Palmyra Township seeks candidates for treasurer position following resignation

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners met on April 16, 2025, to address several key issues, including a vacancy in Palmyra Township and the declaration of a local disaster emergency due to recent fires.

During the meeting, it was announced that the treasurer of Palmyra Township has resigned, prompting the board to initiate the process of filling the position. Interested candidates who reside in Palmyra Township are encouraged to apply, with the application period open for the next few weeks. Information Officer Carrie Britt will assist in promoting the vacancy through social media.

A question was raised regarding eligibility for the treasurer position, specifically whether residents of Baldwin City, who pay taxes into Palmyra Township, could apply. The board confirmed that they would verify this with the clerk.

In addition to the vacancy announcement, the commissioners discussed upcoming events, including the county discovery day and the Kansas Preservation Alliance award ceremony. Commissioners were reminded to RSVP for the award event scheduled for May 9.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the local disaster emergency declaration due to fires in Northwest Lawrence. The chair of the board noted that a state of emergency had already been declared and emphasized the importance of formalizing this declaration to access state resources for assistance. The chair also expressed gratitude to various organizations and emergency services that have been actively involved in managing the fire situation, including local fire districts and the Douglas County Emergency Management team.

The meeting concluded with a focus on community engagement and support for those affected by the fires, highlighting the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies in responding to the emergency.