County renews membership with Great Plains Development after regional presentation

Bob Wetmore, executive co‑director of Great Plains Development, presented an overview of the regional agency’s services to Finney County commissioners, describing its grant‑packaging and small‑business loan support across 28 southwest Kansas counties and its role as an economic development partner with local governments, banks and state agencies. Wetmore noted recent activity in Finney County — including two loan applications completed in the last six months — and explained the agency’s five‑year planning, university partnerships (K‑State, KU) and internal funds available for projects.

Lana DeWolf (speaker 7) told the board Great Plains has been an important partner, especially for smaller communities that lack in‑house economic development staff. Commissioners thanked Wetmore and discussed the value of voluntary county membership. Commissioner (speaker 8) moved to continue membership with Great Plains Development Inc. for 2026 and to authorize the chair to sign the agreement; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: Great Plains functions as a conduit for CDBG and other federal/state programs and provides grant and loan packaging services that smaller jurisdictions may not be able to sustain in‑house. Continued membership preserves a regional resource for Finney County businesses and projects.

What’s next: Wetmore provided membership paperwork and an invoice for processing; the county will sign the membership agreement as approved.