[{"_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",5985393,"mediaKeyId","5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc","parentId",5760360,"title","County official temporarily disabled from Comtech after vendor data pull; county counselor to review","audioSeconds",198,"startMs",5187000,"endMs",5385000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc&start=5187&end=5385","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc/thumbnail_5187000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5985393/Montgomery-County/Kansas/County-official-temporarily-disabled-from-Comtech-after-vendor-data-pull-county-counselor-to-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5985393-64ea459c3b20f459f31f61f51366bde6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139543&Signature=FUELHz4ow8o~4bHaqUUkj4O7D27pE6YJDN47LzYIheAiILLYyjzvenaO3B0vMxYP4vqmSfkTauhumqtaE2DpzeNmnqGJ8jOxrIPp92vdcNqnsoLy6MFNkis7Rtmf0iwgTMceKNGVBsXhIXMNxoy9qv80Q3Yj4vZxzvYlipXIqoX8g~em2CB7WiPPQ7lLdATZXgy3rbVUlM95XsU~Qmk1PbXxq3dvXvbd3WsC6VTH7Ek27qq69vsWM7cBubf6PQwmkOvvrs0eT3ofaIySAa0TLssSnRbmIceqCTOITsnaS6jfQMn-OIQ6tn4wXqULDzO2Jc3sm0EcShRqiyqayMoovQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery County, Kansas ","date","2025-09-15T00:00:00Z","article","A county official reported Sept. 8 that a third-party data extraction using her login caused her Comtech account to be disabled during a scheduled vendor data operation. The county official said Comtech traced the issue to her sign-on and reinstated access; she said she would turn the matter over to the county counselor for review.

The event occurred during a scheduled Comtech data pull intended to support administrative work. The official told commissioners she had been unavailable for the scheduled window but that vendor personnel accessed the system using her credentials to complete the operation; that action led to a crash and a temporary lockout. She said Comtech has since reinstated access for county work but not for the external party.

Commissioners suggested transferring the incident to County Counselor Paul for review. County Administrator Jonathan Boo said staff would follow up and that the official had provided documentation to distribution. The incident raised operational and security questions about vendor-led data maintenance and credential handling.

Why this matters: Comtech is the county's records and case-management software for certain offices; vendor data processes that use individual credentials can interrupt operations and raise security and oversight issues that the county counselor will review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Montgomery County, Kansas - September 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A county official reported temporary loss of Comtech access after an external data pull; the vendor reinstated the account and county staff will refer the incident to the county counselor for review.","taxTitle","Montgomery County, Kansas","taxId",70761,"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},5985398,"County consolidates CivicPlus billing for web and meeting services; annual cost reported",256,7369000,7625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc&start=7369&end=7625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc/thumbnail_7369000.jpg","/articles/5985398/Montgomery-County/Kansas/County-consolidates-CivicPlus-billing-for-web-and-meeting-services-annual-cost-reported","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5985398-48a1c06b6a68b0173407a4a9dd577617/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139543&Signature=UgB9K7BVnsuYpFtvRUnByC23UzATnupy2lya3VNRbj-dYkzAJNou5GjF8M0Y~HR7Z1CVmRlcgd7jGaMzT3EQxuftuRCh7y0G~Nz2ZR5nwzsIZ6xXXTI2xrwHgVXwsewPmC-pgf2jNPoDbyGm1ktJz04MJWym8G2yYNXBVmAg59nTsM8AyUkPBsBxOSVLHx~aZXAyNzc7mCkcC9f6AtlYcT2gnIfcEuVYILV0kF1B-eQTLV5cDZlXkPF2MUwn2jQSDnfdDZv4A0xdKBg66-OxxTiwyEy98C03ZsF~ZN6NXg4yoBQstI-TCXms~pBmquH9zC0S8jR1mNid0MZ5tSeQEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County administrators told commissioners Sept. 8 they negotiated with vendor CivicPlus to consolidate billing for three products — Montgomery County’s public website, the Fourteenth Judicial District site and CivicClerk meeting/agenda services — so the county receives a single annual invoice in October rather than staggered bills.

