Cass County Commission approves routine items, authorizes ballot printer and MOU for emergency medical storage

The Cass County Commission met Dec. 3, 2025, and approved a series of routine administrative actions, several land‑use applications and a set of resolutions affecting election operations and emergency preparedness.

Acting Presiding Commissioner Jeff Fletcher opened the meeting and noted Commissioner Bob Houston was absent (SEG 001-005). The board approved the Nov. 19, 2025 meeting minutes and two work‑session items, including roof replacement bids for the Justice Center.

The commission adopted Resolution 25119 to approve purchase of a small ballot printer for the County Clerk—s Office. Kathy, speaking for the clerk—s office, said the device would allow staff to print limited, as‑needed ballots during elections to reduce a two‑hour turnaround when ordered absentee ballots run short; she emphasized the office would not become a full ballot‑printing operation.

Resolution 25120 authorizes a memorandum of understanding between the Cass County Health Department and the Navy Reserve Center in Kansas City for emergency storage of vaccines and other medical supplies outside city limits. Matt, speaking for the health department, said the Navy Reserve facility could provide storage space and that clinic staff confirmed adequate room.

The commission approved Resolution 25121 to begin disbursing the county—s portion of local use tax revenue tied to the emergency service sales tax to the Cass County Emergency Service Board starting in January 2026. Commissioners discussed the mechanics of the transfer and estimated the annual amount to be roughly $650,000.

Resolution 25122 gave the county auditor authority to make routine year‑end budget entry adjustments for fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2025; county staff described these as small, statutory compliance transfers to keep appropriation lines in balance.

The meeting also included routine zoning approvals (see "Votes at a glance" below) and two tax‑related items from the Collector's Office: disbursements tied to a 2024 tax sale surplus (certificate #2405) and entry of a Senate Bill 190 taxing‑entity impact report into the public record.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of meeting minutes (11/19/2025): motion moved and seconded; approved. - Work session minutes and Justice Center roof replacement bids (11/12 & 11/19): approved. - Resolution 25119 — Ballot printer (Cass County Clerk—s Office): moved, seconded, approved. - Resolution 25120 — MOU with Navy Reserve Center for emergency medical storage: moved, seconded, approved. - Resolution 25121 — Direct disbursement of use tax revenue to Cass County Emergency Service Board (effective Jan. 2026): moved, seconded, approved; estimated ~ $650,000/year to the board. - Resolution 25122 — Year‑end budget entry adjustments (fiscal year ending 12/31/2025): moved, seconded, approved. - Zoning approvals: Application 3164 (Pleasant Hill minor subdivision), 3165 (East 227th lot split, Hurd), 3166 (East 235th lot split, Harrisonville), 3168 (Deer Creek Lane lot split & rezoning, Raymore) — planning board recommended approval on each and commission approved after public hearing or no public opposition. - Tax sale surplus disbursements (certificate #2405; tax sale #187): approved per Collector's Office recommendation.

Why it matters

The ballot‑printer approval gives the county a tool to address short‑notice ballot needs during contested races, potentially shortening on‑hand turnaround time. The MOU with the Navy Reserve Center creates an out‑of‑city option for storing vaccines and other medical supplies during large outages, a contingency measure for public‑health response. Directing the county—s use‑tax portion to the Emergency Service Board formalizes regular funding starting in 2026 and was estimated by a commissioner to be in the mid six‑figure range annually.

What—s next

Most items were approved without further conditions. The use‑tax disbursement is scheduled to start in January 2026. The Collector's Senate Bill 190 impact letters have been distributed to taxing entities and the report was entered into the public record.