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Noxious weeds supervisor warns of high chemical purchases and urges clearer tracking; requests new recycling trailer and explores hazardous-waste grant
Summary
Chase County’s noxious weeds supervisor told commissioners on June 9 that the department has already purchased about $52,000 in herbicides and expects total purchases near $75,000 for 2025, and asked the county to clarify accounting for sales and to consider capital funding for equipment and a new recycling trailer.
Chase County’s noxious weeds supervisor updated commissioners on June 9 about an unusually large year of chemical purchases, tracking of sales revenue and equipment needs, and requested assistance finding grant funding for a safer hazardous-waste storage building.
Budget and sales tracking: The supervisor said $51,953.49 in herbicides and related chemicals have already been ordered and requested a 2026 chemical budget of $75,000 to cover anticipated purchases. Historically, sales of chemical products by the county have been returned to the general fund; a Department of Agriculture technical contact advised—according to the supervisor—that state statute intends such revenue to be tracked to a designated noxious-weed budget line. Commissioners asked staff to compile five years of historical chemical purchases and sales (who purchased them, quantities bought, and remaining inventory) to provide transparency and enable planning.
Equipment and capital: The supervisor described aging spray rigs (one unit dated roughly 48 years old) and said the newer, lower-cost replacement will not have the lifespan of higher-end equipment. The supervisor asked whether excess year-end funds can be held aside for an equipment fund to buy more durable sprayers in the future. Commissioners noted a county equipment fund exists for multi-year purchases and suggested end-of-year transfers can support replacements; they asked the supervisor to keep commissioners informed.
Recycling trailer and hazardous-waste storage: The supervisor requested consideration of a new recycling trailer (quote roughly $22,100) and asked to roll over the current $7,500 recycling line into a larger 2026 purchase so the county could buy a new trailer without interrupting service. For hazardous-waste storage the supervisor said a site visit flagged the old boxcar used for storage as unacceptable; a grant program was described that offers 60% state funding and 40% local match for building replacement, up to $500,000. The supervisor asked staff to pursue that grant if feasible.
County guidance requested: Commissioners asked for documentation on the statutory treatment of chemical sales and for a compiled historical account of purchases, sales and on-hand inventory to be provided within weeks so they can review options for accounting and potential local-match requirements for grant applications.
The board did not adopt a final budget number at the June 9 session; the noxious-weeds requests will be considered with other department budgets.
