[{"_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",6554391,"mediaKeyId","5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5","parentId",5024581,"title","Votes at a glance: Osage County commission approves emergency declaration, fireworks permit and payroll-census authorization","audioSeconds",1705,"startMs",20000,"endMs",1725000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5&start=20&end=1725","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5/thumbnail_20000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6554391/Osage-County/Kansas/Votes-at-a-glance-Osage-County-commission-approves-emergency-declaration-fireworks-permit-and-payroll-census-authorization","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554391-d1c6d07b3cf8cd4f0233aeeb4eec52f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185439&Signature=F8oVGM1k7H3Pi~kB1x4-FjdbqJksMhLTLSXCRB8JDBFIDla5bjZJHRUVcXoMIBS58woz9zMnoc-NoE0K4W9JRPORQBwoSn9GAkSYROuz4PhEvlhmz5d0R5csW4eiPWKYU06EEGYq~1zNDG1Jl7X1OlJTRCy5d-XtMZ8Bdn00lEcF2d2S0FQmlqJggew1QL-uIIsTmoUZiBTVbDFwFebarLwnJNI3lVt5BA~zAcgcuTeVXLfMotB7LDR4S9ITAIpV5cpb5J9alYJP1CrsJKR3cfnFj8GrCL6LjHAUB0DCSn97fghhtTxee-UzDoNK9KgbwP3L3W5k1bLVIi~M0JJ9xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Osage County, KS","date","2025-06-18T05:14:17Z","article","Osage County commissioners voted on several routine and time-sensitive items during the meeting. Key outcomes:

- Agenda approval and amendments: Commissioners voted to approve the meeting agenda with additions, including a fireworks permit for Tricia Webb and an item to add Frontier Detention Office updates under new business. The motion carried by voice vote.

- Resolution 2025-014 (state of local disaster emergency): The board adopted Resolution 2025-014, proclaiming a local state of disaster emergency following heavy rains and damage to township and county roads (see separate article for details). The motion was made, seconded and approved by recorded \"aye\" votes.

- Fireworks permit, Linden Vassar Community Center: The commission approved a fireworks-display permit for the Linden Vassar Community Center for July 5, 2025 (with a rain date of July 6, 2025), contingent on correction of the ATF permit expiration date and proof of current insurance. The motion carried.

- Employee-benefits census (Champ Plan): Commissioners authorized Champ Plan representatives to proceed with the employee census necessary to produce a benefits proposal; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said ADP would administer payroll transactions if the county chooses to proceed after reviewing the proposal.

Votes recorded during the meeting were taken by voice for several items; where recorded tallies were given the chair announced the motion carried. No final vote was taken to reinstate the NRP parcel discussed in public comment; commissioners directed staff and counsel to return the file for consideration at the next meeting.

Formal actions recorded at the meeting and next steps are listed below.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Osage County Commission Meeting 6-17-25","oneSentenceSummary","Osage County commissioners voted to adopt a local disaster-emergency resolution, approved a fireworks permit contingent on paperwork corrections, and authorized a benefits-census for an employee plan during Thursday's meeting.","taxTitle","Osage County, Kansas","taxId",73452,"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},6554396,"Residents urge commissioners to block industrial solar and note Evergy rate request during public comment",992,328000,1320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5&start=328&end=1320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5/thumbnail_328000.jpg","/articles/6554396/Osage-County/Kansas/Residents-urge-commissioners-to-block-industrial-solar-and-note-Evergy-rate-request-during-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554396-068b4343a3cae517c49d2a9ce3fd339e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185439&Signature=c5mJYqUG6HT8SwwJaL0J9S-XHUIcgdIOAa7E~J57NIl7lgM9tOX5uRX5snQM4JcPKGJsIT~CwwHZH0IngbBRHQ7iVAzrFOUKPDCji~Dzpx7LigzR0mkNk5qOehqbCaP9~FMuzShC1mt4GS5V4nZ6F6vYAhfLdkBADmv1HTy2efxp9WnPS3MAmpQTgBin1A~cH~marptFXtoaq~qlmjQUEknD-Priq~fwslDPt94JQGGK4gsVcNRm0Odo2U5iY4631J-bKOaffrIVJMQzOgSCSVq3s7Kp3cmOFi9HOOFks~pIIuD6ElZ-J949~qFE9uiFd6cSl00pknwZElS-JpS0MQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several members of the public used the county's public-comment period to urge commissioners to oppose industrial-scale renewable energy projects and to highlight a proposed Evergy rate increase before the Kansas Corporation Commission.

What speakers said: A resident who identified himself as Dan said he spoke at the Kansas Corporation Commission public hearing and summarized media reporting that Evergy sought a $196 million rate increase and that company executives received large compensation and dividends in 2024. Dan said Evergy estimates a typical residential customer would see about a $13.05 monthly increase (roughly a 10.36% increase) for existing filings and that additional generation projects could add to future hikes.

