Geary County commission approves lower speed limits, authorizes application for 800 MHz radio upgrade grant and clears several county contracts

The Geary County Board of Commissioners met and took a series of administrative and procurement actions, most notably approving a measure to reduce speed limits on two county roads and authorizing staff to pursue a federal grant to upgrade the county's 800 MHz radio system.

The commission approved Resolution 03-16-2026 to reduce the speed limit on Mudson Road from 40 mph to 30 mph for the segment near the high school and to lower a stretch of Rucker Road to 30 mph. Jeremy Myers, Geary County public works administrator, outlined the map exhibit and said the change aligns with prior safety recommendations and the Safe Streets for All review; commissioners discussed consistency with neighboring city speed limits and traffic patterns near the high school. The resolution was moved, seconded and carried with one commissioner recorded as opposed (individual tallies were not provided in the transcript).

Jason (presenter) briefed the commission on a congressional direct spending grant opportunity to replace or upgrade the county's aging 800 MHz radio system, which he estimated at roughly $1.69–$1.8 million for the radio portion and noted the application deadline was imminent. He said the federal program historically has required a local match (previously 25% in an earlier round), though staff were still confirming whether a match would be required for this round. "There's a good chance... they will give you quite a bit of money if you need it," Jason said, and commissioners authorized Chief Lankus to proceed with preparing and submitting the application and recommended reaching out to congressional staff (Representative Moran was named) for support if needed.

In other business, the commission approved a 36-month Next Tech service agreement to provide firewall protection for the county transfer station at a monthly cost of $197.93 ($7,125.48 total); authorized a $3,146 water-heater replacement at the TCA Health Department (facility funds); and rescinded a prior crack-seal procurement decision and instead approved a $16,146 purchase and equipment-rental package from McConnell and Associates after finding a significant rental-cost advantage.

Staff opened three sealed bids for noxious-chemical supply from Red River Specialty LLC, Bandis Supply Company and Nutrina Solutions and will return a recommendation after review.

Commissioners also discussed the K-18/I-70 flyover project where KDOT removed older fence and replaced it with a single-strand cable; staff were directed to prepare an RFP to evaluate the cost of re-fencing county-leased pastureland, with a rough prior estimate mentioned in discussion.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 03-16-2026 (reduce speed limits on Mudson and Rucker Roads): Approved (motion carried; one opposed; vote tally not specified). - Motion to proceed with congressional grant application for 800 MHz radio upgrade: Approved (motion carried; vote tally not specified). - Next Tech firewall service agreement (36 months; $197.93/month): Approved (motion carried). - TCA Health Department water heater replacement ($3,146): Approved (motion carried). - Crack-seal materials and equipment rental from McConnell and Associates ($16,146): Approved (motion carried).

The commission also approved minutes, signed a letter of support for a regional partnership grant and scheduled an executive session for non-elected personnel at the end of the next meeting. Staff will post required notices (e.g., speed-limit changes) and prepare follow-up materials for grant and procurement items.

The meeting adjourned after routine business.