Jewell County Commissioners Keith Roe, Ed Duskie and Brent Beck met July 8. Carla J. Waugh, county clerk, and Myka Zadina were present for the meeting.
The commissioners again discussed the proposed five-mile-wide national electrical transmission line that could affect Jewell County. They repeated their opposition to the use of eminent domain in the process. The commissioners strongly oppose the use of eminent domain and anything allowing the federal government the ability to circumvent the State of Kansas siting authority. This includes opposing the federal government allowing entities like National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) to use eminent domain.
Cindy Becker, health administrator, discussed the reimbursement vouchers for the training in Montana for herself and Abby Elkins. She said the new vouchers will match receipts for mileage, lodging, air flight and car rental versus the original vouchers based on mileage, lodging, meals per diem for breakfast, lunch, dinner and incidentals per day. Carla Waugh said the checks were prepared based off the original vouchers before the June 30, 2024, deadline and the new vouchers do not match the check amounts. She said the checks and receipts must match, and this is exactly why the auditor said prepayment is not good practice. She also questioned Cindy’s voucher reimbursement for car rental when the charge is on the county’s credit card. Cindy said she cancelled that charge and will get proof of the cancellation.
Brenda Eakins, county treasurer, said she has an issue with the prepayment, no pre-authorization by the county commission, and paying each person for transportation. Brenda said even though it is a grant, it still comes back to Jewell County if the funds are found to be spent inappropriately according to the grant guidelines. Brenda said Cindy is a county employee and is to follow county policies whether her travels are for a grant or not because Jewell County is paying her salary. Brenda Eakins left the meeting. The commissioners said Cindy needed to give them advance notice of grants and travel. Carla asked the commissioners about holding or releasing the checks. Cindy said she didn’t care, so the commissioners said to hold the checks as the auditor had suggested. Cindy said she had applied and was approved for a $43,000 grant and a $300,000 grant but if Jewell County continues to hassle her with grant spending, then she will turn to Jewell County Strong as they have agreed to let the Health Department run the grants through them.
Mitchell County is discontinuing the dietitian services they provide to Jewell County. Cindy Becker said Jewell County will need to hire or contract with a dietitian. Invite to training for commissioners. KALHD can opt of school inspection.
Cheryl Russell reported that road 270 in Jackson Township from Cedar to Ash hadn’t been maintained by the county and is in need of a tube.
Carla Waugh, county clerk, reported the Jewell County Election Office received the grant reimbursement for the Kansas Secretary of State’s Physical Security grant in the amount of $5,705.55. She also received the state reimbursement for the direct expenses of the Presidential Preference Primary in the amount of $8,927.85.
The commissioners approved the computer system and software license sales agreement with Fidlar Technologies and Jewell County Register of Deeds for three years with the first-year payment of $24,000 and $7,000 for the 2nd and 3rd years.
Joel Elkins, general superintendent, discussed projects. Brad Bouray reported via telephone call that water has cut a deep channel on 270 road, which causes people to drive the ditch to get down this road. Ed Duskie reported Tom Schwerman’s concerns about the road by his property. Ed Duskie said all the dirt roads need attention.
Michael Rezkalla, chief executive officer of Pawnee Mental Health Services, requested a 5 percent increase for the 2025 budget. He reviewed the services provided and new programs.
Commissioners approved the bid of $2113.71 from VanMeter Renovation to replace the entrance door into the Sheriff’s Office.
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