Miami County commissioners decline governor letter, will join Kansas Workforce 1

Miami County commissioners voted 4-0 to decline a drafted letter to Governor Laura Kelly requesting placement in Workforce Investment Area 3 with Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties, and instead will move into the consolidated Kansas Workforce 1 service area effective Oct. 1.

County Administrator Shane Crowell briefed the commission on notices from the Southeast Kansas Works Group that it would consolidate into Kansas Workforce 1 due to funding issues; the county received a draft letter asking the governor to place Miami County in the metro-area investment area instead. Crowell told commissioners that no action was required for the county to be migrated into Kansas Workforce 1 on Oct. 1, and that services offered through Kansas Works would remain available whether the county is in the larger consolidated service territory or the metro partnership.

"They're asking for consideration to go to the workforce partnership, which is a group that's comprised of Leavenworth, Wyandotte, and Johnson Counties," Crowell said, describing the county's options. He noted that joining the metro partnership would not change direct funding obligations for Miami County but could change the governance structure and partners delivering services.

Commissioner Vickery voiced reservations about joining the metro counties, citing concerns that a metropolitan partnership could dilute focus on rural-specific opportunities and rural grants in the future. "Bottom line, we're a rural community," he said. Other commissioners said they were torn but willing to let the consolidation proceed and monitor outcomes, noting the county could revisit the arrangement later if employers or residents raise concerns.

Commissioner Bond moved that the commission not send the drafted letter to Governor Laura Kelly and to remain part of the consolidated Kansas Workforce 1; Commissioner Scruggs seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 4-0.

Staff said services from Kansas Works — including job training and employment services for individuals and businesses — would remain available under either scenario and that there is no direct outlay required from Miami County to participate. Crowell said the migration is expected to occur on Oct. 1 and that the county could pursue a change later if service outcomes warrant it.

The draft letter had requested inclusion in Workforce Investment Area 3 with Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties; the commission declined to send that letter and will be part of Kansas Workforce 1 as described by the Southeast Kansas Works Group.