On the agenda: Colby meeting — Flock Camera (Aug 31)

Thomas County Commissioners Regular Meeting
Chairperson Mike Baughn – Member Brad Flipse – Member Brian Luedke
300 N Court Ave., Colby, Kansas 67701
Phone: 785.460.4510 / Fax: 785.460.4503
Location: Courthouse - 3rd Floor
Meeting Facilitator called by: Mike Baughn, Chairperson
Type of meeting: Regular Commission Meeting
Minute Taker: Keesa Mariman, County Clerk
Legal Counsel: Chris Rohr, County Attorney
1.

9:00 A.M. Call To Order
Flag Salute
Welcome and Announcements
Public Comment
Additions or Revisions to the Agenda

2.

9:00 A.M. Approve AP

3.

9:00 A.M. Resolution 2026-13 - NWKS - Mitigation Plan
Documents:
AR-D.BECKER-MITIGATION PLAN.PDF
THOMAS COUNTY MITIGATION RESOLUTION.PDF

4.

9:10 A.M. NEK-CAP Inc Board Nomination
Documents:
AR-NEK-CAP, INC..PDF
JOB DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION202608.PDF
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD APPOINTMENT FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONS.PDF

5.

9:15 A.M. Sunflower Electric Transmision Line Project Letter
Documents:
SUNFLOWER ELECTRIC PROJECT LETTER.PDF

6.

9:25 A.M. Flock Cameras
Documents:

SUNFLOWER ELECTRIC PROJECT LETTER.PDF
6.

9:25 A.M. Flock Cameras
Documents:
AR-T.NICHOLS-FLOCK CAMERAS.PDF

7.

9:40 A.M. Executive Session - Non - Elected Personnel - Health Department
20 Minute Request

8. Approve August 10th & 17th Minutes
Time:TBD
Documents:
8-10-2026.PDF
8-17-2026.PDF
9. Approve August Payroll
Time: TBD
10. MISC-Other Information
Time: TBD
PVD Compliance Letter, Economic Development Mintues, & Options Newsletter.
Documents:
COMMISSION SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE LETTER 2026 IN.PDF
CCF_000094.PDF

THOMAS COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
AGENDA REQUEST
Please submit this request to the Thomas Co. Clerk, along with any supporting
documents for Commission review, no later than 4 calendar days prior to the requested
meeting.

NAME:

David Becker

PHONE NUMBER:

785-460-4516

EMAIL ADDRESS:

[email protected]

AGENDA DATE

8/31/2026

AMOUNT OF TIME
REQUESTED:

10

INFORMATION/ISSUE:

Approval of KW KS Region A Mitigation Plan

PRESENTED BY:

David Becker

BACKGROUND
INFORMATION:

The NW KS Region A Mitigation Plan has been approved by
FEMA. Now the plan needs to be adopted by the BOCC.

LEGAL ISSUES (IF
APPLICABLE):

Field not completed.

ALTERNATIVES:

Field not completed.

RECOMMENDATION:

Field not completed.

FISCAL IMPACT (IF
APPLICABLE):

Field not completed.

Resolution # 2026-13
Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region Hazard Mitigation Plan
Whereas, the

Thomas County, Kansas

recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people

Name of Government/District/Organization

and property within our community; and
Whereas, undertaking hazard mitigation actions will reduce the potential for harm to people and property from future
hazard occurrences; and
Whereas, the U.S. Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (“Disaster Mitigation Act”) emphasizing the
need for pre-disaster mitigation of potential hazards;
Whereas, the Disaster Mitigation Act made available hazard mitigation grants to state and local governments; and
Whereas, an adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under
multiple Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant programs; and
Whereas, the

Thomas County, Kansas

fully participated in the FEMA prescribed mitigation

Name of Government/District/Organization

planning process to prepare this Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
Whereas, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and FEMA Region VII officials have reviewed the Kansas
Homeland Security Region A Hazard Mitigation Plan, and approved it contingent upon this official adoption of the
participating governing body; and
Whereas, the

Thomas County, Kansas

desires to comply with the requirements of the Disaster

Name of Government/District/Organization

Mitigation Act and to augment its emergency planning efforts by formally adopting the Kansas Homeland Security
Region AHazard Mitigation Plan; and
Whereas, adoption by the governing body for the

Thomas County, Kansas

demonstrates the

Name of Government/District/Organization

jurisdictions’ commitment to fulfilling the mitigation goals and objectives outlined in this plan, and
Whereas, adoption of this legitimizes the plan and authorizes responsible agencies to carry out their responsibilities
under the plan.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the

Thomas County, Kansas

adopts the Kansas Homeland

Name of Government/District/Organization

Security Region A Hazard Mitigation Plan as an official plan; and
Be it further resolved, the Thomas County Emergency Management

will submit this Adoption Resolution to the

Name of Government/District/Organization

Kansas Division of Emergency Management and FEMA Region VII officials to enable the plan’s final approval.

