[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6511513,"mediaKeyId","5323697-08ec87afeb9bba23e1f1c51d5cbfbd47","parentId",5323697,"title","Courthouse asphalt repair uncovers deep subgrade issues; county fixes, estimates added costs","audioSeconds",160,"startMs",3600000,"endMs",3760000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5323697-08ec87afeb9bba23e1f1c51d5cbfbd47&start=3600&end=3760","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5323697-08ec87afeb9bba23e1f1c51d5cbfbd47/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511513/Coffey-County/Kansas/Courthouse-asphalt-repair-uncovers-deep-subgrade-issues-county-fixes-estimates-added-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511513-7a98229b445c00e9eeab32d7abb09def/orig.mp4?Expires=1770457998&Signature=WYct01Q0S3FXSPi1B580-OhMfH9mZU4fPhwFsftM~NOH84DUHv5iQzq7UJh0MOkP8CN33kTWoI-pRN9ZlFO6y191HZYFAa1~J64jFDp717p~5ZZ3CISNE4k951ZE86b-smu2UYuoSlCFupPcrSpZwa4yeo5q9uCDj14zllTVAIRGgZOtcSsddx5gkRPfcBmCjV9x7BhfAIC006wZQmZZrFqZhAp2t1cNN3awv2R~szfHyOtTuEES5zWW~gPbXp6WG3IIO3HTFFPFXLpGSl8TIcaU3X4mUX5GoHs5Rv6yOdQIX27gYX26IZp32WEgyyC9TckEBtSQJXue1zCbRRT8SA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Coffey County, KS","date","2025-07-08T05:47:20Z","article","County engineers and staff reported that recent milling and patching around the Coffey County courthouse revealed extensive subgrade failure in multiple isolated areas, requiring deeper reconstruction and added material.

Ryan (county engineering/contract representative) said crews removed asphalt where needed, found poor subgrade material and placed 6 inches of AB3 base rock, then an asphalt surface. For the deeper patching on the west side, the county estimated additional costs not to exceed $35,000; county crews provided trucks and some base material to offset cost. A separate area on the east end has an initial estimated repair cost of about $19,000, and the school's share of that east-end extra asphalt was reported at $5,400.

Ryan told commissioners the approach was to \"do it right\" rather than apply a temporary band-aid, because poor subgrade would cause the surface to fail again in one to two years. He said crews aimed to have base asphalt down late that day and hoped to finish surface asphalt the following day, weather permitting.

Commissioners also received a brief report on other facilities matters during roundtable. Sheriff Johnson led a walkthrough of the new county building and jail: the board toured the facility from 10:41 a.m. to 12:08 p.m.; staff recorded that no board action resulted from the tour and that the building will be \"very safe\" with double doors and other security features as described by the sheriff. No formal action followed the walkthrough.

On refuse service for the new facility, staff said the county's current 3-yard container is too small for the expected volume once the new kitchen and on-site food production begins. Staff recommended moving to a 6-yard stationary dumpster (not a roll-off) at an estimated cost of about $450 per month; commissioners authorized staff to proceed to procure a container and confirm pricing, with the suggestion staff check other vendors if desired.

Ending

Staff will finalize cost documentation for the asphalt work and return invoices; the jail/building walkthrough generated no board action. County staff will order and place a larger dumpster if the supplier confirms dimensions and pricing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meeting 7-7-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Road work around the Coffey County courthouse required deeper repairs than expected after milling revealed poor subgrade. County staff and contractors increased base material and estimated additional costs; commissioners also toured the new county building and discussed trash service and jail turnover.","taxTitle","Coffey County, Kansas","taxId",73123,"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},6511516,"Coffey County planning office outlines town-hall schedule and survey for comprehensive-plan update",477,252000,729000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5323697-08ec87afeb9bba23e1f1c51d5cbfbd47&start=252&end=729","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5323697-08ec87afeb9bba23e1f1c51d5cbfbd47/thumbnail_252000.jpg","/articles/6511516/Coffey-County/Kansas/Coffey-County-planning-office-outlines-town-hall-schedule-and-survey-for-comprehensive-plan-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511516-c8b95dc5c94fd49c1e99c282eab14bd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770457998&Signature=oX6jX0k13qDsedq2EVAG2~Qv4YNYn9152jc--fcx5J~iNifc8~n8MQ2y2hJDxxQOzbp-HoYPt2DSllpGjDpn1fr5kGOsRSPPFnVsW1DadUktNonxBgVtSSaFx-loOTbw9wIw06E-HCAxlHH~C-ZxtPlZRuXw1BmgKLxVKyzoqh1nsnIZM2FYbexwBpKcpakncrJLjCiazvh~sK903rNWpfKyAmDFrGxVUeaJwdH2OEl7W05VQbYwaJO9g~skOyaCiMnW-yJeY73OGB5xJDjPHixuLJ7vj2wyi0YrnhGQIdzohwgi4Ppk2nWpe-5Ru4c8RHQfcTbyBRZpUMcfea4zFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning and Zoning Administrator Heidi Harris told the Coffey County Commission that the county's comprehensive-plan update project is moving into public outreach, with multiple town-hall meetings and a community survey available online and at county offices.