County Administrator Jonathan Boo said the combined annual cost for all CivicPlus and CivicClerk products is $30,008.56. Boo said the county already paid one of the product invoices and was awaiting an updated consolidated invoice showing the remaining balance; going forward, all three products will renew in October each year and the consolidated billing will simplify tracking and budgeting.

Boo said a consolidated statement of work and product descriptions was provided to commissioners and that the county will need formal approval for the total dollar amount when the next consolidated invoice arrives. He estimated future annual bills will be in the $30,000 range and said staff will bring the payment request forward for approval when the consolidated invoice is issued.

Why this matters: Consolidated billing will make it easier for county finance staff to track website and meeting-platform costs and budget for the subscription renewals that support online agendas, public notices and web services.","Montgomery County will consolidate billing for CivicPlus products into a single October annual invoice; county staff reported the total annual cost for CivicPlus and CivicClerk services is about $30,008 and said a consolidated invoice will simplify budgeting and payment.",{"_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},5985403,"Sheriff's office awarded $15,755 crime‑scene technology grant; no local match required",180,7163000,7343000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc&start=7163&end=7343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc/thumbnail_7163000.jpg","/articles/5985403/Montgomery-County/Kansas/Sheriffs-office-awarded-15755-crimescene-technology-grant-no-local-match-required","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5985403-eeec73cb92e75ce453efb88763cbd986/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139543&Signature=Oq1UdR3AFqPmMLu62i06yLv9enEQInFBkpS-La1ZsmGwo~55fGkmzI9k5jOXVZfKtENTltTpdloTXQhrBRMe7km2AQ-HQuez02141alaQYlayX5V-lLDgYJ314wZxAflpMJWdkxqpg0Q8OS3L5zjHVRQ1jAzQB4lBCyMoK8oLbYQG7WpzpIyfKQtHGD3NhEvnEBmtxs3wNhO4spr95ZouEpYVqti6dF-t-Yq1SxmWwgI0py-gZobtlsFdpjhSBHUtXamdaD8grYSaH6mHf8cwR5H0Xo6Ns4hJKqDV~SQ752y880Xvtg1aEJ15cuPo-t~tpcSOJ8X5KESw6FTztw33g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office announced Sept. 8 that it received a $15,755.94 crime‑scene technology grant from the Kansas Attorney General’s office. Sheriff’s staff said the award is 100 percent funded and requires no county match.

Deputy Tyler Partis — who wrote the grant application, the sheriff said — presented the award and described requested items: portable scene lights to illuminate large outdoor scenes; a 55‑inch smart board with swivel mount for the sheriff’s emergency response trailer; an 86‑inch fixed smart board for the squad room to support large briefings and multi‑agency training; and a transportable fold-up canvas tent that can be used as shade, a triage center or an operations hub at outdoor incidents.

Sheriff’s staff said the tent will be marked with the sheriff’s office logo and will help keep officers and partner agencies out of the elements during prolonged investigations. The sheriff credited Deputy Partis with the application and said county administration will coordinate administrative follow-up.

No county match is required, and the commission acknowledged the award during the meeting. Staff said they are completing administrative paperwork and will procure equipment consistent with the grant terms.

