Cropland values decrease in JC

The Jewell County Commissioners met Feb. 5. Commissioners Keith Roe, Ed Duskie, and Brent Beck were present. Carla Waugh, county clerk, was present for the meeting.

The commissioners discussed the letter they received from Rick Peters requesting for a return of proper easement onto his property located in Allen Township Section 12-5-6 and 13-5-6 that has become obstructed by a fence line. The commissioners said they will move forward with Rick Peters request by notifying the Jewell County Attorney. The commissioners discussed the best option for acquiring equipment for the Solid Waste Department. The county’s auditor provided Keith Roe with some options to consider. They also discussed the Bond Election for USD 273 which is Thursday, April 18.The Mitchell County Clerk is the home county and will mail ballots to all registered voters that reside in USD 273 in Mitchell, Cloud, Jewell and Ottawa counties.

Anna Porter, county appraiser, reviewed the 2024 ag values provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue. The cropland values indicate an average decrease of 13 percent to 18 percent in Jewell County.

Joel Elkins, general superintendent, discussed equipment repairs. The commissioners discussed the cost of placing gravel on roads.

The Memorandum of Understanding with the 12th Judicial District Supervised Visitation and Child Exchange Services passed unanimously.

The commissioners approved to remain in the NCKLEPG for fiscal year 2024-2025 (July 1 to June 30) and to pay the county match of $1,500 for the fiscal year.