Bare agenda listing non-procedural items including EMS sales tax discussion, KDHE illegal dump program participation, purchase orders for road work and postage, and a substation project.

Discussion Points

•Consideration of billing statement from County Counselor (Susan Carrigan)
•Consideration of participation in KDHE 2026 Illegal Dump Program
•Consideration of purchase order for 2026 tax statement postage (Paige Schmidt)
•Consideration of purchase order for Project 003 C5343-01 (Damon Bowen)
•Discussion on EMS sales tax change and related informational-video invoice
•Discussion on Walnut Substation to proposed Cyclone Substation project

Nov

Commission Meeting 11/02/2026

Regular Atchison City Commission meeting including awards for the Junior Fire Marshal program, authorization of two KDOT sidewalk contract awards (King's Construction), adoption of multiple zoning ordinances (including a large update to the table of uses), selection of Berkeley as the city's 2027 stop-loss carrier, approval of a change order for First Street and a brief communications and staff report section. Public forum had no speakers.

Discussion Points

•Bid amounts and local match funding were explained; commissioners asked about design, geotech and overall scope.
•Chamber provided visitor/tourism metrics and announced a grant-funded incubator program.
•Commissioners asked about worst-case exposures and whether the insurance fund could cover catastrophic claims.
•Program history, participating schools and curriculum were described.
•Property has been incorrectly zoned since 1973; rezoning to R3 permits current residential use and clears title issues.
•Public concerns about existing nonconforming uses and grandfathering were discussed.
•Received letter claiming United Way closure; staff has no further details yet and will report back.
•Stop-loss quotes include 'lasers' for two high-cost claimants; Berkeley projected 2.2% increase vs. XSRE ~10.5%.
•Surveyor transposed block numbers; staff and city attorney recommended correction without further hearing.
•Table-of-uses formatting changes, replacement/addition of use groups, treatment of temporary uses, and alignment with state law (SB 418) on ADUs.
•Unexpected buried rubble found; trade-offs between full geotechnical investigation and expedited project delivery.

Decisions

•Adopt ordinance 6739; repeal ordinance 6738.
•Adopt ordinance 6740; update zoning map.
•Adopt ordinance 6741; staff to publish clean copy and update website.
•Authorize award to King's Construction and commit local match for Unity Street.
•Authorize change order in amount of $55,917.50; project remains under CIP budget.
•Program recognized; no formal action required.
•Select Berkeley as stop-loss carrier; authorize manager to sign agreements.

Directions

•Approve change order; proceed with removal and replacement when conditions allow.
•Authorize agreements with Berkeley and Gallagher; staff to continue monitoring fund and claims.
•Staff to follow up and inform the commission at the next meeting.
•Staff to prepare a clean, non-highlighted version for publication and update the city website after the Globe publication.
•Staff to send local match and complete required forms.

Nov

November 03, 2026, Atchison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, November 3rd, 2026 No meeting due to the General Election. Minutes

The Atchison County Commission posted a notice that it will not hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, because of the General Election; the agenda lists the meeting location and the three commissioners.

Discussion Points

•Agenda lists commissioners and meeting location; a notice cancels the meeting on Nov. 3, 2026 due to the General Election.

Decisions

•No meeting will be held on Nov. 3, 2026 (notice).

Oct

Atchison County Commission Video 2026-10-27

Atchison County Commission held its Oct. 27, 2026 meeting covering a PILOT valuation dispute from a Holiday Inn Express owner, approval of election equipment purchase, EMS revenue allocation plans, a tax-sale resolution authorizing foreclosure actions, a $130,312 budget amendment for a juvenile justice grant, a website vendor demo, and multiple personnel/handbook updates.

Discussion Points

•Clerk explained line-item totals and that the vendor is proprietary.
•Commissioners asked if the software could be competitively bid; staff replied it cannot due to vendor-specific hardware/software compatibility.
•Commissioners explained they do not have statutory authority over the appraiser’s valuation process; BOTA has docketed the appeal and scheduled a hearing.
•Michaud paid PILOT under protest and submitted a third‑party appraisal but says he did not receive the 15‑day informal meeting required by statute.

