Chase County signs local disaster declaration after multi‑day winter storms; commissioners debate driveway‑clearing policy

Chase County Commissioners on Monday signed a declaration of local disaster covering the Jan. 5 snow events and spent a large portion of the meeting hearing a detailed account of storm response and costs from county road and bridge staff.

The declaration, billed to document the county's storm response and enable any potential follow‑up assistance, was moved, seconded and approved by the board. Commissioners then received a multi‑part report from Tom Kirk, the county's road and bridge supervisor, on equipment, staffing and materials used in the response.

Kirk told commissioners the county logged several hundred crew hours and that equipment and fuel were the major cost drivers. "We spent about 613 man hours, $28,000 in equipment cost, and only $16,000 in labor cost," Kirk said, summarizing the items that drove the county's expense during the two storms recorded in his report. He explained that material costs for salt‑sand mixes were comparatively low because the county applies roughly 400 pounds per lane mile and the available stock goes a long way.

Kirk described the county's brine capability and how crews shifted tactics during the storm after regional shortages: the county used a smaller converted brine truck early on and later reverted to salt and sand when nearby KDOT storage ran low. He said the county operated two dry spreader trucks and a smaller brine truck, and noted one larger spreader was in the shop for engine work during part of the storm.

The commissioners asked for clarification on staffing and equipment use and discussed whether the county should adopt a formal policy about clearing private driveways. Several commissioners and staff said clearing private driveways would consume substantial time and reduce the county's ability to keep main roads and school bus routes clear. Kirk recommended developing a written policy so residents understand the county’s role and limitations during severe weather.

The board approved a separate motion to accept a set of storm‑related change orders that were on the agenda, after confirming commissioners had reviewed the documents presented by staff.

The discussion closed with commissioners agreeing to draft a county policy addressing expectations for driveway clearing after plowing operations, and to continue evaluating storm costs and equipment needs ahead of future weather events.

Ending: The county did not adopt a formal driveway‑clearing policy at the Jan. 13 meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with a proposed policy and additional cost estimates at a later meeting.