Date:

Approved by:
Printed Name

Signature:

Kansas Region A Hazard Mitigation Plan
/
Month

Appendix A

Year

August 25, 2026
Dear County Commissioners,
On behalf of NEK-CAP, Inc., Board of Directors, I am writing to inform you that NEK-CAP, Inc., was selected by
the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation as the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Grantee for twentytwo Northwest Kansas counties on June 1, 2026. This designation will allow NEK-CAP, Inc. to begin providing
services utilizing CSBG funds throughout the region, including your county. While the agency works on
expanding its service area, the Board will also expand its capacity for local representation. NEK-CAP, Inc. would
like to invite you to learn about our agency and leadership process in the hope that you may be interested in
nominating a local appointee to the NEK-CAP, Inc. Board.
The purpose of the CSBG legislation and funds is to assist fellow Kansans with incomes at or below 200%
Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The primary goal of NEK-CAP, Inc., is to focus on services and programs promoting
economic mobility of local residents, securing housing, nutrition, and economic vitality of communities. As a
CSBG designated agency, we are researching program design options to utilize the $272,000 made available for
staff and operational costs, including approximately $20,000 for direct services. The agency aims to provide
financial assistance and supportive services to over 100 families, with additional nutrition services provided to
over 100 children.
The CSBG Act requires a tripartite board of directors. “One-third of the Directors shall be elected public officials,
holding office on the date of selection, or their representatives, except that if the Board determines the number
of such elected officials reasonably available and willing to serve on the Board is less than one-third of the
membership of the Board, appointive public officials or their representatives may be counted in meeting such
one-third requirement. Elected officials serve on the Board in this capacity only while they are in office.
Similarly, individuals designated by elected or appointed officials to represent the designated public body the
Board serve only while their principals are in office or are re-designated by the public official, or appointing
authority to reappoint or name a replacement. All such Public Sector Directors must reside in the community
he/she is representing within the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funded service area.”
Public Sector Directors serve a one-year term and have no term limits other than the above requirements. The
Board will seat the selected Director at the November 19, 2026, Board meeting or as soon as possible
thereafter, to begin serving January 1, 2027.
If you are interested in serving as a NEK-CAP, Inc. Public Sector Board Director or to appoint a representative,
please send a letter of appointment to [email protected] and [email protected].
For further information, please refer to the attached documents. If you have any questions, please contact me
at [email protected] or call 785-741-2183. On behalf of the NEK-CAP, Inc. Board, I thank you for your
consideration and look forward to building a collaborative partnership.
Sincerely,
Jeanette Collier

Jeanette Collier,
Executive Director
Enc. Chart of Annual Income Limits at 200% Federal Poverty Level
Our Mission: We provide comprehensive education and social services to low-income community members
through collaborative
partnerships focused on promoting the development of individuals and families, empowerment, and economic
security.
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Cathy Clark

Administrative Assistant
NEK-CAP, Inc.
PO Box 380
1260 220th
Hiawatha, KS 66434
Phone: 785-742-2222, ext. 111
FAX: 785-742-2164
Mobile: 785-741-2120

NEK-CAP, Inc. Board of Directors Job Description
TITLE: Director, NEK-CAP, Inc. Board of Directors
REPORTS TO: Board Chair
ROLE:

To serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors. Responsible for planning,

monitoring and evaluation of program policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with
all federal, state and local regulations related to funding sources; providing fiscal and
legal oversight of all agency operations.
TERM:

3-years term for a Private Representative
(Recommendation letters received every three years)
1-year term for a Public Representative
(Commission letters received annually)
3-year term for a Low-Income Representative
(Democratically selected every three years)
1-year term for a Low-Income Policy Council Representative
Note: If filling a vacancy, you will complete a partial term and begin full term the
following year.

