[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6528333,"mediaKeyId","3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79","parentId",3408837,"title","Ellis County commissioners weigh special assessments, maintenance standards and a 60‑day work plan for subdivision roads","audioSeconds",4277,"startMs",3423000,"endMs",7700000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79&start=3423&end=7700","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79/thumbnail_3423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6528333/Ellis-County/Kansas/Ellis-County-commissioners-weigh-special-assessments-maintenance-standards-and-a-60day-work-plan-for-subdivision-roads","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528333-a991b61a373aafc3b5b52f180261a697/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142492&Signature=FTjoR~8Y5nHCJwJd1Yh0iTwy1G99sDIiROGfw~7D2F1eXDop1GfVmGNBmATvmj3MNScdJfYBEHpgW2qfjUi3~zaqWtMQtsG-6qOTpCCUrkP3mquIvyVaGDr~k6mbC0K7UXEG0mOeoacnGbftGEm2ee66OA69kpV1LE8FAPkRqeHrqF4cDmlTVi24KtDkZkZn~QNige-whFFDR5h5hUPwhp7ueDSMEX5QaMXkynzx305KKz3eLOUx9dtgLNokxkOVDtio1ixR95NIsBz4fKUf6ZYx0F8MBkF9o1JUgALek88pUZ09jp~nUpA8PWCDWsqDEps8y9OpgVv4Z3FKRfxS8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ellis County, KS","date","2025-05-20T17:37:12.317Z","article","Ellis County commissioners engaged in a multi-hour discussion about county responsibility for subdivision roads, possible use of statutes that allow special-assessment districts, and how the county should set minimum maintenance standards for unincorporated subdivisions.

County staff summarized statutes and practices used in other Kansas counties and described an existing process by which adjoining property owners may petition to create a special-assessment district for improvements. Staff explained a petition requires signatures from a majority (51% or greater) of adjoining property owners in the affected frontage; if a petition is approved the commission can create a separate fund, levy special assessments on property tax bills and either wait for collections or front money for the projects and be reimbursed over time.

Staff and commissioners discussed the difference between routine maintenance (regrading, recrowning, resurfacing according to the county’s asset plan) and capital improvements (adding curbs, storm drainage, paving, or reconstructing the base). County staff said many improvements listed in statute — curbing, guttering, paving, re‑matting or regrading — fall into the assessment‑eligible category.

Residents and community representatives raised questions about fairness and timing. Ty Wilson of Stonewood North urged the commission to create predictable options so residents are not surprised by unexpected assessments. Commissioners and staff acknowledged that prior development practices varied (different materials, different drainage), which complicates a single standard. Staff referenced a 7‑year asphalt maintenance plan the county now maintains and said that subdivisions that hard‑surface their roads would be scheduled into that plan.

Commissioners directed Public Works and county administration to compile a list of subdivisions and their road surfaces, to condense national or federal maintenance guidance into county standards that the public can use, and to recommend a protocol for petitions and special-assessment projects. Brandon and Darren (county staff) were asked to provide recommended options, cost estimates and a prioritized list of subdivisions to bring back to the commission. The commission set a 60‑day target to return with the requested information and options for how to handle petitions, cost sharing and maintenance commitments.

The meeting record shows the commission did not adopt a new mandatory county maintenance standard at this session; instead, staff were directed to produce a plan and recommendations for the commission to consider.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ellis County, KS Commission","oneSentenceSummary","After extended public comment and staff briefings, Ellis County commissioners directed staff to compile subdivision inventories, recommend maintenance standards and return in about 60 days with options for special-assessment-based improvements and maintenance approaches.","taxTitle","Ellis County, Kansas","taxId",52148,"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},6528338,"Ellis County approves purchase of 16 body armor vests for detention officers, 3–0 vote",149,3101000,3250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79&start=3101&end=3250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79/thumbnail_3101000.jpg","/articles/6528338/Ellis-County/Kansas/Ellis-County-approves-purchase-of-16-body-armor-vests-for-detention-officers-30-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528338-5419516f3eaff4fe530183fa9bcc3c50/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142492&Signature=gd1l48Balf7wgllbM3yP52~Bme-2gzeq4r7DxT5-j2hY4WjSUR1vJHtFMRQp4hDJsy87CqZ3jNA09xPHvOH3zXxGUNO5xLQglTQPQsGbBvyvylJIauMUekXrhE9U4qpfqIrQwtq9i1SmwPHlRaMLnR-IHWiqo4pT-KOrYXURNETaSscbfQKdRP9fCuVRro2~Iz6pSGQ0SzE1Pfv2oLsRRArmqj1E~-5LAu26Ljh4ny3ClEWprRluYu7JQTLwGq2OloLeN~8RHa0JnJI6pWH-SYT5uzDV~YwnzcI-jIRFwdt3LfzG61YnQw2~I0Zn2yqjTg7aJRK7N5oW6QgGuQK1uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ellis County commissioners voted to approve the purchase of 16 Safariland ballistic vests and accessories for detention staff, a purchase the sheriff said is budgeted in this year’s capital plan.