Decisions

•Purchase order approved

Directions

•Staff will review the correspondence and appraisal materials Michaud provided and identify county contacts who can discuss valuation and negotiation options.

Oct

Atchison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, October 27th, 2026

Atchison County Commission's Oct. 27, 2026 meeting included a 9:00 a.m. public workshop and several administrative items: EMS revenue and operating-fund planning, a website design discussion, a contract review for the sports complex, and procurement items including a proposed PO for ES&S maintenance.

Discussion Points

•Contract review with Atchison Sports and Fitness
•Discussion of CivicPlus agenda and meeting-management plan
•Discussion with EG Insight Design about county website
•EMS revenue setup and proposed 2027 first-quarter operating funds
•Presentation of September EMS report
•Property tax appeal process to be discussed by Bill Michaud
•Proposed PO to ES&S for annual renewal and maintenance
•Request for payment for 4th quarter sports-complex maintenance

Oct

Commission Meeting 10/19/2026

Atchison City Commission met to hear a high school National Honor Society blood-drive presentation, approved an airport FBO contract addendum and multiple public-works contracts, adopted an alley-vacation ordinance connected to Benedictine College’s proposed medical school, and approved hazardous-tank removal and stormwater repairs.

Discussion Points

•McNamee explained the corrosion and vapors in the acid room and the need for professional hazardous remediation.
•Some commissioners wanted time to solicit additional bids; staff said bids had been gathered and that the quoted price dated from May and remained valid.
•Staff explained custom inlet designs are needed in different field conditions; some work may be timed to school breaks to limit disruption.
•Students requested city help publicizing a Nov. 4 blood drive honoring Ryan Burkhalter.
•Westhoff explained the FBO was closed during runway work and staff recommended an extension to match the closure period; suggested delay in fee reinstatement to allow tenants to return.
•Westhoff explained the vacated alleys are adjacent to Benedictine College’s proposed medical school and that utility easements remain. No public input was received during the hearing.
•Westhoff listed board vacancies and noted a $10,000 grant for the skate-park project; he summarized financial performance and announced the airport ribbon-cutting date.
•Westhoff reviewed McZook Industries’ prior operation and cleanup history; staff noted KDHE testing in 2021 returned clean results per their account.

Decisions

•Addendum authorized; hangar fees to resume 01/01/2027.
•Contract awarded to Kinetic; vote recorded 4–1.
•Demolition agreement approved 4–0 with 1 abstention.
•Hagerty & Mack contract authorized.
•Ordinance 6738 adopted.

Directions

•Staff to manage contract and change orders within an authorized $125,000 budget ceiling.

Oct

October 13, 2026, Atchison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, October 13th, 2026. Minutes

Atchison County Commission met Oct. 13, 2026, at the Atchison County Courthouse. Commissioners approved routine business including a Microsoft 365 renewal purchase order, heard a Project Concern meals report, received public-safety and election reminders, and adjourned at 10:17 a.m.

Discussion Points

•Hazardous-materials exercise to evaluate response capabilities in specific locations.
•NEKES discussed grants, finances, and hiring a CPA to clean up records.
•Project Concern reported 504 meals served in September and 6,313 year-to-date.
•Quinn reviewed property on 230th Rd and a wastewater-permit timeline dating to 2009.
•Scott Howard presented the PO and vendor/funding details.

Decisions

•Commission approved PO 3-0.
•Report received and entered into record.

Oct

Atchison County Commission Video 2026-10-13

Atchison County Commission met Oct. 13, 2026, approving routine items including a Microsoft 365 purchase order and receiving the Project Concern September service report. Commissioners announced local events, emergency-preparedness exercises, and scheduled a property-tax-appeal discussion for Oct. 27.

Discussion Points

•Chair requested staff review joint communications and pricing given sales-tax shortfall.
•Commissioners noted the split by location and endorsed making transit data public.
•Commissioners questioned reseller arrangements and pricing.
•Exercise purpose: evaluate response, coordination, communication, patient care and incident command.
•Monthly advisory meeting topics include non‑emergent transport and co‑responder models.
•Monthly meal-service totals for congregate and home delivery were presented.
•Registration deadlines and early voting schedule announced.
•Scheduling of a property‑tax appeal discussion with a city representative.
•Staff presented Microsoft 365 licensing and cost breakdown.

