Harvey County commissioners approve $5,000 membership in Kansas Natural Resource Coalition after public support

The Harvey County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a $5,000 membership payment to the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) on Feb. 4, saying the expenditure will be charged to the county’s dues and subscriptions account.

Public commenters had urged the commission to join the coalition. Amy Bridal, a local resident, told commissioners she had spoken with many people who were “really excited” about the KNRC presentation and asked the board to consider joining. Eileen Emmels echoed that call and said the coalition sounded like “a good watchdog for our counties to have.”

County Administrator Shannon reported an invoice for $5,000 and said the county would likely charge it to the general fund line that pays for dues and subscriptions, which has a 2025 budget of $23,695 and showed a roughly $1,500 cushion in 2024. Commissioners asked how to fund the fee; Shannon said the usual practice would be to use the dues and subscriptions account.

Commissioners made and seconded a motion to approve payment of the $5,000 invoice to the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition. The board called the question and the motion passed with all commissioners voting in the affirmative.

The county did not publish additional conditions tied to the membership in the meeting record; county staff said they would process the payment and determine the exact budget coding. No further action or additional funding allocations were decided at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: A motion to pay $5,000 to the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition was approved by voice vote; the meeting record shows unanimous approval.

The commission’s approval completes the immediate administrative step to join KNRC; any future commitments or related actions would appear on a later agenda if required.