At a glance: key votes and contracts approved by Shawnee County commissioners on Dec. 12

Shawnee County commissioners approved a range of routine and programmatic items at their Dec. 12 meeting, including vendor contracts, procurement awards and budgeted service agreements.

Finance and procurement: The board approved vouchers totaling $4,110,769.50, which included payments tied to construction and infrastructure work (including $177,430.79 to KBS Constructors for state‑grant work on a Department of Corrections mental health facility; and two payments to Sunflower Paving — $271,595.70 and $284,374.35 — for street/storm sewer improvements and final pavement). The consent agenda and correction orders were also approved.

Public works and facilities: Commissioners awarded annual culvert contracts to multiple vendors, authorized an RFP for full‑width concrete‑to‑asphalt pavement replacement on Southeast Croker Road, and approved an elevator cab interior update at the courthouse estimated at roughly $82,242 in combined funding. The Department of Corrections received authorization for a sole‑source safety rail installation ($38,528.89) and approved an emergency repair for a ruptured detention‑center water main (estimated $197,700); an insurance claim has been filed for that repair.

Parks and recreation: The board approved Phase 1 equipment purchases for the Gage Park Playland improvement project, totaling $236,092.45 funded by the Gage Park Improvement Authority, and adopted an annual schedule of parks fees (including a court‑reservation model for pickleball) and modest golf rate increases. The commission also approved creation of a new golf assistant superintendent position (annual salary including benefits $62,099.85), funded from the golf revolving fund.

Interlocal, regional and social services agreements: The board authorized Contract C440‑2024 to renew the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan interlocal agreement for an additional three years (01/01/2025–12/31/2027). Shawnee County adopted the Lake Region Solid Waste Authority Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (Resolution 2024‑84). The commission also approved budgeted contracts for community mental health and social services for 2025, including Valeo Behavioral Health ($2,750,000) and TARC Inc. ($1,059,951).

Health and court services: The health department renewed a TB consultation contract with Dr. Glad Dimitriou and a medical director/health officer contract with Dr. Aaron Lock. The Board approved a three‑month recruitment contract with Cox Media ($25,000) to assist RN recruitment for the Nurse‑Family Partnership program (the Cox Media motion passed 2‑1). Court administration received approval to transfer remaining 2024 funds to create a self‑help center and to purchase bench seating for courtrooms ($61,220.52).

Public safety and other items: The sheriff’s office annual payment for primary and backup 911 coordination ($271,626) was approved. The commission also confirmed an appointment to the planning commission and conducted standard administrative communications.

Most items on the agenda passed unanimously; the Cox Media recruitment contract carried on a 2‑1 vote.