County staff seek final input on draft comprehensive plan; departments raise roads, utilities, housing and renewable energy concerns

Planning staff presented a draft update to Osage County’s comprehensive plan and invited department heads and commissioners to provide final input before a March 26 public hearing. The plan’s goals-and-objectives chapter was described as the actionable portion that underpins future zoning and capital decisions.

Key departmental points and questions raised during the meeting: - Road and bridge capacity: Road and Bridge (Ryan) explained there are multiple buildings, vehicles stored outside and limited heated shop space; he asked the county to consider consolidation or additional covered storage and warned that the county’s chip‑seal/overlay mileage has fallen in recent years, increasing long-term maintenance needs. Discussion covered pavement standards, developer cost-sharing and the effect of scattered rural subdivisions on maintenance workload. - Utilities and growth readiness: Planning staff and commissioners discussed the consequences of regional employment expansions (several nearby projects cited) on county water and sewer capacity. The plan identifies the need to coordinate with rural water districts and municipalities on utility capacity and possible grant-funded extensions. - Renewable energy and siting: Several speakers discussed renewable energy (solar/wind). Planning staff noted the county had previously adopted a restrictive stance on renewable energy but said the comprehensive plan can define preferred and non-preferred areas and that a separate zoning overlay could be drafted to regulate locations, setbacks and developer obligations. Commissioners and staff recommended a cautious process that could include an overlay district or other zoning tools if the county chooses to consider proposals. - Transfer station and recycling facilities: The transfer station manager asked the county to consider consolidation options and additional indoor equipment storage to protect expensive machinery from winter damage; utility costs for multiple buildings were noted. - Sheriff communications need: Commissioners received an item from Sheriff Wells requesting communications-system upgrades and equipment (an estimated $422,000) and a request for tasers (around $7,000); planning staff suggested adding these items to the plan’s capital priorities list for later budgeting. - Tourism and revenue tools: Planning and economic development staff raised the possibility of exploring a lodging/guest tax (transient guest tax) to fund tourism-related improvements; the group asked for more information and noted a guest tax requires voter approval and is typically restricted to tourism-related expenditures.

Planning staff said the draft is about 75% complete and recommended department heads submit written comments; staff will compile a final draft for planning commission hearings and eventual commission consideration. The planning timeline calls for public hearings beginning March 26, followed by deliberations and any subsequent amendments.