Decisions

•Purchase order approved for Microsoft 365, amount recorded as $24,007.44.
•Receive and file Project Concern September report.

Directions

•Staff to accept transit numbers from Telena for public distribution.
•Staff to review pricing and Heartland Business Systems arrangements.

Oct

October 06, 2026, Atchison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, October 6th, 2026. Minutes

Atchison County commissioners met Oct. 6 and approved a series of routine and administrative measures, including a resolution to levy a 1% countywide retailer sales tax for emergency medical services beginning January 2027, purchase orders for road striping and tax-statement printing, and restoration of electrical service at the county lake. A public commenter raised concerns about missing meeting videos on Facebook; County Clerk Susan Carrigan said she will investigate and stated that commission videos are not edited.

Discussion Points

•Agreement to reestablish power to campsites; funded from lake’s dedicated budget.
•Constituent reported videos not posted to Facebook since ~July 13.
•County Clerk will investigate and stated that meeting videos are not edited.
•Examples cited: Ottawa Road, Greeley.
•Lowest bid from a prior RFP; work applies to roads receiving overlays or chip-and-seal.
•Purchase order amount: $2,886.80.
•Resolution prepared by outside counsel Gilmore and Bell (Garth Herman).
•Treasurer solicited six quotes and recommended The Master’s Touch.

Decisions

•Approved resolution to levy 1% countywide retailer sales tax for EMS services, effective Jan. 2027.
•Approve electric service agreement.
•Approve PO to The Master’s Touch.
•Approve purchase order for striping.

Directions

•Clerk to investigate missing Facebook postings.

Oct

Atchison County Commission Video 2026-10-06

The Atchison County Commission met Oct. 6, 2026, approved placing a 1% countywide retailer sales tax for EMS on the ballot and approved procurement items including 2026 road striping, tax statement printing, and electrical service at the county lake.

Discussion Points

•Chair described committee involvement and budget source; commissioners confirmed counsel had reviewed the agreement.
•Chair explained county policy and budget line item for striping and noted roads such as Ottawa 286 would be included.
•Commissioner Campbell reported on Area Agency on Aging facility and election reminders.
•Commissioners asked about contract length and electronic options for taxpayers.
•Commissioners asked for list of roads to be provided by staff.
•County counsel explained legal conformity and filing steps for KDOR; chair noted prior charter resolution committing the use of funds.
•Staff requested appointment for NEK representative; commissioners deferred to January organizational meeting.
•Treasurer presented six vendor quotes and recommended Master's Touch LLC.

Decisions

•Adopt resolution to submit a 1% countywide retailer sales tax ballot question (passed 3-0).
•Appointed Brandy Featherston as K‑Camp delegate and Susan Carrigan as alternate (3-0).
•Approved Master's Touch LLC purchase order for $2,886.80 (vote 3-0).
•Approve electric service agreement for county lake (3-0).
•Approve road striping purchase order ($22,612.50).

Directions

•Clerk to prepare excerpt of minutes, provide copy to counsel and KDOR with certificate of election.
•Place NEK representative appointments on January organizational meeting agenda.
•Staff to complete required paperwork and contractor coordination.
•Staff to send list of roads scheduled for striping
•Treasurer to execute one-year purchase order and coordinate with vendor on customization.

Oct

Commission Meeting 10/05/2026

The Atchison City Commission met to approve changes to employee health benefits structure, select new vendors for pharmacy and third‑party administration, authorize urgent electrical work at the raw water intake, and back a 28‑unit moderate‑income housing grant application (Resolution 3460).

