who works part time for the department. Campbell told the commission that several crew members had left and that remaining employees were concerned about pay, benefits and the loss of previously provided small perks such as occasional free dump access. \"The exit door is not done swinging,\" Campbell said.

Commissioners and public works leadership confirmed departures. Public works director Eric Bailey (present at the meeting) told commissioners that the county's asphalt crew was down staff and that, without backfill, the county may not be able to complete all planned asphalt work this year. Bailey described an on‑the‑ground assessment and said a distributor truck had been in for repair but was expected to return within days; he also noted gap funding and scheduling constraints that affect where and how the county places aggregate chips and runs chip‑seal operations.

Commissioner discussion focused on short‑term mitigation: asking current crews to work overtime where budgets permit, staging chips at a southern site (Bedco property) if commissioners approve storage there, and prioritizing safety and mission‑critical roadwork. \"If we have the budget because we've lost people, can we increase their hours?\" one commissioner asked. County staff said overtime could be used if employees agree and if the budget supports it; the sheriff and county finance staff indicated they would review options.

Public works safety audit: The commission also heard a presentation from an external safety consultant, Dom Bennett, who offered a two‑day safety audit for public works at an estimated $1,500–$2,000. Bennett's scope includes reviewing incident reports, interviewing staff and producing a written report of evidence‑based recommendations. Commissioners asked staff to check whether the county's workers' compensation carrier (K‑WORX/KWORX) could provide similar audit services at lower or no cost. The county will follow up and report back at the next meeting.

Why it matters: Roads, bridges and routine maintenance are time‑sensitive operations that depend on seasonal windows and on crew availability. A reduced workforce can delay paving, prolong hazardous road conditions and increase long‑term repair costs.

Next steps: Commissioners authorized staff to pursue short‑term overtime where budgets and employees allow, to consult the county's insurance/work‑comp carrier about audit options, and to consider chip storage logistics. The commission also scheduled discussion of safety‑audit options for the next meeting. No formal policy change or new recurring budget was approved at the July 21 meeting.

This account relies on direct statements from employees and county officials recorded in the meeting transcript.","Public works employees and commissioners said multiple departures and low pay could reduce the county's ability to complete scheduled asphalt and maintenance work. Commissioners discussed overtime options, chip storage locations and next steps for contracted audits.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6505099,"Fort Scott offers to transfer 911 dispatch to Bourbon County; city to fund majority for two years",103,1981000,2084000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac&start=1981&end=2084","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436480-3b6ff637057e09eae659b9e3783ce3ac/thumbnail_1981000.jpg","/articles/6505099/Bourbon-County/Kentucky/Fort-Scott-offers-to-transfer-911-dispatch-to-Bourbon-County-city-to-fund-majority-for-two-years","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505099-4213b619ace4bb918a03cac5e8ef8d38/orig.mp4?Expires=1775173058&Signature=N8XqAPf1HRx~myXcf6--6-ZYc5jvQqkUS~nkQRkvLrwUYR0WTvokFIAJHjLNwen4QlfhOQEIB6QgyDh0-xuft0~DvdZeWeb8iBHYw~3AxSOgXRNSvOFGBjc~rhQ-bIP0g7yvwbavy2xg9DPF418ONh8COgaEtak2rSB~4JpLVmX6GqQyC6aAubQefMr7HSVAV97T-QnaXHdfb70jb~E2L~3SkUE~hsJyRlRVen1My5vB8unHiArL1GicrYiP-w2rO72w~-WUOL0unt3kyxHdsC5wA0QOb~37jGpjf7PzhTXAHeS0QVndPPg8CCPL0x02ljb3cf-iBnteWIbGb5afGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city of Fort Scott proposed on July 21 that Bourbon County take over the county’s 9‑1‑1 dispatch operations, with the city offering $350,000 per year to help cover transition costs in 2026 and 2027.

The proposal came from Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkins, who spoke to the county commission and said the city currently provides dispatch services and that the city receives about 57% of 9‑1‑1 calls while the county generates roughly 43% over a three‑year average. \"City receives an e911 phone tax, which can only be used on certain things, roughly around $90,000 per year,\" Matkins said, adding that the city currently pays the county $50,000 per year for the service.

Matkins said the city would deliver a turnkey communications operation — \"a complete turnkey e911 communications operation department with a dedicated 8‑member team as well as a full room of equipment operating and ready to go\" — and that Fort Scott would pay $350,000 annually for 2026 and 2027 and would expect a renegotiation in 2028.

Why it matters: 9‑1‑1 dispatch is a mission‑critical public safety function. If Bourbon County takes over operations, the sheriff's office would assume payroll, benefits and operations. Commissioners and county staff said they need detailed cost estimates, including how differences in benefits and payroll might affect the county budget.

Commissioners and staff discussed the financial implications in the meeting. County officials noted the city's budgeted dispatch cost is about $550,000 for the current year; Matkins said that figure included wages, benefits and equipment. \"If it costs $5.50 to run this gig, we're in a deficit of $60,\" a county budget participant said during the discussion, referring to thousands of dollars. County officials indicated they would need to adjust budgets or identify new revenue to fully cover the likely county share in later years.

Sheriff Bill Martin joined the discussion and county staff and consultants said the sheriff's office could absorb some costs in the 2026 budget year but that adjustments would be needed. County commissioners asked for more complete numbers on payroll, benefit differences and transition expenses before making a decision.

Next steps: Commissioners asked to hold a dedicated work session to vet the proposal with the sheriff, city staff and the county's budget advisers. Matkins and county officials agreed to meet with the county's finance team; Matkins suggested the city would continue its subsidy through 2026–27 while the county studies the transition. Commissioners set an initial coordination meeting for July 30 for further financial review ahead of budget season.

What was not decided: The commission did not vote on the transfer at the July 21 meeting. Commissioners said a budget work session is required to determine whether the county could assume operations and how to cover any shortfall beyond the city's contribution.

Speakers quoted in this story are identified in the meeting transcript.","The city of Fort Scott proposed transferring 911 dispatch services to Bourbon County’s sheriff beginning in 2026, offering $350,000 per year for 2026–27 while urging further discussion of costs, benefits and timing. Commissioners scheduled a county work session to examine budget and operational details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Juvenile detention termination, precinct updates, culvert help and landfill worksheet

County counselor to draft planning commission resolution as next step toward zoning; commissioners set timeline

Payroll vendor pitches PayEntry platform to Bourbon County; commissioners raise integration and procurement questions

County leaders, public works staff warn of staffing shortfalls that could delay roadwork and paving

Fort Scott offers to transfer 911 dispatch to Bourbon County; city to fund majority for two years