TIME EXPECTATIONS:
 Attend regularly scheduled board meetings (six per year), held on the third Thursday of every
other month (January, March, May, July, September, November).
 Participate actively on one or more committees of the board.
 Attend scheduled board retreats, planning meetings, workshops, or other board development
activities.
 Attend, support, and participate in special events.
OBLIGATIONS:
 Fully understand and support the mission of NEK-CAP, Inc.
 Establish policies.
 Hire, supervise, evaluate and set compensation of the Executive Director.
 Monitor the agency's financial and programmatic performance.
 Develop and monitor short and long-range planning and goals.
 Represent the agency to the public and private sector; serve as an advocate for the agency.
 Bring personal/professional expertise and that of others to support the mission of the agency.

Revised 7/2022; 1/2024; 6/2026

Application for NEK-CAP, Inc. Board of Directors
Thank you for your interest in the NEK-CAP, Inc., Board of Directors!
Please complete the following questionnaire so that we can make the best use of your talents and
expertise and offer you the most rewarding experience as a member of the board.
Name_____________________________________________________________
Business Affiliation/Title ______________________________________________
Mailing Address______________________________________________________
Cell phone ____________________

Skills (check all that apply):
☐Accounting/Financial
☐Investment
☐Special Events
☐Education
☐Public Speaking

Email ___________________________

☐Management
☐Public Relations
☐Marketing
☐Fundraising
☐Community Relations
☐Lobbying
☐Training
☐Strategic Planning
☐Other ________________________________

Professional Background (check all that apply):
☐For-Profit Business
☐Non-Profit Organization
☐Government
☐Attorney
☐Accountant/Fiscal
☐Early Childhood Educator/Child Development
☐Faith-Based
☐Other ___________________________
Education level:
☐Some High School
☐Undergraduate College Degree
☐High School Graduate
☐Some Graduate Coursework
☐Some College
☐Graduate Degree or Higher
☐Other ___________________________

Are you a member of any other groups? Please list: __________________________________________________
What is your experience as a member of other boards of directors? _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Revised 7/2022; 1/2024; 6/2026

Have you been homeless within the last 7 years of this application (answers will be kept confidential, collected
for HUD requirements only) ☐Yes ☐No
Is there any other pertinent information we should consider/know? ie, potential conflicts of interest, etc.

___________________________
Commitments:
Are you willing to attend regular board special meetings?

☐Yes ☐No

How many hours a month can you serve this agency? _____________
Are you willing to attend the required new member orientation?

☐Yes ☐No

Are you willing to attend an annual board retreat or other Board functions? ☐Yes☐No
Are you willing to contribute time, treasure or talent to the Agency on behalf of the Board? ☐Yes ☐No
If so, what most likely could you contribute of the three? ______________________________________
For what reason do you want to become a NEK-CAP, Inc. board member?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you a former employee of NEK-CAP, Inc?
☐Yes ☐No
If yes, when was your last date of employment? _________________________
Are you related to the Executive Director, any other agency employee or Board member? ☐Yes ☐No
Privacy Policy:
I realize that in my capacity as a member serving on NEK-CAP, Inc. Board of Directors the above information
may be provided to various agency funding sources and to other entities that relate to NEK-CAP, Inc.’s
corporate business functions. My signature authorizes the agency’s ability to do so.

____________________________________
Signature

___________________
Date

_______________________________________________________________________________________
For Office Use Only:
Date of Intent to Serve/Letter of recommendation/election received
Date of (mark appropriate type)

____________

By-Laws & Conflict of Interest Review

Board Election (Low-Income) ____________

____________ ____________

Nomination (Private)

____________

____________ ____________

Nomination (Public)

____________

____________ ____________
____________ ____________

Revised 7/2022; 1/2024; 6/2026

Date of Seating

____________

____________ ____________
____________ ____________

Date Orientation Completed

Revised 7/2022; 1/2024; 6/2026

_____________

____________ ____________

NEK-CAP, Inc. TEMPLATE FOR BOARD APPO INTMENT
(please put this on your letterhead)
DATE
NEK-CAP, Inc. Board of Directors
c/o Executive Director
P. O. Box 380
Hiawatha, KS 66434

