[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6068401,"mediaKeyId","3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71","parentId",3094961,"title","Commission staff outline MEP, structural and environmental study for historic courthouse ahead of RFP","audioSeconds",153,"startMs",1821000,"endMs",1974000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71&start=1821&end=1974","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71/thumbnail_1821000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6068401/Miami-County/Kansas/Commission-staff-outline-MEP-structural-and-environmental-study-for-historic-courthouse-ahead-of-RFP","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068401-404f749a4efe7311af964aab255a311d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951303&Signature=n-za6VjF4G3KA~9utvqHZX25Ph3xriblE01HdY3uv6qiot2ErhjZOIQZv6IiSJXGiwjOy6sIJiAVi9ATEpDtZBuhgYtnVWiCoCA9ytrP~RVJTqa27EBXpp1SwafP7gYmblW2izAVyvXBvXFe33sQqHo9REj74lxaFNeTaHYzFA0t--wCx1I9FLLcUbeXoxthMKhqHKeFbFgpGpDUjOo~vD~T7yNfT7mK8kWBPKhkcGVhGLY72YjzyZufTKIGzjz54JhMl7qG-DlnT4W4IGyNSBaEc2Tuu~WlAondtq1NHdq5qFeBucJGRRu5sqLdDCo0Sou514uOMYzCHN2reNDZeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Miami County,KS","date","2025-04-09T00:00:00Z","article","Staff recommended Miami County solicit proposals for a study of the historic courthouse that would evaluate mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, perform a structural evaluation and complete an environmental site assessment to inform capital improvement requests.

Shane (staff) told the commission the study's purpose is \"to assist in the preparation of capital improvement program requests\" and to provide data should the county pursue another sales‑tax question for courthouse renovation or expansion. The scope discussed included an investigation of existing MEP systems, a structural evaluation, an environmental assessment for airborne hazards and lead‑based paint, recommendations for replacement systems, and preliminary construction cost estimates.

Shane reviewed a proposed timeline: advertise a request for proposals, open proposals in early May, make a formal award in mid‑May and execute the contract by late May. Matt Orler, the county project manager, and Chief Administrative Judge Amy Hearth were cited as internal stakeholders who helped refine the scope.

Commissioners asked about project roles and why particular staff would lead the solicitation; Shane said the project manager and administration staff would manage the RFP and initial engagement while courthouse operations staff would remain involved.

Why it matters: A detailed MEP and environmental assessment would provide the county with updated technical information on the courthouse systems and potential environmental remediation needs. Staff said the study would help prioritize capital requests and strengthen public messaging if the county later seeks voter approval for project financing.

What's next: Administration placed the RFP solicitation on the afternoon agenda for formal consideration and said staff would return with the finalized RFP documents and a recommended contract award timeline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Miami County Board of County Commission Study Session - April 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff proposed soliciting an MEP, structural and environmental study of the historic courthouse to inform capital requests and any future sales‑tax ballot measure.","taxTitle","Miami County, Kansas","taxId",5704,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6068406,"Miami County reports lower Q1 revenues, sales tax down 5.9% year over year",488,3268000,3756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71&start=3268&end=3756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71/thumbnail_3268000.jpg","/articles/6068406/Miami-County/Kansas/Miami-County-reports-lower-Q1-revenues-sales-tax-down-59-year-over-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068406-734c859d4f59f35b04b76906a66d1e02/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951303&Signature=FuoYfUtXbCoTkkwU8ZCxDV~FiaOAAAl7a60-o9phYhqClGA2ybCgHA0yFOsN3i2UICnNCQ2sWrlu6WGkVfTLWA~CezHABqwXF18VPClQNpBzuTwgbJoDc1-GiHKGZiaUBgStqBLvxPOrzStzvmmeyOISADv26SUB2gkHwyg-R91ipKFnpYTufVt2mcO9nf5xSAmiCJa1i6JQaLVRhnFWPHrB2J2xQ0GQtcf9DC~neywXjrpuJvW1mq72GlzsFk-fmKaZjRYDvFbbxObGGoUNE3uSDg8~6sR-~M92NIZuk1rN566PkzJBkPc-QQL20I31aFswAqbF7RwgJmeNy9R1YQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Miami County finance staff presented a first-quarter 2025 update showing collections below the same period in 2024 and a modest increase in spending, with a notable year‑over‑year decline in sales tax receipts.