Harris described a schedule of meetings and how the county is distributing printed materials: postcards were mailed and paper surveys will be available at the Planning and Zoning Office, Economic Development Office, the County Clerk's Office and all six county libraries. The online survey link announced in the meeting was tinyurl.com/coffeecountycompplan.

Harris said consultants will hold a first round of four town-hall meetings starting at 6 p.m.: \"Monday the fourteenth will be in Lehiville at the Community Center Building. Tuesday the fifteenth will be in Gridley at their Community Center Building. Wednesday, July 16 will be in the Ryther Community Center Building, and Thursday the seventeenth will be in New Strand at their Community Center Building.\" She also said consultants will return to conduct two additional meetings the following week, naming \"July 29 [in] Burlington at the Burlington Library and then Wednesday the thirtieth in Wavelet.\" (Spellings and some place names reflect the meeting transcript.)

Harris reported early engagement metrics: a Facebook ad reached 3,975 people with 209 clicks to the website and three comments; the county had about 24 online survey submissions early in the outreach period. Harris said phone and in-person help would be available for residents who do not have internet access, and that focus-group interviews would include some recorded on-camera sessions at Coffey County Lake for residents who request them.

Commissioners and staff discussed distribution of printed posters and flyers to libraries and downtown businesses; Harris said she had four large posters for posting at meeting sites and additional 8.5x14 flyers for businesses.

No action was taken; the comprehensive-plan outreach is an informational item and the county's consultants will return for additional meetings. Harris asked residents to contact the Planning and Zoning Office for assistance with the survey.

Ending

The county will proceed with advertised town halls, and staff will return to the board with any required updates from the consultants; residents were invited to use the online survey or paper copies available at county offices and libraries.
","Planning staff described in detail a series of town-hall meetings, a community survey and outreach methods for a countywide comprehensive-plan update and invited residents to participate; staff reported early engagement metrics for the outreach campaign.",{"_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},6511521,"Coffey County commissioners debate mill levy, weigh reserves and GIS funds to limit tax increase",9411,1795000,11206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5323697-08ec87afeb9bba23e1f1c51d5cbfbd47&start=1795&end=11206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5323697-08ec87afeb9bba23e1f1c51d5cbfbd47/thumbnail_1795000.jpg","/articles/6511521/Coffey-County/Kansas/Coffey-County-commissioners-debate-mill-levy-weigh-reserves-and-GIS-funds-to-limit-tax-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511521-e87fa787a6af6c919dbdedc3c3063f76/orig.mp4?Expires=1770457998&Signature=DU0FljTQFEnoH4xWDWIeoY~65Q5amATDJ0TI2ZsPVXfEMxUl9pnkAKRFuld0wXyhPY4mJXAVJI4BKotORso0z5W0UxfVX78SPyE9Wtn8m3GzzGgkp5M6nengbP007uV3W9A8tWyl3ZvAQhqD1kbDW6wUnIzKZRZVAwDSK2HargXHBYF5HYuV-UF-o3b1~GhA3lOzLpHiavC7BXjnzZ9EF~NLgAk3IfE-VzHArsv96P6bOlhpJnoS0F6aftittndsZhZlzu8UjizUq3x78P4aP4tbk25WYK-KKZL8g-yoKRG7MfdWqbo5d4-MkVGJRuW5Y7NhXNkzgX7EuK-VWildyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Coffey County commissioners spent the largest portion of their meeting Monday discussing a draft 2026 budget that currently would raise the county's mill levy above last year's level and the tools they could use to reduce the increase.

The discussion centered on three levers: a modest across-the-board 1% reduction in department budgets, applying $100,000 of interest earnings, and drawing on one-time or restricted accounts including a GIS reserve and community improvement reserves. Commissioners asked staff to recalculate the levy with those options plugged in and circulate updated figures before the next meeting.

The budget conversation began with Angie, county staff, saying the auditor's initial numbers showed a budget need of $63,254,000 and a revenue-neutral rate base of $51,930,000; after early reductions the draft total was $56,060,000. \"If we were going to go with a 4% increase... that would take us to 54 mills,\" Angie said, noting the difference between the 54-mill target and the $56.06 million draft was roughly $1.4 million. Commissioners discussed whether a 4% increase (a roughly 54-mill levy) would be more sustainable than trying to hold to revenue-neutral.

