Miami County commission authorizes RFQ to study treasurer office security; treasurer to proceed with investing funds

The Miami County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 12 authorized county staff to begin a discovery process and prepare a request for qualifications (RFQ) to evaluate security and workspace improvements for the treasurer’s motor vehicle and tax offices.

County Treasurer Bridal Lee told the commission she has sought action on safety concerns for almost three years and has faced verbal abuse and threats in the motor vehicle and tax offices. “We get verbally abused constantly. We take people’s money, and we have to turn people away, and people can’t pay their taxes. And so we get verbally abused on a daily basis,” Lee said. She asked the commission to address the concerns within three months and said she was prepared to solicit certificates of deposit if the commission committed to addressing safety concerns promptly.

County Administrator Shane Crowell and commissioners discussed options including redesigning workstations, installing protective glass at counter stations, consolidating customer-facing departments on one floor, and ensuring any work complies with building codes. Crowell recommended engaging an architect and said staff should scope needs before issuing an RFQ so firms can respond with informed proposals.

Commissioner Vaughn moved to allow the county administrator and the treasurer to enter a discovery phase and prepare an RFQ for professional services to evaluate options; Commissioner Vickery seconded. Commissioners agreed the RFQ process should proceed on an approximate three‑month timeline. The motion carried unanimously.

During the discussion, Treasurer Lee said the county currently holds a nine‑month certificate of deposit for $10,000,000 at 4.43 percent and said she was prepared to pursue approximately $20,000,000 in CDs if the commission committed to address security within three months. Commissioners clarified this investment decision is the treasurer’s action; the record shows Lee stated she would “pull the trigger” to invest the remainder of county funds that afternoon if the commission approved the RFQ and the three‑month timeline.

Clerk’s office staff also noted that the Kansas Secretary of State had contributed grant funds to secure the current clerk’s office, a factor commissioners said they would consider when scoping contractor work.

The commission instructed staff to scope needs with the treasurer, issue an RFQ for qualified architectural/engineering firms, and return with proposals and cost estimates. No construction contract was awarded at the meeting.