The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 20, 2025, to recess into three separate executive sessions to consult with legal counsel about potential economic development projects.

Commissioner Hanslick moved the first recess at 4:26 p.m., saying the purpose was to consult with legal counsel under KSA 75-4319(b)(2) and (b)(4) to discuss confidential financial affairs or trade secrets associated with a potential economic development agreement (identified in the meeting as County Project 1). Allen Brand seconded the motion, and the clerk recorded seven "aye" votes and no opposing votes.

The board recessed for the executive session and later reconvened in open session. "No action is being taken at this time," an unidentified meeting official said after the first recess.

Hanslick later moved two further recesses for similar reasons. At 4:45 p.m. the board approved a 10-minute executive session to discuss County Project 2; at 4:58 p.m. the board approved a 10-minute session to discuss County Project 3. Both motions were seconded (recorded as Alan/Allen Brand in the transcript) and each passed by recorded roll call with seven votes in favor and none against. After returning from the third session the presiding official again said no action had been taken in open session and the board adjourned.

Why it matters: Executive sessions under KSA 75-4319(b)(2) and (b)(4) are permitted when the subject involves privileged attorney-client communications and confidential financial or trade-secret information tied to economic-development negotiations. The board identified county management, the assistant county manager (Adam Norris), and chief counsel among those who would attend the closed-door discussions, indicating the sessions were intended for staff briefings and privileged legal consultation rather than final approvals.

Votes at a glance
• Motion for County Project 1 (recess at 4:26 p.m., 15 minutes): Moved by Commissioner Hanslick; seconded by Allen Brand; roll-call result — Commissioners Best, Myers, Brewer, Hanslick, Ashcraft, Alenbrand and Chairman Kelly recorded "aye." Outcome: approved (7–0).
• Motion for County Project 2 (recess at 4:45 p.m., 10 minutes): Moved by Commissioner Hanslick; seconded by Alan/Allen Brand; roll-call result recorded as seven in favor, none against (names read by clerk in the transcript include variants). Outcome: approved (7–0).
• Motion for County Project 3 (recess at 4:58 p.m., 10 minutes): Moved by Commissioner Hanslick; seconded by Allen Brand; roll-call result — seven in favor, none against. Outcome: approved (7–0).

What the record shows: Each motion listed the same statutory authority and cited consultation with legal counsel about confidential financial affairs or trade secrets under a nondisclosure agreement. The meeting transcript identifies the subjects generically as County Project 1, County Project 2 and County Project 3; no project details, dollar amounts, contracting parties or firm names were discussed in open session. The assistant county manager, Adam Norris, and chief counsel were named as attendees for the closed sessions.

The board did not take any final action in open session on any of the three items. The meeting adjourned after the third executive session and a closing remark, which included a holiday greeting to attendees.

Speakers referenced in this article: Commissioner Hanslick (motion maker), Allen/Alan Brand (second), Adam Norris (assistant county manager, listed as attendee), Chairman Kelly (voting member), and various commissioners recorded during the clerk's roll calls. Some names in the transcript appear with typographical variations; vote tallies above reflect the roll-call results as read during the meeting.