Linn County Commission approves claims, personnel raises and several administrative measures

The Linn County Commission on Dec. 15 approved multiple routine administrative actions including payment of county claims, personnel step raises and appointments to regional bodies.

The commission approved claims totaling $968,249.04 after a motion and voice vote. Commissioners also approved ads and abates that resulted in a net change of $54,381.76.

The body approved Resolution 2025‑27 to declare several sheriff’s vehicles surplus and permit sale to the highest bidder; vehicles enumerated included model years across Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet lines. The commission also accepted Resolution 2025‑29 establishing payroll and voucher schedule dates and deadlines to accommodate holidays.

Personnel actions approved after executive‑session review included step raises for multiple employees. The commission voted to authorize the following adjustments (hourly rates read into the record): Jesse Walton — two‑step raise to $36.2457; Randy Haywold — two‑step raise to $36.70; Chris Martin — two‑step raise to $41.96; Amanda Snyder — increase to $32.14; and Lisa Kelstad — two‑step raise to $39.888. These raises were moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Other administrative approvals included appointing Jason as Linn County’s member and Chastity as alternate to the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission; approving a mileage reimbursement of $93.80 for Jacqueline Pletta; and procedural agreement on the 2026 holiday calendar (including a half‑day on Christmas Eve). Commissioners also declined to join the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition following discussion of its invoice.

What’s next: Several items (notably the jail liaison pilot and its requested progress report) will return to the commission for follow‑up. The county attorney was asked to research state statutes related to HOA and septic responsibilities and bring findings to the next meeting.