Discussion Points

•Commissioners raised concerns about employees mid‑treatment at out‑of‑network hospitals like St. Luke's and equity of one‑off exceptions.
•Consent agenda adopted; contingency removed for Queen's Liquor license.
•Contractor Davin Electric recommended; quote $79,637 with change order authority.
•Gallagher presented PBM and network options and estimated pharmacy savings around $559,000 under certain assumptions.
•Main breaker at raw water intake is decades old; failure risks extended generator operation and equipment damage.
•MIH requires a local sponsor; RLF funds competitive and limited.
•Narrow network offers deeper per‑claim discounts but excludes certain hospitals; pharmacy savings available regardless of network choice.
•Project would create 28 infill moderate‑income units using former land bank lots.
•Staff suggested a phased approach to reduce disruption.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 3460.
•Approve Davin Electric contract and funding approach.
•Approve Lucent/Centris as TPA and stop‑loss provider.
•Approve OreadRx as PBM (3–1).
•Consent agenda adopted

Directions

•Authorize city manager to sign application documents.
•Authorize immediate contract to avoid parts lead time and operational risk.
•Proceed with contract finalization pending authorized signature.
•Run claims analysis and return options before open enrollment.
•Staff to run HIPAA‑compliant claims analysis to quantify employee impact and report back before implementation.

Sep

September 29, 2026, Atchison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, September 29th, 2026. Minutes

Atchison County Commission on Sept. 29, 2026 approved a Kansas Department of Corrections fourth-quarter budget adjustment and several routine administrative items, heard a public comment about an ambiguous vehicle trade-in tax-relief requirement, sworn in Commissioner Randell Vanderweide, and voted to disable comments on the county Facebook page while directing constituents to department contact information.

Discussion Points

•Approval of 2027 holiday schedule
•Approval of a $12,107.05 fourth-quarter budget adjustment
•Approval of County Counselor billing subject to contractual cap
•Commissioners welcomed Vanderweide and commented on the importance of engaged commissioners.
•Commissioners will raise statutory language with state representatives
•County Counselor advised there is no legal requirement to maintain comments
•Designation of ballot-destruction representatives
•KDHE illegal dump site agreements were discussed briefly and the commission chose to defer action.
•Peterson argued Kansas statute on vehicle trade-in tax relief is ambiguous regarding required documents
•Presentation and acceptance of KDOC year-end report
•Proposal to disable comments and add contact info on posts

Decisions

•Ballot designees recorded
•Billing approved at capped hours
•Budget adjustment approved
•Disable comments; include contact information on posts
•Holiday schedule approved
•Item tabled to following week
•Vanderweide sworn into office
•Year-end report accepted

Directions

•Peterson directed to meet with County Treasurer to discuss his case

Sep

Atchison County Commission Video 2026-09-29

Atchison County Commission met Sept. 29, 2025. Business included a public comment from Richard Peterson about vehicle-registration tax-relief paperwork, swearing-in of Randall Van der Weidt as commissioner, approval of a $12,107.05 community corrections budget adjustment and year-end signatory, designation of ballot-destruction representatives, adoption of a county social media policy to disable comments on the county Facebook page, discussion of a bridge dispute that the commission asked be routed through counsel, and adoption of the 2027 holiday schedule.

Discussion Points

•Chair/Clerk: Acknowledge gray areas and commit to website improvements and staff follow-up; suggested in-person meeting with staff for immediate assistance.
•Chair: Presented a $12,107.05 budget adjustment for April–June FY26.
•Clerk: county Facebook not monitored; redirect constituents to departments.
•Clerk: No letters of interest for Benton Township trustee; proposed two designees for ballot destruction.
•Commissioners: Agreed to request formal proposal and move the matter to workshop/executive-session follow-up.
•Commissioners: Approved designees and signature sheet.
•Commissioners: policy should apply to county page and pages under county umbrella; elected officials may keep separate pages.
•County counselor: disabling comments avoids public-forum and moderation risks.
•County counselor: Requested owner have his attorney contact county counsel and submit a proposal.
•Judge administered oath and commissioners welcomed new member.
•Katie Sparks: Presented year-end outcomes for adult and juvenile programs for 07/01/2025–06/30/2026.
•Peterson: Department of Revenue guidance and county treasurer appear to require title copies that are not always available after private-party sales.
•Resident: Requested new bridge/culvert and disputed that the road had been closed; said attempts to resolve had taken years.

Decisions

•Adopt county social-media policy to disable comments on county pages (3–0).
•Approve budget adjustment and authorize chair to sign year-end forms (3–0).
•Approve Gordon Myers and Brian Oswald as designees for ballot destruction (3–0).
•No formal policy change; board logged request for clarifying guidance and potential state-level outreach.
•No immediate county action; follow-up required after attorney contact.
•Randall Van der Weidt sworn in as 2nd District commissioner.

