County officials told commissioners on Jan. 13 that the county’s tax-foreclosure sale remains delayed while the assigned judge retired and a replacement is expected after a gubernatorial appointment process in early February.

"Our judge that's assigned on this one retired as of the end of last week," the county counselor said. The counselor said the governor's interview schedule could delay assignment until mid-February and that staff are working to serve defendants and prepare for further proceedings once a new judge is assigned.

Separately, commissioners discussed a strategy to fund planned jail and law enforcement center (LEC) remodels. The board said it will ask Finney County’s newly elected state representatives to seek legislative authorization to allow the county to impose a sales tax for these capital projects. "We'll seek the wisdom of the taxpayers in a referendum vote should the legislature authorize it in November of 2025," one commissioner said during the discussion.

County leaders asked state representatives present (the senator-elect and representative-elect) to help carry the bill at the legislature in Topeka. The discussion did not produce a formal board vote; commissioners indicated they will pursue legislative authorization and, if granted, will present a referendum to county voters.