Assistant Administrator Lucas Balancer (presentation) told the commission the county has collected less revenue in Q1 2025 than Q1 2024 and that spending is slightly higher, driven in part by routine cost increases and timing differences in collections. He said sales tax is the primary near-term concern: \"we're down 5.88% year over year through the first 3 months,\" the report shows.

Balancer noted the county's two largest revenue drivers are ad valorem (property) taxes, which account for about 64% of revenue, and sales tax at roughly 14.4%. Staff cautioned that one quarter is an imperfect signal and recommended waiting until midyear for a clearer picture. \"Give me, like, till June and we can probably get a more well-rounded picture of what's actually going on,\" Balancer said.

Staff also reported higher-than-expected investment interest in early 2025 caused by a matured CD deposit that produced a lump-sum return in late January/early February. Road and Bridge figures are affected by a deliberate budget republishing last year that moved cash into the department to permit extra asphalt projects; that change explains higher spending in that fund relative to earlier periods. Balancer said the department typically incurs most of its costs in the summer construction season.

On debt, staff noted the county's debt-service obligations decreased after the final payment on one administrative building bond last year; total budgeted debt service for 2025 is about $2.1 million. Staff said the county continues to make scheduled payments on bonds for the detention center and a county radio system.

Why it matters: Sales tax is a material revenue source for Miami County; a sustained decline would reduce discretionary funds available for capital projects and could affect the county's approach to the 2026 budget. Commissioners discussed the timing of budget decisions and were told the county will begin a series of capital‑planning and compensation conversations before the full departmental budget hearings.

What's next: Staff will continue reporting monthly and will lead capital-improvement-plan and compensation discussions in the coming weeks to frame the 2026 budget process.","County finance staff told commissioners first-quarter revenue collections are lower than the same period last year — led by a 5.88% drop in sales tax through the first three months — while expenses are modestly higher; commissioners were urged to await additional months of data before changing assumptions for the 2026 budget.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6068411,"Miami County staff recommend AudioEye tool after site audit shows 66% ADA compliance",336,2116000,2452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71&start=2116&end=2452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71/thumbnail_2116000.jpg","/articles/6068411/Miami-County/Kansas/Miami-County-staff-recommend-AudioEye-tool-after-site-audit-shows-66-ADA-compliance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068411-5af8d37e53c3375f40f74001e1d62a3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951303&Signature=KJNG4educjWJPTGsPHSKR5huclf~CuyAagfr819EYww53gchFF0f7XRWpQtLdf6l8FOX3tF3BmyOISH2NLgji2v6tW8ltoekzJJgwbJGp3PKroDjgfrcpcLu3ReOEVpnXP74JDvkVD1DhBQ6OBp3P6RaDjzgec4nlNUDsSpF8dcKYFFP31mMCzTgdJ3-t7jiBcGw5YyzwvRMyQvXDrmjvm8Y~fJH8iVkDRK5MQEgo4DwjX0Bdz~t3YX3FAQ1g016jAltmSx7GmBTxxMgPYix4WHoEEk4fW8rDvxrWuF8-oqJkDG8ayNTVmm6ckdIDW4rXO3Xzs5cVtP-dgVSc8f1oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Miami County administration reported that the county website is \"a little over 66%\" compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) web guidelines and recommended adding AudioEye, a monitoring and remediation tool used by their website vendor CivicPlus.

Mackenzie Owens, administration, told commissioners that CivicPlus performed an automated diagnostic and that AudioEye provides two layers of service: continuous automated monitoring and human reviewers who test accessibility features. \"They will fix anything on our website that has to do with the ADA guidelines,\" Owens said, while noting the company cannot directly change PDF content and will instead report needed fixes for the county to update.

Owens said AudioEye would also add a visible toolkit on the county website — an icon visitors can use to change text size, font, contrast and other display features — and provide a trusted certification badge signaling the county is actively monitoring accessibility.

