Leavenworth County detaches High Prairie Township from Rural Fire District No. 1; High Prairie to provide own fire protection April 1

Leavenworth County commissioners approved a resolution to redraw Rural Fire District No. 1 boundaries by detaching High Prairie Township and authorized an agreement allowing High Prairie Township to provide fire protection for its territory beginning April 1, 2025.

County staff told the board the petition to remove High Prairie Township included signatures from 10% of the landowners in the township and that staff certified the petition as sufficient. After approval, staff said the detachment will be published in the newspaper for two consecutive weeks and a 30-day protest petition period will follow; a valid protest petition signed by 19% of the landowners in High Prairie Township would stop the action.

The board also amended the county's contract with the City of Lansing to exclude High Prairie Township effective April 1 and directed staff to notify the city. During discussion Dan Clemens, a Ward 4 Lansing city council member, told the board Lansing will continue to provide fire service to Delaware under its separate contract regardless of the county's action. County counsel and staff confirmed the amendment will not interfere with Lansing’s contract with Delaware Township.

Commissioners recorded affirmative votes to pass the resolution and the related contract amendment. Staff said the agreement with High Prairie will remain in force until High Prairie is no longer part of Rural Fire District No. 1 or until the end of the year, as presented to the board.

Next steps noted by staff: publish the detachment notice as required by statute, accept any valid protest petitions during the 30-day window, and complete administrative steps to effect the contract amendment with Lansing.