Wichita County Commission Court reviewed regular bills and discussed purchasing strategy in light of recently announced tariffs, then heard details about a new prepaid juror-payment system that staff say will reduce check processing and administrative time.

During the review of regular bills, staff noted some timing changes to when invoices and notices were distributed. Commissioners asked whether newly announced tariffs might prompt the county to accelerate purchases of equipment or supplies; staff said most heavy equipment and tires are American-made locally and that immediate large purchases were not clearly necessary.

On jury administration, staff reported that the county spent $36,516 for juror-related costs in January–March 2024 and that the jury system is currently running at about half of last year’s pace. The court was told a presentation would be made on April 15 outlining a prepaid juror-payment system similar to debit-card vendors such as Pitney Bowes. Under the plan, the county would issue one lump check to the vendor, which would load and distribute juror payments via debit cards; unclaimed balances would revert to the county after the vendor’s unclaimed-funds window.

Court members said the new system would reduce the number of juror checks the county must process and cut staff time spent issuing and reconciling multiple checks. No formal procurement decision was made at the meeting; staff said they would present more details on April 15.

The court also briefly discussed supply availability and pricing for road materials and soil binders; staff noted some materials had become more expensive and suggested some equipment or techniques might be reconsidered if prices continue to rise.