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Cowley County commissioners approve FY2025 budget amendment, bridge-application expansion and updated cash policy
Summary
At a Dec. 16 meeting, Cowley County commissioners unanimously approved an amended FY2025 budget, a supplemental amendment expanding a bridge improvement application from 10 to 15 bridges (adding $4,000 in application costs), and a revised cash-handling policy responding to the discontinuance of the penny.
Cowley County commissioners met in regular session Tuesday and voted unanimously to approve several administrative and fiscal actions, including an amended FY2025 budget, a supplemental amendment to a bridge improvement program application and a revised county cash-handling policy.
Chairman Wayne Wilt opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.; Vice Chairman Jim Maxwell gave the invocation. The board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the Dec. 2 meeting, the payment register for the period ending Dec. 16, 2025, and tax-roll corrections. Commissioner Alan Groom moved and Vice Chairman Jim Maxwell seconded the consent motion; the vote was 3-0.
Extension Agents Becky Reid and Sarah LaGrone updated the commission on office activities. LaGrone described a Bill House Foundation Grant that is enabling an expansion of youth services in Cowley County. Cindy Stevens was recognized as the 2025 Local Unit Staff Member of the Year.
Public Works Superintendent Jon Jordan told the commission that the county’s Bridge Improvement Program (BIP) application originally executed July 15, 2025 has been expanded from 10 bridges to 15 bridges. Jordan said the added scope increases application-preparation costs by $4,000. Vice Chairman Maxwell moved and Commissioner Groom seconded to approve a supplemental amendment to the BIP Application Agreement; the motion passed 3-0.
County Administrator Lucas Goff proposed closing specified county offices at noon on Dec. 31, 2025 for end-of-year balancing. The commission approved closing the County Clerk, County Treasurer and Register of Deeds offices at noon on Dec. 31 on a 3-0 vote (motion by Commissioner Groom, second by Vice Chairman Maxwell).
Goff also presented a revised Cash Handling Policy and Practices, Version 1.1.2026, citing updates necessary because of the discontinuance of the penny. The commission adopted the policy as presented on a 3-0 vote.
Chairman Wilt opened a public hearing on the amended FY2025 budget; there was no public comment. Commissioner Groom moved and Vice Chairman Maxwell seconded to close the hearing and to approve the FY2025 budget amendment as presented; both motions passed 3-0.
Goff presented two informational public-notice items for proposed Kansas Water Pollution Control Permits: one for MRP Properties Company, LLC and one for the Strother Field Groundwater Remed Project. The commission also signed paperwork canceling a previously considered High Risk Rural Roads Project on Lovers Lane, an action recorded as signed at this meeting.
Goff said he had received contact from Wheat State Telephone regarding the Sundance Tower by Tisdale and said he would bring additional information to a future meeting. Commissioner Groom noted he had received an anonymous phone call from an Atlanta resident about petition circulation in Atlanta; the caller did not disclose their name and no petition details were provided to the record.
The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. on a 3-0 vote.