Other speakers, including John Campbell and another resident who identified themselves as long-time property owners, argued Osage County should reject large-scale wind and solar projects to preserve rural character, wildlife habitat and property values. They cited a 2002 county comprehensive-plan objective favoring preservation of rural character and public input that called industrial renewable facilities \"unsightly\" and harmful to wildlife, scenic resources and residential development potential.

Why it matters: Speakers tied local land-use concerns to broader utility policy, asserting that Evergy's capital spending and returns to shareholders are passed on to Kansas ratepayers. Commenters asked commissioners to consider county-level measures (including existing moratoria and bans) and to weigh cumulative impacts when the county reviews comprehensive-plan language and land-use decisions.

Commission response and context: Commissioners thanked speakers and said the comments were received. Commissioners noted that county authority over large-scale generation siting is limited by state permitting and utility regulation, but acknowledged the public input will inform future comprehensive-plan revisions and local policy work.

What was not decided: No formal land-use approvals or moratoriums were imposed during the meeting; the remarks were part of the public-comment record and will be considered in ongoing comprehensive-plan discussions.","Multiple residents used public comment to oppose industrial-scale solar farms and to urge the commission to consider impacts as Evergy seeks rate increases and additional generation; speakers cited local moratoriums, wildlife and aesthetics, and broader rate concerns tied to utility spending and dividends.",{"_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},6554399,"Osage County declares state of local disaster emergency after early-June floods",300,1410000,1710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5&start=1410&end=1710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5/thumbnail_1410000.jpg","/articles/6554399/Osage-County/Kansas/Osage-County-declares-state-of-local-disaster-emergency-after-early-June-floods","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554399-3ab441f40018f0efe20151f3195b2258/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185439&Signature=eUFHfAK3Tk1JHJxVlXhDnwTJ1EUNAF7ulS2uHkbHosJTNvUjSMF5qdUxtndg257eKco5JYOKaHupmc~Gate0RRvXsR3yQtEi6LpYEmvaxNFjSAxdZVn5WZC6CY7qzlHY7B4gFi3j2H-CfIfA15Em3SVOvfMI9XRscCs7wqoUBQ0ukUyXbHUbXmoUNHWwZFCVmXeyqIhTazKWGhrFxMmRDGzJ2eikzsEtR-l2qiMdP4ltb30sSxoKdLzpwDlCrgBli2aynfhNU3du8hYjWPCCspIPyToOgGyLOlzHaL--QmTaEc2IW~cOustA0I5IbrL5bD47~WIHbuyF62zJqU9DlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Osage County Board of County Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution 2025-014 Thursday, proclaiming a state of local disaster emergency after heavy rains between June 3 and June 7 caused significant damage to township and county roads.

The action: The resolution, adopted by motion and recorded as \"motion carries,\" states that flooding and related damage created obstructions that endanger health, safety and property across Osage County and invokes authority under KSA 48-932 and the Kansas Emergency Preparedness Act of 1975. The proclamation covers the entire county and remains in effect for up to seven days unless the governing body terminates or renews it.

Why it matters: The declaration allows county officials to use emergency powers to coordinate repairs and to request state reimbursement for eligible damage. County emergency management staff told commissioners that multiple townships submitted damage estimates above the state threshold for disaster assistance; the county's threshold was stated as $74,415.52 in the discussion.

Details and process: Lynn Atchison, director of emergency management (identified in the meeting as the director of emergency management for a county office), reported that agencies and townships were asked to submit damage estimates to the state. The county's report included Valley Brook Township (reported $159,000) and another township reporting $79,000; commissioners noted they were still expecting some submissions. Staff asked the board to sign a resolution so the county could submit documentation to the state to seek reimbursement for emergency repairs.

Vote: A motion to adopt Resolution 2025-014 was made and seconded; commissioners voiced \"aye\" votes and the chair announced the motion carried.

Next steps: Staff will collect damage reports and forward the resolution to the state Office of Emergency Management as part of the reimbursement request. The commission will receive the required signatures and the item will be tracked by the emergency-management department for follow-up reporting.