Dear NEK-CAP, Inc. Board of Directors,
At the yearly organizational meeting on ______________________________,
the Board of Commissioners of __________________County appointed Commissioner,
_____________
_______________ to serve on the NEK-CAP, Inc. Board of Directors for the year of
__________.
Commissioner ______________________ contact information is:
___________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________
You may reach them to make any arrangements for meeting information and any
other items necessary for your agency.
If you have any questions regarding this appointment, please contact the County
Clerk’s office at the information listed above.
Sincerely,

_____________________________________________
_____________County Clerk

I Sunflower
ELECTRIC POWER CORP

August 20, 2026

Mr. Brad Flipse
Commissioner District 1
300 North Court
Colby, KS 67701

REI Sunflower Electric Power Corporation - Holcomb to Sidney 345-kV Transmission Line Project
Filing Notification
Dear Mr. Brad Flipse:
As a local officlal in a county included in the preferred transmission line route, you are being notified
that Sunflower filed the proposed route with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) on August
19,2026, for review and approval. Enclosed is a map showing the preferred route. This notification
is intended to keep local officials informed as the project moves through the regulatory review
process.

The preferred route filed with KCC Includes portions of Finney, Scott, Wichita, Logan, Thomas,
Sherman, and Cheyenne counties. Please note the preferred route remains subject to KCC review
and approval. The enclosed map provides an overview of the preferred route in relation to your
area. Additional mapping, project information, frequently asked questions, and project updates are
available on the proj ect website at www. sunflower.net/in t e rc o n n ec to n - q u id e lin e s/h o Ic o m b - s idn e y.

Sunflower is also notifying landowners whose property is located within approximately 1,000 feet of
the preferred route so nearby landowners are informed as the project moves through the regulatory
review process. ln addition, Sunflower is notifying landowners who were identified within the original
project study area, but whose properties are no longer located within the area of the preferred
route. These notifications are intended to provide clarity regarding the status of the project and
whether individual properties remain within the area being considered as the project moves
forward.

What Happens Next?
KCC will review Sunflower's application as part of its regulatory approval process. As part of that
process, KCC is expected to hold one or more public hearings in the project area in the coming
months. lmpacted landowners will receive additional information from Sunflower regarding the
hearing(s), including the date, time, location, and opportunities to participate.
ln the meantime, you are encouraged to:

Review the enclosed map showing the preferred route in relation to your county.
'. Visit
for detailed maps, project
updates, and answers to frequently asked questions.
. Review project filings and regulatory information on the KCC website at www.kcc.ks.gov.
. Contact the project team with any questions regarding the project or the preferred route.
P.O. Box 1020 | Hays, KS 67601

August 20, 2026
Mr. Brad Flipse

Sunflower is committed to maintaining open communication with landowners and local communities
throughout the regulatory review and project development process. We appreciate your interest
and look forward to continuing to provide updates as additional project milestones are reached.
Sincerely,

Clarence Suppes
Senior Project Manager

Enclosure: Study Area Map

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier operating a system of
solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based electric generating plants and approximately 2,400 miles of
electric transmission infrastructure. lts seven member utilities-Lane-Scott, Pioneer, Prairie Land,
Victory, Western, Wheatland, and Southern Pioneer-serve rural consumers across the region.
To learn more about Sunflower, visit our website at sunflower.net or simply scan the QR code below
using your phone's camera.

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THOMAS COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
AGENDA REQUEST
Please submit this request to the Thomas Co. Clerk, along with any supporting
documents for Commission review, no later than 4 calendar days prior to the requested
meeting.

NAME:

Tom Nickols

PHONE NUMBER:

785-460-4570

EMAIL ADDRESS:

[email protected]

AGENDA DATE

8/31/2026

AMOUNT OF TIME
REQUESTED:

15 Minutes

INFORMATION/ISSUE:

Flock Cameras

PRESENTED BY:

Tom Nickols

BACKGROUND
INFORMATION:

Flock Camera Discussion

LEGAL ISSUES (IF
APPLICABLE):

Field not completed.

ALTERNATIVES:

Field not completed.

RECOMMENDATION:

Field not completed.

FISCAL IMPACT (IF
APPLICABLE):

Field not completed.

Upload Documents

Field not completed.

Electronic Signature
Agreement

I agree.