Connie Lawrence, the county appraiser (identified in the meeting), and other staff discussed available cash and restricted accounts. County staff reported multiple figures for the GIS account during the meeting: at one point an account balance was described as having \"$688,000 in it\"; later discussion referred to \"Connie's money\" as $538,000. Commissioners asked staff to show specific scenarios with and without using the GIS balance so they could see the levy impact.

Commissioners also considered larger, known capital needs that affect budget decisions. Angie and other staff advised that an airport access road project could cost the county roughly $780,000 (the county's portion after grants and other funding), and that some proposed uses of reserve funds would reduce the county's flexibility for other capital projects such as landfill construction planned in 2028 and bridge or road needs. \"These savings were put there so we're prepared for a catastrophe,\" one commissioner said, urging caution about depleting reserves to lower the tax increase.

Emily, county staff, was asked to produce a revised worksheet with these assumptions: incorporate the full 1% departmental reductions that had been submitted, include $100,000 in interest earnings, and show scenarios both using and preserving the GIS money. Commissioners asked that Emily email the recalculation to the board when it's ready.

No formal mill levy or final budget was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners discussed timing for required public notices and budget hearings; staff confirmed the statutory notification process will proceed and that the board will receive recalculated scenarios for further direction.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve minutes of the June 30, 2025 meeting — moved by Adam Draught, seconded by McCurry; outcome: approved (voice vote). (Provenance: topicintro block start: \"Do I have a motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, 06/30/2025 meeting as written?\"; topfinish block: \"Motion carries.\")

- Motion to waive landfill fees for a structure owned by Orville and Wanda Susie Beatty at (address in transcript) — moved by Avendroth; outcome: approved (voice vote). (Provenance: topicintro: \"I would make a motion to... waive landfill fees for the structure.\"; topfinish: \"All in favor, say aye. Aye.\")

- Motion to approve consulting agreement with Macaulay and Associates for the 2026 valuation year in total amount $20,500 (to be billed monthly at $1,708.33) with funds from general fund appraiser contractual line item — moved by McCurry, seconded by Avendroth; outcome: approved. (Provenance: topicintro: \"we have a motion to approve the consulting agreement... in the total amount of $20,500\"; topfinish: \"Motion carries.\")

- Motion to authorize and direct the chairman to sign CP2 effective 06/17/2025 and accept a resignation (coroner matter) — moved and seconded; outcome: approved. (Provenance: topicintro: \"coroner... motion to authorize and direct the chairman to sign the CP2 effective 06/17/2025 and accept the resignation.\"; topfinish: \"Motion carries.\")

- Motion to approve the 2026 district court budget as submitted and authorize chairman to sign — moved and seconded; outcome: approved. (Provenance: topicintro: \"motion to approve the 2026 district court budget as submitted and authorize the chairman to sign the same\"; topfinish: \"All in favor, say aye. Aye.\")

- Motion to approve the 2026 Lake Region Solid Waste Authority agreement (county share identified in packet) — moved by Parker, seconded by McCurry; outcome: approved. (Provenance: topicintro: \"motion to approve the 2026 Lake Region Solid Waste Authority as submitted...\"; topfinish: \"Aye. Motion carries.\")

What happens next

Staff will produce updated budget worksheets modeling (a) department-submitted 1% reductions, (b) application of $100,000 of interest earnings, (c) scenarios that include or exclude use of the GIS account balance, and (d) the effect of applying various amounts from community improvement reserves toward capital projects including the airport access road. Commissioners asked staff to email the updated numbers to them before the next meeting so they can set a proposed levy and prepare required notices and hearings.

End note

Commissioners repeatedly emphasized the competing goals: minimizing immediate tax increases for residents, preserving reserves for capital and emergency needs, and funding necessary maintenance and capital projects such as roads, bridges and the landfill. Staff will return with clearer, auditable worksheets showing exactly how each option changes the mill levy and projected fund balances.","Commissioners discussed options to lower an initial budget that would raise the mill levy above last year's rate, including using interest earnings, a one-percent departmental reduction, and drawing on GIS and reserve funds. No final levy was adopted; staff was directed to recalculate numbers and return with updated scenarios.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Courthouse asphalt repair uncovers deep subgrade issues; county fixes, estimates added costs

Coffey County planning office outlines town-hall schedule and survey for comprehensive-plan update

Coffey County commissioners debate mill levy, weigh reserves and GIS funds to limit tax increase