Commission accepts insurance offer, approves truck purchase, fireworks permit and health-insurance increase

At its June 24 meeting Bourbon County commissioners approved a series of operational items brought forward by county staff.

Public works recommended accepting an insurance settlement of $129,658.33 for a totaled truck and asked permission to use the settlement plus county special equipment funds to buy a used 2017 Mack dump truck being held for the county (purchase price cited at about $125,095) and to pay for a two‑year extended warranty (about $11,000). A motion to accept the settlement and proceed with the replacement purchase passed by voice vote.

County CFO Susan Walker reported that the county’s health insurance provider (SEHP) will raise premiums in July; the half‑year cost to the county was presented as roughly $43,000 and the commission voted to pick up that increase rather than pass it to employees.

The board also reviewed a fireworks retail permit for Kathy Ramirez Fireworks (location: 840 North Main Street, Mapleton). Commissioners discussed whether the county needed to sign the permit given city jurisdiction questions; the permit was approved and the tenant instructed to sign.

Additional routine updates included a public‑works announcement that crews would pour the bridge deck on A 160th in Fern and that road cleanup and other projects remain ongoing. Two short executive sessions were held (personnel and financial/trade‑secret consultations); the board returned to open session and reported no final action from those sessions in public.

What happens next: County staff will process the insurance settlement, finalize the vehicle purchase and schedule disbursement of any funds if needed; staff will also incorporate the health‑insurance premium increase into payroll processing.