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
August 10, 2026
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Mike Baughn called the REGULAR Commissioners Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at
the Thomas County Historical Courthouse on Monday, August 10, 2026; followed by the flag salute (Pledge of Allegiance) with
Commissioner Brian Luedke, Commissioner Brad Flipse, County Attorney Chris Rohr, County Clerk Keesa Mariman, Paul Steele, Kaydee
Helus, Deputy Clerk Jasmine Faus, Emergency Management Director David Becker, and Sunflower Standard Reporter Derek White, Lonnie
Wilson, Road & Bridge Supervisor Clair Schrock.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: No announcements.
PUBLIC COMMENT: No comments.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/REVISIONS: Commissioner Brad Flipse made a motion to approve the agenda as amended to include IT Bids and US
24/83 Intersection Update, and to remove the Landfill Discussion; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further
discussion the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVE AP: Chairman Mike Baughn made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Payment Registers as follows: Courthouse
General in the amount of $113,411.75 (as reviewed by both County Attorney Chris Rohr and Chairman Mike Baughn); the motion was
seconded by Commissioner Brad Flipse, with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously.
CANVASS: The Commission stood at recess to convene as the Board of County Canvassers at 9:01 a.m. with Paul Steele stepping in in place
of Commissioner Brad Flipse.
On Tuesday, August 4th, 31 individuals voted a provisional ballot for various reasons; failed to register by the July 14th deadline, failed to reregister due to a move or name change, or a clerical error etc. Of those 31 provisional ballots, the Board of County Canvassers allowed 19 (1
being a partial county) to be counted and denied 12 for reasons that are outlined in the Election Standards which include K.S.A’s 25-2316c(b),
25-409, 25-2316C, 25-3002(b)(3), 25-215, 25-1132 and 25-2302.
RECESS: The Board of County Canvassers stood at recess for the purpose of tallying results.
OPEN SESSION: The Commission went back into Open Session at 10:40 a.m. as the provisional votes were still being tallied.
KNRC PRESENTATION: Tracey Barton with The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) and Charles Yates with The Pacific Legal Foundation
shared a recorded presentation explaining two federal regulatory actions, the lawsuits challenging those actions, and why KNRC is considering
participation. They are requesting that each Commissioner vote on the two separate ballots regarding KNRC’s proposed participation in
federal litigation involving recent Endangered Species Act regulatory changes.
A “Yes” vote authorizes KNRC to participate in the applicable lawsuit in support of the federal government’s repeal of the regulation identified
in the ballot. A “No” vote means the county does not authorize KNRC to participate in that particular lawsuit. A county may vote differently
on the two ballots. There is no cost to the county in casting votes.
Commissioner Brian Luedke made a motion to vote Yes to Ballot NO 1. Should the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition be authorized to
participate, at no cost to KNRC or its member counties, in federal litigation defending the repeal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s
regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act? The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brad Flipse, with no further
discussion the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Brad Flipse made a motion to vote Yes to Ballot NO 2. Should the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition be authorized to
participate, at no cost to KNRC or its member counties, in federal litigation defending the repeal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s blanket
section 4(d) rule? The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously.
COUNTY ROAD UNIT: Chairman Mike Baughn requested County Attorney Chris Rohr provide guidance regarding concerns raised by township
residents about inadequate township road maintenance. County Attorney Chris Rohr explained that townships are separate jurisdictions and
the County has limited authority over township roads. County Attorney Chris Rohr reviewed K.S.A. 68-515b, which provides a process for
counties to adopt a county road unit system by resolution, including publication requirements and the potential for a countywide vote if a
qualifying petition is filed.
Lonnie Wilson, North Randall Township Trustee, shared his experience with county road systems and expressed concerns about losing local
control, increased costs to county taxpayers, and the feasibility of the County assuming responsibility for approximately 1,260 miles of roads.
He stated that township residents should have the opportunity to decide whether their township wishes to transfer road responsibilities to
the County. Commissioners Brian Luedke and Brad Flipse agreed, expressing support for maintaining local control and stating that individual
townships should address road maintenance concerns with their township boards.
Road & Bridge Supervisor Clair Schrock also expressed support for allowing townships to determine how they wish to address their road
maintenance needs. He noted the significant manpower and equipment requirements that would be involved if the County assumed
additional roads and suggested townships consider working together or pursuing other options if they are unable to adequately maintain
their roads.
Chairman Mike Baughn stated that the Commission supports government being as close to the people as possible and does not support the
Commission initiating a resolution to establish a county road unit system. Chairman Mike Baughn stated that if township residents want to
pursue a change, the matter should originate with the townships and their residents.
County Attorney Chris Rohr further advised that, after a prolonged period of documented neglect, the County may have authority to intervene
in certain circumstances and potentially charge the township for the work. County Attorney Chris Rohr recommended that complaints be
documented, including photographs and specific information regarding road conditions. Chairman Mike Baughn reminded township boards
of their responsibility to their residents and noted that a township manual has been provided to all townships, with Road & Bridge Supervisor
Clair Schrock available to assist.
No action was taken. The Commission will advise township boards to take their road maintenance responsibilities seriously and to work with
their residents to address concerns.