Directions

•Chair authorized to sign documents; clerk to file with KDOC and maintain records.
•Clerk to coordinate destruction on Oct. 1 and file required documentation.
•Clerk to file oath and update roster.
•Clerk to update posts with contact info and implement policy for county Facebook pages.
•Peterson to meet with county staff (Paige) to pursue registration/tax-relief options.
•Resident (or his attorney) to contact county counsel and submit a written proposal for board consideration.

Sep

September 22, 2026, Atchison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, September 22nd, 2026. Minutes

Atchison County Commission met Sept. 22, 2026 in Atchison to consider routine county business including a lake committee update, equipment and contract approvals, a resolution to end a quarter-cent sales tax, and preparations for a 2026 tax sale and ballot destruction. Multiple motions passed unanimously 2-0.

Discussion Points

•Adoption of resolution to end tax; statement that funds are dedicated and collection continues through year-end.
•Authorization to engage bond counsel; timeline for process outline and finalization of termination documentation.
•Existing blanket easement across 25-acre tract considered too broad; RWD intends to run a new parallel line in ROW.
•Identification of ~210 parcels delinquent back to 2022; outreach plan to owners and lienholders; publication in Atchison Globe.
•Need to replace an end-of-life generator supporting critical systems.
•Renewal locks pricing and provides on-site or remote support; durations specified for servers.
•Reported revenues and volunteer hours; expenditures for safety and maintenance; planned town hall and events; controlled burn recommended by state biologist.
•Requirement that qualified electors from both parties witness ballot destruction; recommended Republican witness Brian Oswalt.

Decisions

•Authorization to engage bond counsel
•PO approved 2-0
•Purchase approved 2-0
•Resolution adopted 2-0

Directions

•County Clerk to contact Democratic Party chair for recommendation.
•County Counselor and staff to contact affected parties and coordinate publications.
•County Counselor to work with GIS to draft precise easement description and arrange staking for visual review.
•Engage Gilmore & Bell; provide process outline by Sept. 29; finalize documentation by Oct. 1.
•Saxton to notify commission when controlled burn is scheduled.

Sep

Atchison County Commission Video 2026-09-22

Atchison County Commission held its Sept. 22 meeting covering a county lake committee update, several purchase approvals (IT support, server, backup generator), formal adoption of a sports-complex sales-tax sunset resolution, a tax-foreclosure sale update, ballot-destruction planning and an executive session on personnel.

Discussion Points

•22-month retention period met; secretary of state asked the county to proceed.
•Annual ledger and rental revenue details, volunteer hours and donated materials.
•Approximately 210 delinquent parcels identified for potential foreclosure dating back to 2022.
•Chair noted NACo membership provides education and policy resources and is different from KAC.
•clarifying_details=[],
•Commissioners noted the dedicated fund balance and asked for expedited review before deadlines.
•Counselor intends outreach to owners, lienholders, and mortgage holders to minimize actual tax-sale filings.
•Counselor presented bond-counsel documents and outlined required filings.
•Counsel recommended a corridor easement aligned with existing waterline; suggested 10–20 feet either side and GIS mapping.
•directions':['Approve membership and record in minutes.'],'decisions':['Membership approved.']},
•Funding available in Fund 152; vendor lead time ~13 weeks.
•Included county counselor, clerk and HR representative.
•Need to designate 1 observer from each major party to oversee destruction.
•Need to discuss personnel review for a nonelected employee.
•Need to replace aging generator that supports 911 and jail.
•Plans for electrical hookups and Oct. 13 fish-netting with KDWP biologist.
•Potential controlled burns for invasive species management and coordination with local fire districts.
•proper_names
•Rationale for locking in pricing and coverage details.
•Response time and remote-support expectations.
•Rural Water District No. 5 proposed a blanket easement over a 25-acre tract.

Decisions

•No formal action taken during executive session.
•Purchase order approved.
•Resolution adopted; will submit documentation to state and bond counsel.