Context: Commissioners discussed the schedule and administrative deadlines for state disaster reimbursement and asked staff to provide copies of township damage documentation to county administration for submission.","The Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 2025-014 proclaiming a local state of disaster emergency after mid-June rain caused damage to roads and bridges; the resolution authorizes use of Kansas Emergency Preparedness Act powers and sets a seven-day duration unless extended.",{"_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},6554402,"Osage County commissioners hear appeal after home buyer learns property removed from NRP rebate",4500,2700000,7200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5&start=2700&end=7200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024581-04e830b3a19a12bece7fc9b07a5628a5/thumbnail_2700000.jpg","/articles/6554402/Osage-County/Kansas/Osage-County-commissioners-hear-appeal-after-home-buyer-learns-property-removed-from-NRP-rebate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554402-5c7f481865bca33085a89c5e7a291e3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185439&Signature=LPzHkly3KbeyYt~HxFySmO6qzQcoHui0S537JOwlEWKudta2h9fxsR2pUiBgWsd4bPmjIb-lwYKw6B-bjGGvsej4Rq0LfY3fjt7dSjt3~52GXkDvVVVkyeR3kfQcCapR5egR6iNjcatv7zLstJhSBGS-rNRKBfPWUtonu5HG2hosawQTXj~YY71RajT0J2~d61Fy7smfZTIZA-Mc9BTCAki9JE9GdFv4kzJ-Gm7zuRjUKWmlpryMK4SB9ajOiz0zDF7YHQkLzzbY2~ZXpD-j37RNMNwqZnCITVnTHOgCOet4cWVRyulDi-ViPcB1DWoStnzghTb26hEk3BUCcpmuRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Osage County commissioners on Thursday heard residents and the property seller contest a county decision that removed a recently completed house in Osage City from the county's Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP).

The buyers, Sharon and Randy (\"Randy\") Cummings, told the commission they closed on the home on May 14, 2025, in reliance on the NRP benefit that was advertised with the listing. The property owner, Jennifer Ingram (who lives in Canada), told commissioners the parcel had been enrolled in the NRP and that outstanding 2023-24 taxes were believed to have been paid; the property was later flagged by county staff for nonpayment and removed from the program before the buyers discovered the problem.

Why it matters: The NRP offers a multi-year rebate of the tax increase caused by improvements; buyers and the seller said the program influenced the sale and that removal of the parcel threatens the buyers' expected tax savings and their post-closing plans.

At the meeting, Amy Lohmeier, who represented Ingram in the sale, said the seller and her mother tried to resolve tax payment difficulties and that a county database error and address/parcel-record issues may have prevented timely payment or proper posting of the payment. She asked commissioners to reinstate the parcel to the NRP.

Tricia (Trish) Webb, a county land-development official, explained the program's eligibility rules and the office's review practice: applications are conditionally approved before construction begins, a parcel must be current on taxes at the time the rebate is granted, and the rebate typically begins the year after a property is assessed on Jan. 1 following completion. Webb said the office does not mark a property fully accepted into the program until county staff verify completion, correct parcel combining (where a house sits on two parcels), and tax status. Webb said she believed the property had not been formally presented to the commissioners for conditional approval before construction finished.

Buyers described practical problems they encountered after closing: mail and utility systems would not accept the new address; they visited Webb's office on May 30 to register as owners and discovered the NRP removal. The buyers and their realtor, Carla Sloop, provided closing documents showing that the NRP benefit had been disclosed to potential buyers.

Commission discussion focused on process questions and precedent. Commissioners acknowledged procedural confusion: several staff members and outside realtors had given informal assurances to applicants in the past, some parcels had been conditionally approved on earlier agendas, and the county's record systems (parcel maps, tax payment portals, and 911 addresses) had inconsistent information in this instance. The treasurer's office told the commission it uses a May cutoff (May 20 in this cycle) to collect tax receipts for the distribution that funds rebates, and that local practice includes limited grace windows around due dates when they occur on weekends.

Outcome and next step: Commissioners did not issue a final ruling at the meeting. The board agreed to have county counsel and staff review the specific file, consider whether a precedent exists for making a one-time exception, and return the matter to the next commission agenda. Commissioners said they would evaluate whether allowing this parcel back into the program would create an unmanageable precedent for other similarly affected properties.

What was not decided: The commission did not formally reinstate the property at the meeting and did not vote on a variance or exception. Commissioners repeatedly stated they were sympathetic to the buyers but concerned about opening the program to many retroactive exceptions without clear rules.

Context: Commissioners described recent broader work to tighten NRP procedures and communications, including plans to pause new applicants, clarify application timing (when conditional approvals should be requested), require signed acknowledgement of program parameters, and to separate economic-development specifics into a separate plan. Commissioners said they will review suggested rule changes before reopening the program.

For residents: Staff advised homeowners and sellers to verify parcel combining, 911/address records, and tax status directly with the treasurer and land-development office early in a build or sale to avoid similar problems.","Buyers who closed on a newly built house in Osage City told county commissioners they were told the property qualified for a 10-year Neighborhood Revitalization Program rebate but later learned county records showed the parcel had been removed for tax-payment issues; commissioners agreed to review the file and revisit the matter next week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Osage County commission approves emergency declaration, fireworks permit and payroll-census authorization

Residents urge commissioners to block industrial solar and note Evergy rate request during public comment

Osage County declares state of local disaster emergency after early-June floods

Osage County commissioners hear appeal after home buyer learns property removed from NRP rebate