Owens gave commissioners numbers from the vendor: CivicPlus charged $12,278.59 last year for hosting and modules; CivicPlus estimates a 5% increase on renewal would raise that core charge to about $12,892.52, and adding AudioEye alone would cost an additional $4,500 annually. CivicPlus previously provided an ADA-compliant site on publication, she said, but the contract places responsibility for content updates on the county.

Commissioners asked whether the county is legally required to meet ADA standards online; Owens said the county is covered by the ADA provisions that address local governments and that the tool is intended to help meet those obligations. Commissioners also questioned whether competitive alternatives are available and whether CivicPlus should offer discounts; Owens said other tools exist but that AudioEye is more automated and that the company suggested the 5% estimate for renewal.

The county administration placed the AudioEye option on the agenda for later in the day for formal consideration and recommended it be added to the CivicPlus contract when that contract renews in September 2025.

Why it matters: County web content is the primary channel for public documents such as minutes, agendas and special-election material. Administration recommended the monitoring tool to reduce legal and service risk for residents who rely on screen readers or other assistive technology.

What's next: Administration will present the vendor proposal for a decision at the afternoon meeting and, if approved, add the service to the CivicPlus contract at renewal.

","County administration presented results of a CivicPlus site audit and recommended adding AudioEye monitoring and remediation services to improve web accessibility; estimated incremental annual cost for AudioEye is $4,500 and CivicPlus contract projections add about 5% to current fees.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6068392,"Noxious-weed director briefs commissioners on 2024 report, Tordon return and no‑spray zones",36,1252000,1288000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71&start=1252&end=1288","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71/thumbnail_1252000.jpg","/articles/6068392/Miami-County/Kansas/Noxious-weed-director-briefs-commissioners-on-2024-report-Tordon-return-and-nospray-zones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068392-d2316905ca27eb299727cee260662610/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951303&Signature=anp2V7KGM9FIe4AvsRY45DO1KXH6F-O4ues8-XN2ZzPzCVL5hB2nuJRseFdEO4kX2JD2C0mibdUnWTh3qOmB3SSpbXlK7pcz8o~l3Nom2mPal5iP6jreJfc9xhFkQ8YyJ8qPrgHGQxYaGqajjWenZf2SViBR4GwCzVNtsY1Mc07iQahELj0pO4-kIZC4ha~OOQcGbGIj15wEa75rWkO40dVVz-fRiyj~K1dQsY~WTMBfBZSZ1FvgrAcp4hogxuDwWUtWPlVf7nU79DI9ECCw5ul33akXYtpt0YryuOehXds7IhDjtJzqJph05RoX9gZjNXE-ZkP-E8lIOCdP0Ye-0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Daryl White, Miami County Noxious Weed Director, presented the annual noxious‑weed management plan and eradication report and briefed commissioners on operational details for the 2025 season.

White said the county completed brush cutting in March and expected contract sprayers to begin about May 1. \"We're going back to Tordon again, so, yep,\" White said when asked which herbicide the county will use. He told commissioners that the county's contract spraying company has been cooperative and, because of the specialized equipment required, there are relatively few vendors able to perform large‑scale spraying.

White described the county's no‑spray sign program and recordkeeping: property owners that sign a no‑spray form are retained in the county's mapping system and staff urge landowners to check the on‑line map so contractors know which parcels are exempt. \"When we see that sign, then we just don't spray that,\" White said, adding that the county will contact landowners if maintenance does not occur and may spray later if conditions warrant.

Commissioners asked about specific species control and treatment strategies in wooded areas; White said some species such as Sericea lespedeza are common in fields and woods and that control options in difficult terrain sometimes require aerial, drone or off‑road application by contractor. He also explained the county's spray prioritization: safety issues and roads scheduled for asphalt or chip seal work are serviced first to avoid damage to machines and improve visibility.

White told the commission the department has about 20 cost‑share agreements so far this year (last year 24) and that staff would present the formal plan and the contractor renewal on the afternoon consent agenda. He said the current contractor's agreement allows the county to renew for a third year and commissioners asked that any contract numbers be included in the formal agenda motion.