APPROVE JULY 31 MINUTES: Commissioner Brad Flipse made a motion to approve the July 31 minutes as presented; the motion was
seconded by Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously.
IT BIDS: Emergency Management Director David Becker provided an updated on the six RFPs he sent out. All six responded with their intent.
One of the companies, Anchor Network Solutions, submitted two questions and requested that the response comes directly from the Board
of Commissioners.
Question number 1: Can you confirm how these criteria will be weighed relative to one another, and specifically what proportion of the
evaluation will be based on price versus the other listed factors?
Question 2: Will this be done by a formal evaluation committee, or will the final decision be made directly by the board of commissioners
without a committee scoring process. If the latter, section 4 references collaboration with Department Manager and the County IT Committee
on an ongoing basis. Can you confirm what mechanism, if any, will be used to incorporate input from department managers and staff who
work directly with the selected vendor into the final decision?
Commissioner Brian Luedke made a motion to set up an evaluation committee with Sheriff Office, EMS, Clerk’s Office, IT, and County
Attorney’s office to evaluate proposals; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Brad Flipse, with no further discussion the motion carried
unanimously.
US24 & 83 INTERSECTION: Chairman Mike Baughn reported that the Commission received a traffic investigation report from KDOT regarding
the US24 & 83 intersection. KDOT has begun implementing the recommended changes, which are expected to take several weeks to
complete. Due to negative feedback regarding a proposed roundabout, KDOT is pursuing an alternative approach. Traffic signals and a fourway stop are not being considered. Recommended improvements include adding stop bars on the northbound and southbound approaches,
increasing visibility of stop and “Stop Ahead” signs with reflective tape and larger signage, relocating route markers, adding “Cross Traffic
Does Not Stop” signage to the backs of existing stop signs, and modifying the eastbound and westbound bypass lanes to improve right-turn
movements.
CANVASS: The Commission stood at recess to convene as the Board of County Canvassers with Paul Steele stepping in in place of
Commissioner Brad Flipse. Paul Steele made a motion to certify the 2026 August 4th Primary Election results; the motion was seconded by
Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously. Paul Steele made a motion to adjourn as the Board
of Canvassers; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously.
OPEN SESSION: The Commission reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners at 1:23 p.m.
MISC: The Commission received the July Monthly Road & Bridge Reports, July Noxious Weed Reports, July Bank Reconciliation, City of Colby
IRB Hearing Notices, and a Newsletter from the Brewster Senior Center. There is an IRB hearing on August 18th, at 5:30 p.m. at Colby City
Hall regarding the High Plains Aviation, LLC project.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, Commissioner Brad Flipse moved to adjourn at 1:24 p.m.; the motion was seconded by
Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously.
ATTEST:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THOMAS COUNTY
________________________________________________
____________________________
Keesa Mariman, County Clerk

Mike Baughn, Chairman

Dated: _____________________
________________________________________________
Brad Flipse, Member