Why this matters: Equipment funded by the grant is intended to improve field safety, multi‑agency coordination and evidence‑collection capability during outdoor and large‑scale incidents.","Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a $15,755.94 crime‑scene technology grant from the attorney general’s office, funded 100% with no local match. The equipment will include portable scene lighting, smart boards for briefings and a transportable tent for multi‑agency incidents.",{"_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},5985408,"Public Works outlines bridge and low-water crossing grant plans; recommends 20–25% local cost share",264,5428000,5692000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc&start=5428&end=5692","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc/thumbnail_5428000.jpg","/articles/5985408/Montgomery-County/Kansas/Public-Works-outlines-bridge-and-low-water-crossing-grant-plans-recommends-2025-local-cost-share","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5985408-8069aad1a58ee78a4edf32a36e822b16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139543&Signature=MkQh6BFU1Wvsww8SV6PefpfIhUN4m7T2ucUeaiL35W9z619Ec0gAo0tpZoxM5UjdiGVSWRRXSAkiBJKS9BApTElCN-MlR33ONtUJAuCIZs7SbJPenRyQbX~QiziS2Te-7f3US4bGdpLo6qnx4~VGlIfF1Oqom53fYQXUFJERRTE20PeUWJQCdT8vCsSM1uWdSo4B3NSV3wKkMgp~Ip2KG6PRWTLHFP6I2QXt17AUZd82HYmLi75S~ouZXw05nFyHC3z41-q6M5ugiyV~52xWLz2dNvmhrMtFz8kk34Z6ayDUZCuFeFImpUnqO3iPOaS06lC69lKN18HZfvPILya6-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montgomery County Public Works updated commissioners Sept. 8 on recent bridge-grant activity and recommended pursuing a low-water crossing project with a 20–25% county match if the commission approves applying.

Brandon (last name not specified), public works, told commissioners that the governor's recent off-system and local bridge awards distributed about $40.5 million across 27 projects; Montgomery County was not among the awardees. He said 163 applications sought about $189 million, and that competition is strong because the off-system program had shifted to 100% coverage of construction and construction engineering on some awards.

Public Works reported it had targeted several projects for the current cost-share round, including County Road 1400 near the sewer plant by Coffeyville and County Road 2800 near the Coffeeville Industrial Park. For the current round, staff recommended considering a low-water crossing near Cherryville — a lower-cost alternative to a full bridge — and suggested a local match in the 20–25% range to make applications more competitive while limiting county exposure.

On estimated costs, staff said a low-water crossing construction cost would be under $500,000; a 25% county share would be about $100,000 (construction only), with additional engineering and incidental costs on top. Brandon explained that the off-system program entry for low-water crossings typically focuses on construction and that engineering and right-of-way costs may still be county responsibilities in some cases.

Commissioners and staff also discussed waiting to pursue County Road 1400 through a possible Army Corps of Engineers planning fund, which might make a formal cost-share application unnecessary or cheaper. Brandon recommended holding off on a cost-share application for that specific project while awaiting Corps planning decisions.

No formal vote was taken; commissioners discussed percentages and directed staff to proceed with pursuing cost-share applications with a recommended 20%–25% match for the low-water crossing project if no cheaper federal planning option materializes.

Why this matters: bridge and low-water crossing funding affects county transportation capacity and public safety on rural roads. Matching grant decisions commit local funds and affect the county budget and capital plan.","Montgomery County public works reported this week that the county did not receive awards in a recent statewide off-system/local-bridge round but is preparing other grant applications, including a lower-cost low-water crossing near Cherryville; recommended local matches of about 20–25% were discussed.",{"_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},5985413,"Montgomery County commissioners approve 2026 budget, set mill levy at 44.999",4643,443000,5086000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc&start=443&end=5086","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5760360-fcca1eda0f00bd36837305127180dfdc/thumbnail_443000.jpg","/articles/5985413/Montgomery-County/Kansas/Montgomery-County-commissioners-approve-2026-budget-set-mill-levy-at-44999","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5985413-0f3778086ba3dd18b55df9feced7a6f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139543&Signature=oOAjBDk7YuEPsIL5JqXom7QJlFOZTDVqWz84EH07YNj7zhwAYIZxt70KvaLkJKE4fBIlQJUKOSfDuP7GwiLxPzBp4tdTcCJ1e2LPwcoKkl44O189eEvwZuKOaSfR1rX65wCLFq6Z4hFJAVqTGTW4MZAt-N6sMO1vrFE5-1m0VTxIjPhZsk7JVsvnccnIVBomOgt51XqEEGXw2K~tsso0F89SuRiDOo5U3iTU2tyfnGdTQ716AcyB4IpgbmQ4A0YMHfU1V5OJDkDshgvj~-6QJhj9yRmb8frKQq3m1CwK-VoOlqgim8N1KEeUdxff3l4TD3vzYhOILdG4dLIU6fWGeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montgomery County commissioners voted Sept. 8 to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and adopt the fiscal year 2026 budget, setting the county mill levy at 44.999, up from 41.712. The three commissioners voted yes after a public hearing that drew more than an hour of public comment about rising property taxes and county services.

