Coffey County sets schedule for comprehensive-plan vendor interviews, renews planning consultant contract

County zoning and planning staff told commissioners four comprehensive-plan proposals were received by the Nov. 15 deadline and asked how the board wished to proceed with interviews and the evaluation committee.

Heidi Harris, identified as zoning/planning administrator, said four proposals were on file and recommended arranging open-session vendor presentations so the public could see each firm's pitch. Commissioners discussed alternatives: a smaller interview committee consisting of one commissioner, planning-board representatives and staff (to avoid quorum problems), or having the full commission hear presentations. After discussion, staff was instructed to schedule interviews beginning Jan. 13, with follow-up sessions if necessary and to structure time slots so firms could present and answer questions (open session presentations, with the option to move proprietary questioning to executive session).

On a separate but related item the commission approved renewing the county's consulting-services contract for its planning advisor (the contract provides for as-needed regulatory review and assistance, particularly for solar regulation updates). The motion authorized continuing consulting services at up to 20 hours per month at $150 per hour for the next calendar year.

Why it matters: updating a county comprehensive plan is typically the framework for future land-use decisions and can guide how Coffey County anticipates growth and addresses renewable-energy projects. Commissioners emphasized holding open presentations and then deciding whether a smaller interview committee should recommend a firm for final approval.

Next steps: staff will set and publish interview dates (target Jan. 13 and other January dates) and place selected consultant presentations on an upcoming agenda for public hearing and potential executive-session follow-up for proprietary Q&A.