Directions

•Authorize purchase and coordinate installation with minimal service interruption.
•Board to review revised easement language for approval.
•Clerk to propose names for Republican and Democratic observers at next meeting.
•Committee to provide details for Oct. 13 netting and 90th-anniversary planning.
•Counselor to receive updated parcel list from treasurer and contact owners.
•Counsel to work with GIS and Road & Bridge to prepare a precise description and draft easement.
•County counselor authorized to work with bond counsel and KDR to complete steps.
•IT to plan replacements or further extended support ahead of 2028.
•Recess to executive session for 30 minutes.
•Return to chambers after 30 minutes.
•Staff to reconcile KDWP/hatchery allotments to appropriate county accounts.
•Staff (treasurer, appraiser, register of deeds, clerk of court) to assist in filings as needed.

Sep

Commission Meeting 09/21/2026

Atchison City Commission met Sept. 21, 2026. The meeting featured two proclamations (Benedicting College women's lacrosse and Constitution Week), approval of consent-agenda items including police grants and a curb-and-gutter contract, selection of Shipley and Williams CPAs as the municipal auditor, several board appointments, updates on street and park projects, a daytime opening of the new airport runway, and news that Benedicting College's proposed medical school received candidate accreditation status.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners discussed term length and supported a full four-year term.
•Directions for outreach and event coordination were discussed.
•Staff and budget committee recommended Shipley & Williams; references checked were positive.
•Staff announced KOKA candidate status for the medical school and noted planning steps.
•Staff announced runway opened for daytime use and described remaining construction items and FAA steps.
•Staff emphasized the project\u0019s economic development potential.
•Staff emphasized the rarity of a Supreme Court justice speaking and invited public support for Benedicting College.
•Staff explained RFP process and evaluated cost, regional presence and prior familiarity with Atchison audits.
•Staff recommended Clemens based on prior project work and airport involvement.

Decisions

•Appointment approved by voice vote.
•Three-year contract award to Shipley & Williams CPAs approved by voice vote.

Directions

•Authorize city manager to enter contract; staff to execute and schedule audits.
•City clerk to record appointment and publicize openings.
•College to submit site plans to planning commission; staff to continue coordination.
•Staff to complete FAA-required surveys and coordinate a potential ribbon-cutting with elected officials.
•Staff to publicize event details and logistics.

Sep

September 15, 2026, Atchison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, September 15th, 2026. Minutes

Atchison County commissioners met Sept. 15, 2026, approved routine agenda items and several administrative actions including contracting with CopyCo for mailings using a $4,711 credit, accepted the August EMS report (229 calls), and heard a Project Concern update on meal delivery totals.

Discussion Points

•August EMS activity totals presented: 229 total calls; 181 911 calls; 45 transfers; 106 transports; 3 standbys.
•Campbell described attending 9/11 ceremony and urged continuation of the tradition.
•Commission approved using office supplies budget to absorb net cost.
•County Appraiser recommended CopyCo and noted a $4,711 credit from prior year.
•KCCA-BOCC dues payment ($555.57) approved.
•Mid-States Material Atchison Quarry Water Pollution Control Permit provided for information.
•Project Concern provided meal service totals: 514 served, 3,243 delivered, 35,649 YTD.
•Quinn reminded commissioners of the upcoming Republican convention appointment for District 2.
•Sport Complex Sunset Resolution and EMS sales tax update moved to Sept. 22.

Decisions

•Contract with CopyCo approved 2-0.
•Dues paid; two items rescheduled.
•EMS report accepted 2-0
•Program numbers accepted 2-0.

Directions

•Provide EMS Sales Tax implementation update on Sept. 22.
•Staff to proceed with CopyCo vendor setup and apply credit.
•Staff to return deferred items on Sept. 22.

Sep

Atchison County Commission Video 2026-09-15

Atchison County commissioners met Sept. 15; they approved a $4,878.33 purchase order for 2027 change-of-value mailings, received EMS and senior-nutrition reports, directed follow-up on a rural water easement, and discussed options to address potential data-center impacts.

