By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday gave pre-approval for purchase of IT equipment and other items related to the County Building renovation. IT Director Jeff Butler said he wanted to obtain approval now so he could proceed with that work as construction work moves forward.
The fiber backbone and termination panels will be provided by MTC, with Audio Visual equipment from Hopp Sound, and assorted equipment for data rooms and closets from CDWG. It also approved purchase of network switches and access points, configuration and training from C&C Group, and addition of security cameras for the building to what is already in place.
Part of the security system and cable installation is included in Fuqua Construction’s bid for the overall project. It also approved having Hopp Sound move audio-visual equipment from the County Building to Public Works where Commissioners will meet during the County Building project.
Commissioners accepted a bid from GT Distributors for purchase of 22 Glock 9mm handguns for the Sheriff’s Office. GT’s bid was the lowest of two received at a net cost of just over $4,000 including trade of existing guns. Sheriff Jerry Montagne said deputies currently carry 40mm guns, and the change to 9mm would allow the department to have the same weapons as used by every other agency in the area.
Montagne told Commissioners the jail census as of Monday morning was at 51, with nine female inmates and eight being held for municipal courts, and 17 arrests made last week.
Approval was given for purchase of salt for winter use from Independent Salt Company of Kanopolis. Road Superintendent Kevin Erickson said Independent submitted a bid for 150 tons of salt at 51.05 a ton which the county can order additional quantities as needed without a contract required, while a bid from Central Salt in Lyons at 50.56 a ton required a contract purchase of 1,000 tons. The cost difference between the two came to about $75.
Commissioners accepted quotes for road materials and hauling for the rest of this year and next year. David Hammer from Public Works said current prices except for one product used for gravel roads will be honored through the end of the year, and they are switching to a harder rock from a different source, which will carry additional hauling charges.
One other change in material being implemented is going to a smaller rock size for chip seal projects. While most of the material will be for next year, they are going to purchase as much of this before the end of 2024 to take advantage of the current prices.
Commissioners authorized opening of a commercial account through Harbor Freight, which would involve one card with a three thousand dollar purchase limit, and approved part purchases for winter maintenance for the asphalt plant,
In his monthly report, Planning, Zoning and Environmental Administrator Jon Kinsey reported five accessory permits were issued in October with an estimated cost valuation of $332,000. Kinsey noted activity in the office has slowed down a bit, which is normal for this time of the year though they are still quite busy.
Personnel actions approved include hiring of an office deputy for the Sheriff’s Office and a new employee for the County Treasurer’s Office. The commission approved end of introductory raises for employees in the Public Works Department and in the Treasurer’s office and promotion of an employee in the latter to fill a position created by an employee retirement last week.