Why it matters: The annual plan sets operational priorities for weed and brush control that affect road safety, private property management and conservation objectives. The no‑spray policy and mapping tools inform landowners and contractors how exemptions are handled.

What's next: The noxious‑weed report and a proposed contractor renewal will be presented to the commission for formal approval in the afternoon meeting; staff will begin spraying and mowing operations as scheduled.","Noxious Weed Director Daryl White updated the commission on the annual weed-control report, said the county will return to using Tordon this season, that contract sprayers will begin around May 1, and explained the no‑spray sign policy and mapping tools for landowners.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6068396,"Economic development staff report farm-tour planning, E-Community loan conversion and outreach for World Cup 2026",100,481000,581000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71&start=481&end=581","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3094961-200df9967ebfca458dc93cb557773b71/thumbnail_481000.jpg","/articles/6068396/Miami-County/Kansas/Economic-development-staff-report-farm-tour-planning-E-Community-loan-conversion-and-outreach-for-World-Cup-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6068396-80bc0c1c320b19d8af0ae9beb27e878d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951303&Signature=W625~djXM5V16VlN4sxP3yzAASPvWf51za8YEibNf5HwxbMqIdE5yrv1oRhcWoyzzqx4fHKR2qK2ZhxoKFJVBt39IM8iZFyY-Jlj4vDsqxGZg5P3MEyD2OdjMaPEuqaVRb08EsZnx9z-t~QemrXitV6NsyUjt1st20gikpTBQIID1S1-zW6DCeGH4pNqOJSrpV8pIxFFWkkTvL7a1pf9GO-UShZJbPTZBPUHeV5GqKJ0a~Um6Q3LXVQZK2GWqCoifXdIT7OpXM33OsZOPSojYoBOuhkvwsalCPldEtxPzGKCXjcJfEfO0Dgaor3t2Hku17YS1ADABREIU~LwAHId6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Economic development staff reported several ongoing projects and outreach efforts: an E‑Community loan had partially converted to a grant, staff are finalizing a travel‑writer visit, events to advise local businesses about FIFA World Cup 2026 impacts are scheduled, and staff are organizing a meeting of transportation providers to review senior and general public transit needs.

The presenter introduced Paola High School student intern Justice Breit, who is assisting with social media and farm‑tour work. Staff reported that an E‑Community loan to a Paola business \"did convert to about $6,500 of it converted to a grant with the remaining $36,000 in a loan,\" and that staff were coordinating with local school districts, business owners and volunteers on upcoming outreach events.

Staff said they are arranging a travel writer visit in May and have scheduled two busines‑ and government‑focused World Cup 2026 briefings (one described as a county/city meeting and one for businesses) and will ask attendees to RSVP. They also described a planned April meeting at the extension office to bring transportation providers and potential funders together to identify gaps and options for senior and general public transport.

On senior transportation, staff said Paola may shift funding to medical‑only transportation in 2026 and that change could leave a gap in general public transportation and senior rides. Staff described other providers that may help fill some needs, including VA clinic transportation options and services from Elizabeth Layton Center and local churches, and urged convening providers to assess demand, funding and options.

Why it matters: The E‑Community loan conversion reduces the recipient's repayment burden; travel‑writer publicity and World Cup coordination are intended to promote local businesses; and the transportation convening seeks to anticipate service gaps that could affect seniors and residents without other transportation options.

What's next: Staff asked commissioners to RSVP for a May 6 World Cup briefing and said they will host transportation and business meetings in April and May; staff also asked for commissioner representation at some events and will report back on outcomes.","Economic development staff updated the commission on a converted E‑Community loan for a Paola business, travel-writer and World Cup outreach, and upcoming meetings to discuss senior and general public transportation options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission staff outline MEP, structural and environmental study for historic courthouse ahead of RFP

Miami County reports lower Q1 revenues, sales tax down 5.9% year over year

Miami County staff recommend AudioEye tool after site audit shows 66% ADA compliance

Noxious-weed director briefs commissioners on 2024 report, Tordon return and no‑spray zones

Economic development staff report farm-tour planning, E-Community loan conversion and outreach for World Cup 2026