Franklin County approves first septic-repair grant application, sets review process for funds

The Franklin County Commission voted unanimously May 28 to approve the county's first application to use Local Environmental Protection Program grant money from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to repair a failed individual septic system at 2199 Shawnee Road.

County staff said the state initially awarded $50,000 and later approved an additional $75,000, bringing available assistance to $125,000, but noted the county must expend 80% of the first $50,000 before the state will release the additional $75,000. The funding is income‑based and generally intended for applicants at or below the federal poverty line or on fixed incomes; staff said eligibility tiers extend up to about 300% of the poverty guideline.

Pat (county staff) briefed the commission on the grant's timeline and eligibility rules, and said Brian, the county sanitation expert, led the application work and verification of qualifications. Pat said the county has one completed application that qualifies for full funding and expects additional applicants. "We would like to bring it to the five of you so that I don't feel comfortable, at least without your permission, if we're gonna make decisions that result in $15,000‑$20,000 expenditures," Pat said, explaining staff will do an initial eligibility review and then forward recommendations to the full commission for approval.

The commission approved the Payne application for 2199 Shawnee Road by voice vote. Commissioners recorded affirmative responses during the roll call.

County staff said applicants are typically responsible for securing three bids for repairs; staff will conduct soil testing and solicit bids once an application is approved. Staff estimated a complete septic replacement could run roughly $15,000–$16,000, and that water‑well testing (drilled wells) generally costs about $60 per test and would be provided only as a test, not a repair.

Pat and county staff said the county plans to advertise the availability of the program and handle each application individually. The county will provide quarterly reports to the state that list allocated and spent funds as a condition of continued funding.

The commission asked staff to return with bid results or to place routine contractor selections on the consent agenda for future approvals.

Details approved at the meeting were limited to the Payne application; the commission did not adopt any additional program rules or a standing administrative policy during the session.