County retains bankruptcy counsel for Pioneer Balloon case; Board approves vouchers, KCAMP rebate and other routine business

Butler County retained outside bankruptcy counsel to represent the county in a Pioneer Balloon bankruptcy matter and conducted an executive session to consult with counsel.

Administrator Will Johnson told the Board that Pioneer Balloon recently filed for bankruptcy and sold its facility; counsel for the bankruptcy is seeking to have taxes paid refunded as part of the settlement. The county retained Jeremy Koehler of the firm Foulston Siefkin to represent Butler County; Koehler specializes in bankruptcy law and is coordinating with County Counselor Terrence Huelskamp.

The Board voted to go into executive session at 10:15 a.m. for privileged attorney-client consultation and reconvened at 10:30 a.m.; no public action followed from the session.

In other business the Board approved vouchers dated April 14, 2026, totaling $509,638.16 (motion by Commissioner Jeff Masterson; second by Commissioner Kelly Herzet; motion carried 5-0) and approved Adds $0.00 and Abates $76,675.12 (motion carried 5-0). Assistant Administrator/Finance Director Ryan Adkison introduced Patrick Smith from KCAMP, who presented a rebate check for $17,340.65 to the county.

Administrator Johnson said he is scheduling meetings with USD 385 and USD 375 superintendents to discuss school boundary lines in the Briarcliff neighborhood. The Board also approved an exception to the City of Andover's Neighborhood Revitalization Program for three properties under construction.

The Board adjourned at 10:51 a.m.