Scott Brown, Ellis County sheriff, told commissioners the vests are intended to protect detention officers who regularly work with inmates in custody. Brown said similar vests are used statewide and that the county had budgeted the $15,535.68 purchase.

A commissioner moved to approve the purchase; another commissioner seconded. The voice vote was recorded as 3–0 in favor and the purchase was authorized. The meeting record shows no roll-call breakdown by name, only the tally “passes 3 0.”

Brown also briefed the commission on a separate, pending COPS grant application the sheriff’s office submitted to replace and standardize in‑car and body camera systems. He said the grant would allow the county to move to a single vendor and reduce cloud storage costs; the total system cost if awarded would be about $1,016,012, he said. No award decision had been received at the meeting.

","The Ellis County commission approved a capital purchase of 16 Safariland armor vests for jail staff for $15,535.68. The motion passed on a voice vote, recorded as 3–0 in favor.",{"_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},6528343,"Victoria asks Ellis County to help pay for two driveway approaches on Old 40; commissioners ask for time to review",914,136000,1050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79&start=136&end=1050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79/thumbnail_136000.jpg","/articles/6528343/Ellis-County/Kansas/Victoria-asks-Ellis-County-to-help-pay-for-two-driveway-approaches-on-Old-40-commissioners-ask-for-time-to-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528343-e5a0b46773cae8b07b2db6618df64cf1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142492&Signature=fN9wAyUJ-622cuKReb-kEvochblTFPz9fAByAC7UQ8YYUVMOAlXYJ1BGhF6nn4GC1boRwau91pNa9bltAH2K0sSmJJGno-k60FX4BQomeFDLcZYS7CrYIqpmq2TR9ACxN1AlUGpyegY6bkZ4Q25OuiPUI93RnRk7ueFkiIR3-YkP7B2OgZZDbnYV7TMqTa3DVMD44~eJfdprwOsh9EIlKIxDNbgwmLoLk6l5mM7NU~8JV6puQDAL7Jz9MSGz1MAL1FHoL0XOVnX12ujFVYi-ieVpXQnOSzOCtF5~nj7fALiK0ZXFpI3yof0hl~kACfGLdOC51nCx1DN86PsNZwCGyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Victoria asked Ellis County commissioners for financial assistance to pay the county’s share of two driveway approaches off Old U.S. 40, saying much of the approaches lie in county right of way.

John Schulte, identified as the mayor of Victoria, appeared at the meeting with city representatives asking the county to pay the county’s portion of both approach projects. City representatives said the contractor on site could save mobilization costs if the county’s work was done concurrently with the street contractor’s schedule.

County staff said much of the right of way for the approaches belongs to the county and that the work would be largely a capital expenditure rather than a request for labor assistance. Commissioners asked timing and budget questions, noting the county is entering peak road season and has other capital projects planned this year. Staff estimated there was roughly $7.63 million in carryover capital available to rework capital plans, but also cautioned that larger bridge and road projects in the coming years will require the county to prioritize limited funds.

Commissioners expressed concern about approving an unplanned capital outlay mid-season and suggested splitting any participation over multiple budget years or paying half from operating and half from capital if the timing required it. City representatives said the city would pay upfront for the East Main approach now and asked the county to revisit a contribution later in the year when county budget details are clearer.

County staff said the vendor’s quote was valid for about 30 days and that staff could ask the contractor for a short extension. Commissioners asked staff to do due diligence on budget impacts and return with a recommended dollar amount at a future meeting. The item was left as discussion; no formal county appropriation or vote was recorded at the meeting.

