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Atchison County commissioners weigh mailed survey after heated zoning meeting
Summary
Commissioners reacted to a large turnout at a recent special zoning meeting and directed staff to explore a countywide mailed survey to gather broader public input on targeted zoning proposals.
Atchison County commissioners said they will pursue a mailed public survey to collect broader input after a well-attended special meeting on possible targeted zoning changes.
Commissioner Jamie Campbell, who spoke at length about the special zoning meeting, said the first public speaker “spoke for many of the opponents to zoning” and that concerns raised included permit fees, enforcement and “confusing standards.”
The exchange matters because commissioners have discussed a “targeted and limited” approach to zoning during earlier meetings; Campbell said the meeting revealed both strong opposition and new supporters who worried about property values being reduced by incompatible nearby development.
At the June 3 meeting Commissioner Campbell said the county should test the public’s views with a survey rather than rely only on public forum attendance. “I’m gonna be for putting a survey out to get that information,” Campbell said.
Commissioner Derek Moore said turnout exceeded expectations and apologised that the prior meeting’s location left many people outside without seating. Moore cautioned that many residents “don’t trust that once you implement and open the door to zoning” that later boards wouldn’t expand it, describing a common public concern that an initially limited ordinance could be broadened by future officials.
Commissioners and staff discussed survey format and distribution. Options considered included a short 5–10 question mailed survey, supplemented by an online option, and targeted mailings by precinct or rural/urban segments. Commissioners emphasized that mailed surveys get higher response rates than a web-only approach and noted the county clerk can run reports by precinct to estimate printing and postage costs.
No ordinance or formal zoning action was taken at the meeting. The commissioners agreed to develop a practical survey plan ahead of the budget season and to coordinate next steps — including a cost estimate for a county mailer — with the county clerk’s office. The clerk was asked to run lists that would show the number of mailings needed by precinct to support a cost estimate.
Commissioners said the survey could also be structured to provide useful input for the upcoming budget process and to let residents voice opinions without appearing before the commission in public comment.
Looking ahead, commissioners said they expect to return to the topic after collecting draft survey questions and cost estimates; they did not set a final survey date during the June 3 meeting.