Discussion Points

•Appraiser presented bids and explained price matching and credits.
•Approval will be conditional on verification.
•Commissioners asked clarifying questions about services included (envelopes, door hangers).
•Counts of congregate and home‑delivered meals were provided and broken down by site.
•Destinations and transfers were itemized.
•Monthly EMS call and transport totals were provided.
•Need to avoid blanket easement; stake lines to verify exact utility locations.
•No data‑center applications are known at this time.
•Options to regulate data‑center noise and utility impacts: county noise controls at property lines, narrowly tailored county resolutions, or requesting state legislation.
•Staff to coordinate with Rural Water District No. 5.
•The county currently lacks zoning authority; utilities are a practical constraint for data‑center siting.
•Year‑to‑date home deliveries were reported as 35,649.

Decisions

•Purchase order approved 2–0.
•Report received and filed.

Directions

•Clerk to file approved purchase order.
•County Counselor to continue research and report back with examples used by other jurisdictions.
•County Counselor to request staking and report back.

Sep

Atchison County Commission Video 2026-09-08

Atchison County Commission met Sept. 8 to hear public comment on data centers, a residentrequest to lower a rural speed limit, discuss an EMS sales tax certification and a sports-complex sunset resolution, review appointed-attorney contract renewals, approve a $10,192 purchase order, then adjourn to workshop.

Discussion Points

•Chair noted need to quantify driveway counts and sight distances to justify changes.
•Chair requested case numbers, hours, descriptions and proposed contract amounts from appointed attorneys.
•Commissioners emphasized property-owner impacts and that no policy decision has been made.
•Commission preparing for 2027 contract renewals for court-appointed attorneys.
•Draft of sports-complex sunset resolution not located; staff to consult bond counsel.
•Kansas Department of Revenue staff suggested relying on county clerk certification of election results for EMS sales-tax processing.
•Public commenter said data centers can bring monetary benefits and infrastructure improvements.
•Resident reported repeated excessive speed and blind spots on 234th Road.
•Road & Bridge staff said an engineering study is required under state law and suggested submitting a formal request.
•Staff noted limited reimbursement available from the Kansas Attorney General for qualifying cases.
•Staff (Van Paris) will gather information and suggested public engagement.

Decisions

•Purchase order approved 2 to 0

Directions

•Attorneys to provide time documentation and requested contract amounts.
•Chair to request Road & Bridge examine the specified road segment.
•Staff to collect information and consider public forums for community input.
•Staff to consult bond counsel and obtain certification from the county clerk.
•Staff to explore AG reimbursement process.

Sep

Commission Meeting 09/08/2026

Atchison City Commission held public hearings and adopted a 2027 budget, a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, and an appropriation ordinance after a presentation by City Manager Mark Westhoff and public comment about property tax and street conditions.

Discussion Points

•City awarded grants and responded to an odor complaint at Mazook site.
•City Manager advised residents to use county appraisal appeal process and said staff will pursue street projects.
•City Manager summarized budget drivers, debt overlap and the contingent collector-well project.
•City staff reiterated the county appraisal process and promised to pursue street projects and grants.
•Commissioners praised staff and urged continued grant-seeking.
•Consent agenda items listed and explained by city manager.
•Funding: bond proceeds and KDOT CCLIP opportunities; Warnock Lake grant pursuit.
•Residents recounted perceived appraisal increases and lack of visible neighborhood improvements.
•Residents urged explanation of assessment increases and lack of visible street improvements.
•Schedule for curb/sidewalk replacement on Unity Street (this fall) and paving next summer.

Decisions

•Budget and appropriation ordinance adopted.
•Consent agenda approved; grants accepted and cleanup actions begun.
•No immediate policy change; citizens advised to use county appeal process.
•Resolution No. 3459 adopted to levy property tax above revenue-neutral rate.
•Timing confirmed; no additional action beyond funding and scheduling decisions.

Directions

•Proceed with adopting resolution and filing required forms with county/state.
•Staff to continue grant applications and consider publishing comparative tax studies.
•Staff to coordinate paving after curb/sidewalk completion and pursue grants for Warnock Lake repaving.
•Staff to execute consent agenda items and pursue grant administration; work with owner and KDHE on odor cleanup.
•Staff to file budget with county by Oct. 1 and continue grant applications for capital projects.

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