The decision followed remarks from County Administrator Jonathan Boo and a lengthy public comment period in which residents urged the commission to look for cuts, consider a county sales tax, or delay the vote. Commissioner Klubine said she would base her vote on what she judged “best for Montgomery County,” and commissioners joined to approve the budget.

The approved budget increases projected net county expenditures from $30,425,469 in 2025 to $34,244,648 in 2026 — an increase commissioners described as roughly $2 million. Boo told the commission that the proposed levy reflects several factors, including pay adjustments intended to fill vacant positions, higher operating costs such as fuel and aggregate for roads, match requirements for grants and increased costs for required support services and accounting software.

“We discovered that 3, if not 4, of these funds, had been using essentially the savings account of the county to fund it rather than assessing, the proper dollar amount to it to ensure that it is funded correctly,” Boo said during the hearing, explaining part of the levy increase. He told the commission the county had cut roughly $3 million to $3.5 million in expenditures while still arriving at the proposed levy.

Boo also described staffing and recruitment pressures: after a wage study the county is slotted for 207 positions, 178 of which he said are positions required by state statute; he described the county as short-staffed and said some departments are recruiting multiple openings. He said the budget includes wage increases intended to help recruit workers for positions in public works, health and other departments.

The budget also includes local match dollars for grant applications. Boo cited a Build grant for an access road near Bartlett with a total cost of $15.5 million, 80% federally funded and 20% locally matched, which would require about $2.5 million in local match if awarded. He said the general fund includes roughly $2.5–3.0 million budgeted for grant matches and capital needs, and that three bridge projects are planned for next year; some will be funded with grant dollars but at least one will likely rely on levy dollars.

During public comment, residents described the tax burden on fixed-income households and urged the commission to consider alternatives, including a county sales tax. Jonathan Roselle, a resident who reviewed his own assessed value, warned the change would raise his county tax by about $112.91 annually on a representative property; Russell Portwood urged a broader tax base such as sales tax so non-property owners also contribute. Cindy Ross asked about collection of delinquent taxes; commissioners said sheriff sales are planned next year to recover some unpaid revenue but noted many delinquent accounts are due to inability to pay.

Commissioner Klubine and the other commissioners said they had already made some expenditure reductions and emphasized the county is constrained by state requirements for certain offices and services. Klubine said the commission has reduced the mill levy over time — “when I first took office, the mill levy was 56 mills. We're at 44.9 now,” she said — but also observed that the county cannot control school and city levies that are included on residents’ tax bills.

Formal action: Commissioner Klubine moved to approve the fiscal year 2026 budget as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Commissioners voting yes: Commissioner Klubine; Commissioner Cordray; Commissioner Fordring. Outcome: approved.

Why this matters: The approved increase means homeowners will pay more to Montgomery County for essential services that county officials say are required by statute or necessary to maintain road and bridge maintenance, emergency services and county operations. Administrators said the increases are intended to stabilize staffing and position the county to secure federal grant funds that require local matches.

The commission closed the public hearings after public comment and proceeded to the vote the same day. Officials said they will pursue grant funding and consider a county sales-tax measure in the future to broaden the tax base.","After a public hearing and extended public comment, the Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners voted to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and adopt a fiscal year 2026 budget that raises the county mill levy from 41.712 to 44.999 to cover wage increases, grant matches and rising operating costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County official temporarily disabled from Comtech after vendor data pull; county counselor to review

County consolidates CivicPlus billing for web and meeting services; annual cost reported

Sheriff's office awarded $15,755 crime‑scene technology grant; no local match required

Public Works outlines bridge and low-water crossing grant plans; recommends 20–25% local cost share

Montgomery County commissioners approve 2026 budget, set mill levy at 44.999