Ford County commissioners elect Gary Thomas chair for 2026, re-elect Chris Boys as vice-chair

Gary Thomas was elected chairman of the Ford County Board of Commissioners for 2026, effective at the board’s next meeting on Feb. 2, after a motion by outgoing Chairman Shawn Tasset and a second by Commissioner Chris Boys. The motion passed unanimously, 3-0.

Tasset also moved to re-elect Commissioner Chris Boys as vice-chair for 2026; Commissioner Gary Thomas seconded, and the motion carried 3-0. Attorney Glen Kerbs presented several governance resolutions, including Resolution No. 2026-01 to set the board’s regular meeting dates and times; the board adopted the resolution unanimously.

Kerbs then presented resolutions designating official depositories and authorizing a Municipal Investment Pool account (Resolutions 2026-02 through 2026-04). Each resolution was adopted on motions and seconded by commissioners with a 3-0 vote.

The board approved Resolution No. 2026-05, a request that the Director of Accounts and Reports waive the requirements of K.S.A. 78-1120a(a); the motion to adopt carried 3-0. A separate certification to Landmark National Bank was presented with a recommendation to table; Chairman Tasset moved to table the certification and Commissioner Boys seconded, and the board tabled the item unanimously.

The board also approved a contract with Kerbs Law Office to continue county legal counsel services. Commissioner Gary Thomas moved to approve the contract; Commissioner Chris Boys seconded and the approval carried 3-0.

The board’s reorganization and the set of routine governance and finance resolutions were presented as part of the meeting’s opening agenda and were adopted without dissent. The board will implement the leadership change at its Feb. 2 meeting.