Jefferson County commissioners censure county clerk, approve mapping contract and vacate multiple easements

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted on Oct. 20, 2025, to censure County Clerk Julie Dunkle and approved a set of routine financial, mapping and land‑use measures.

Commissioner David Christy moved to adopt Resolution C2025-101, the censure measure arising from an internal investigation; Commissioner Richard Malm seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the resolution. The text of the internal investigation and the censure is recorded as part of the resolution; the minutes note only that the resolution was the result of an internal investigation and that the Board approved it.

The Board also approved two annual financial resolutions presented by Treasurer Doug Bond. Resolution 2025-030 addresses checks issued more than two years ago that have not been redeemed, and Resolution 2025-031 addresses tax warrants from tax year 2003 that the Treasurer characterized as dormant and uncollectible; both resolutions passed on voice vote with all commissioners recorded as in favor.

Kirk Webb, the county’s GIS director, presented a contract with SURDEX Corporation for Kansas digital orthoimagery covering Aug. 25, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2027. Jefferson County’s share of the cooperative contract is $38,840; the project also includes participating agencies in Douglas and Shawnee counties. Commissioner Doug Walbridge moved to approve the contract and authorize Commissioner David Christy to sign; the motion carried unanimously.

In land‑use matters, Erin George of planning and zoning presented two resolutions to vacate platted rights‑of‑way and utility easements. Resolution 2025-032, filed by property owner Robert Jordan, would vacate the platted right‑of‑way between Lots 492 and 493 in Lakewood Hills Unit III. Resolution 2025-033, filed by property owner Nicole Pickens, would vacate all platted utility easements for Lots 67, 68, 94 and 95, Block S, Lakeshore Estates. The Board opened the floor for public comment on both items, recorded no public comment, and approved both resolutions.

Greg Noll, president of the Jefferson County Historical Society, asked the Board to sign and support an application for highway tourism signs for the Old Jefferson Town Museum at 750 Walnut Street in Oskaloosa; the Board agreed to sign the application and provide collaboration.

Commissioner Doug Walbridge told the Board they had decided to hire an outside firm to oversee the county handbook and to explore outsourcing some human‑resources functions (excluding payroll) with the goal of implementing changes before Jan. 1, 2026. County Counselor Josh Ney said he would coordinate with outside counsel Tara Eberline of Foulston Attorneys‑At‑Law on contracting and consolidation work.

The meeting record shows several brief executive sessions were held for attorney–client privileged discussions and pending litigation, with counsel and, in one session, outside counsel present by phone; the chair announced on each return to open session that no binding action was taken during executive session.

The Board adjourned and set its next regular meeting for Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the county IT Building because of early voting.

Note: The minutes record motions, seconders and voice votes but do not include the full text of the internal investigation that led to the censure; the resolution number (C2025-101) is recorded in the minutes.