________________________________________________
Brian Luedke, Member

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
August 17, 2026
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Mike Baughn called the Regular Commissioners Meeting to order at 9:00
a.m. at the Thomas County Historical Courthouse on Monday, August 17, 2026; followed by the flag salute (Pledge of Allegiance)
with Commissioner Brian Luedke, Commissioner Brad Flipse, Deputy County Clerk Jasmine Faus, County Attorney Chris Rohr,
Emergency Management Director David Becker, Road and Bridge Supervisor Clair Schrock, Landfill Director Austin Gilliland , Morgan
Owen, Roy Elfers, County Treasurer Layn Bruggeman and Sunflower Standard Reporter Derek White.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chairman Mike Baughn announced the County had received payment from Solomon Fork Wind
Project payment in the amount of $743,375.36.
PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/REVISIONS: Commissioner Brad Flipse made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted; the motion was
seconded by Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVE AP: Chairman Mike Baughn made a motion to approve the Accounts Payable Registers as follows: Road & Bridge in the
amount of $32,329.10, and Courthouse General in the amount of $23,209.01 (as reviewed by both County Attorney Chris Rohr and
Chairman Mike Baughn); the motion was seconded by Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further discussion the motion carried
unanimously.
DSNWK-2027 BUDGET REQUEST: Gerard Michaud, President and CEO of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK),
presented the organization’s 2027 budget request. Michaud explained that the $89,847.84 received from Thomas County in 2025 was
used to provide services to 26 Thomas County residents, with the remaining funds used to help cover funding gaps in other areas of
the program. Following questions from the Commissioners, Gerard Michaud was thanked for his presentation and time.
LANDFILL TONNAGE: Landfill Director Austin Gilliland expressed concern regarding the increase in monthly tonnage at the landfill. He
stated that KDHE monitors the landfill’s annual tonnage and that exceeding the permitted annual amount could result in penalties.
KDHE does require permitted landfills to report the tons of waste disposed. Landfill Director Austin Gilliland stated that the increase
is primarily due to the City of Colby no longer separating grass clippings from regular municipal solid waste. Previously, grass clippings
were separated and placed in the yard waste. As a result, the City of Colby’s municipal solid waste has increased to approximately 17
tons per day. Commissioner Brian Luedke asked whether the County could charge the City of Colby a higher rate for mixed waste.
Gilliland stated that the City of Colby could be charged the MSW Mixed rate, which would increase the disposal rate from $54 per ton
to $110 per ton. Gilliland further stated that the City of Colby Public Utilities Director indicated that paying the higher disposal rate to
the County would be more cost-effective than hiring an additional employee to collect and separate grass clippings.
Commissioner Brian Luedke made the motion to authorize Landfill Director Austin Gilliland to classify all trash containing mixed lawn
clippings as MSW Mixed in an effort to address separation issues; going forward, the motion was seconded by Chairman Mike Baughn,
with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Mike Baughn announced they had received the semiannual landfill monitoring report from MILCO, and that all sampling
pools are at acceptable conditions according to the April 2026 sampling.
MISC-OTHER INFORMATION: The Commission received High Plains Mental Health minutes.
2027 BUDGET HEARINGS: The Commission stood at recess beginning at 9:45 a.m. for the purpose of discussing the 2027 Budget.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, Commissioner Brad Flipse moved to adjourn at 10:23 a.m.; the motion was seconded by
Commissioner Brian Luedke, with no further discussion the motion carried unanimously.
ATTEST:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THOMAS COUNTY
________________________________________________
____________________________
Jasmine Faus, Deputy County Clerk

Mike Baughn, Chairman

Dated: _____________________
________________________________________________
Brad Flipse, Member

________________________________________________
Brian Luedke, Member

Division of Property Valuation
300 SW 29th Street
PO Box 3506
Topeka KS 66601-3506
Ryan Wright-Spain, Acting Secretary

Phone: 785-296-2365
Fax: 785-296-2320
www.ksrevenue.gov
Laura Kelly, Governor

August 25, 2026
Dear County Commissioners:
The annual statistical and procedural compliance review for the 2026 appraisal year to determine
substantial compliance within the county appraiser's office, pursuant to K.S.A. 79-1445 and
Directive #24-046 has been completed. A minimum of 75 points is required to successfully achieve
substantial compliance. Your county has met the criteria and is determined to be in substantial
compliance.
The efforts of your county appraiser and appraisal staff to successfully complete the appraisal cycle
in a satisfactory manner are to be commended. Accurately appraising properties is without doubt
a difficult task and the support of the county commissioners is crucial to the success of the appraisal
effort. Our mutual goal in this process is fair and equal treatment for all taxpayers. I sincerely
appreciate your support as we continue our efforts to achieve and maintain the objective of
taxpayer fairness.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mike Dallman at 785-296-2566 or cell 785250-1205 or [email protected]. If I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to
ask.
Respectfully,

Bob Kent
Director, Property Valuation Division
BK/smm
cc: County Appraiser