","City of Victoria requested county financial participation for two driveway approaches on Old 40 near Victoria. Commissioners discussed timing, potential cost‑sharing arrangements and agreed the city would proceed with East Main while the county studies options.",{"_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},6528347,"Ellis County commissioners remove Twelfth Street bridge from near-term grant plan after school traffic study",1997,1033000,3030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79&start=1033&end=3030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3408837-4a955d88544d1bfec393b426efa55f79/thumbnail_1033000.jpg","/articles/6528347/Ellis-County/Kansas/Ellis-County-commissioners-remove-Twelfth-Street-bridge-from-near-term-grant-plan-after-school-traffic-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528347-6d4a7e1e5bc166b2e325cd61418e2d72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142492&Signature=eieSLwmrx49~CMEpzoexAozIswjfS1ENgDYcg0NYp6ZXQe0kEA8IA18OSHZpiOXehGk2r1HCEPSdyZXRnis-O5uVPVcJUM5G4u6zh59F7HG~YCcBeKjeDmhqDKHMqJlQcD6mDO~8zYDlj5GpHwcK0WrUpgJ~HhpMYFVQM1eIZO0Tw8fJ659TIDE9yr1LFXQh1oU~RkRNzJNp~yjmqzixcdAu2i1NJd0KA7R~2OtlIfwwF2Wnk5dObNyFMt8XsfqLu~kIdShwkXcIkt6Yr5J7ICimts9qSKdcZC7m2RvZAx0GiJL9nhofMIom2hNmt1gn8zdS4w1a95aT0F-sKSf3OA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ellis County commissioners agreed during a lengthy discussion to withhold the Twelfth Street bridge from a pending bridge grant application after hearing that the new O’Loughlin School entrance will steer most student traffic onto Twelfth Street.

The decision follows presentations Wednesday that the school district’s traffic counts and an updated plan mean the bridge would likely carry substantially more vehicle traffic — including school traffic — than previously projected, and that replacing the structure could cost an estimated $3 million to $5 million depending on whether sidewalks, bike lanes or other pedestrian treatments are included.

The change matters because county staff were preparing to submit a federal/state grant application that awards points for closing and removing bridges from the county inventory. County staff said including larger bridges can improve the county’s competitive score for a separate Saline River bridge application, but commissioners expressed concern about redirecting more traffic to a narrow, aging structure used by school families.

Ron Wilson, superintendent of schools for Hays, told the commission the district plans most student drop-off and pick-up to use the new Twelfth Street entrance once it opens, with busing and limited front-door access remaining at the Hall Street entrance. Wilson said the new student entrance and staging are not expected to be fully available for building access until August 2026, when the new facility front-of-building drive also will open.

County staff described the bridge as a 1940s-era structure with a narrow deck and no dedicated pedestrian walkway; they said pedestrians currently walk in the traffic lane. Staff warned increased traffic from school drop-off and pick-up could shorten the structure’s service life and escalate safety concerns for children and pedestrians.

Commissioners and staff reviewed detour distances should the bridge be closed for replacement: a local paved detour would add about 0.7 mile to some trips, while other bridge closures in the county would produce much longer, unpaved detours. Staff also noted grant rules require a bridge to remain closed only if the county accepts award terms; the county can decline a closure after award but that may reduce competitiveness for future grants.

After hearing from Hays USD representatives and from county engineers, commissioners said they need more time to study traffic impacts, possible traffic-control changes at nearby intersections and cost-sharing with the City of Hays. The commission reached consensus not to include Twelfth Street on the grant application the county was preparing for submission within days; staff were asked to coordinate with city traffic engineers, update the traffic study and return with options.

The discussion also touched on broader bridge priorities: commissioners and staff said the county is weighing multiple bridge projects — including the Saline River bridge and other nearby structures — within a limited capital program and that adding Twelfth Street to the current application could change scoring but also risk increasing local traffic and safety problems.

Commissioners directed staff to reconvene studies with city engineers and to revisit whether and how the Twelfth Street bridge should appear in future grant cycles once updated traffic and safety analyses are available.

The commission did not take a formal binding vote on bridge policy; the record shows a commission consensus to omit Twelfth Street from the immediate grant application and to return with additional analyses.

","Ellis County commissioners decided not to include the Twelfth Street bridge in an imminent bridge-closure/replacement grant application after hearing that a new school entrance will shift substantial traffic onto Twelfth Street and raise safety concerns and costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ellis County commissioners weigh special assessments, maintenance standards and a 60‑day work plan for subdivision roads

Ellis County approves purchase of 16 body armor vests for detention officers, 3–0 vote

Victoria asks Ellis County to help pay for two driveway approaches on Old 40; commissioners ask for time to review

Ellis County commissioners remove Twelfth Street bridge from near-term grant plan after school traffic study