Finney County commissioners approve rezoning, multiple plats, MOU and appointments

The Finney County Board of County Commissioners on June 16 approved a series of land‑use plats and administrative measures, including the rezoning of a 2.8‑acre property at 5657 West 7 Mile Road, adoption of a countywide road‑safety plan and several routine parcel plats, authorized a memorandum of understanding between Finney County EMS and the Garden City Fire Department, and appointed an interim county appraiser.

Why it matters: The rezoning and plats clear the way for new housing and business uses on multiple properties in the county. The MOU and the interim appraiser appointment affect county operations and continuity in public safety and property valuation. The resolutions adopted affect eligibility for federal and state safety funds.

Key votes and formal actions taken: - Rezoning at 5657 West 7 Mile Road — The board adopted Resolution 18‑2025 to rezone the vacant, approximately 2.8‑acre parcel from RI (Rural Industrial) to RR (Rural Residential). The planning staff recommended approval, and the Planning Commission had recommended approval at its May 15 meeting. Commissioner German recused from the vote. Motion carried.

- Parcel plats approved — The board approved a string of parcel plats presented by county planning staff: Christian Ranch addition (5657 West 7 Mile Road), Ariola addition (1513 West Mary Street), Can Equip addition (2701 West Jones Avenue), and Gallardo addition (906 West Maple Street). Each plat had been recommended by the Planning Commission and was approved by motion and recorded as carried. Staff noted no fiscal impact for at least one plat.

- MOU between Finney County EMS and Garden City Fire Department — The board approved and authorized the chair to sign an updated memorandum of understanding that continues a partnership begun in October 2021. The updated MOU adds emergency vehicle operations and affirms that Garden City Fire Department personnel may assist on high‑call‑volume incidents (including code blue responses and ambulance transportation support). Motion carried.

- Appointment of interim county appraiser — The board approved Resolution 16‑2025 appointing Darwin Martwick as interim county appraiser for a period not to exceed six months beginning July 1, 2025. Martwick has been with the appraiser’s office since about 2019 and is completing required coursework. Motion carried as amended.

- Insurance renewal authorization — The board accepted the insurance committee’s recommendation to renew the county’s insurance coverage through the proposal submitted by Iron Insurance to continue coverage with Travelers Insurance, as presented by the committee (see separate article on the insurance decision for details). Motion carried.

- Safe Streets for All action plan adopted — The board adopted Resolution 17‑2025 to adopt the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) action plan and a Vision Zero policy committing Finney County to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries; one board member voted nay but the resolution carried. (See reporter’s article on road safety items for details.)

- Supplemental KDOT agreement approved — The board approved a supplemental agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to set a maximum funding limit for the federal FY2025 High Risk Rural Roads project on Maple Street; the supplemental agreement sets KDOT’s maximum at $546,000 toward the project; the county will be responsible for 10% of participating costs up to that limit and 100% of any amount above it. Motion carried.

The meeting record shows the board moved quickly through several routine land‑use items with limited discussion and reserved more time for items with operational or budgetary effect.

Ending note: Commissioners and staff flagged that some members recused on specific items (rezoning) and that the Planning Commission’s minutes and staff memos were included in the packet for each land‑use decision. The county clerk will publish the signed resolutions and plats in the official record.