ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners are looking at the potential of again submitting a half percent sales tax to support ambulance service in the county. A while back, voters turned down a sales tax proposal, and Commissioners felt that they didn’t do a good enough job in educating voters on what was proposed.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels suggested looking at hiring an outside firm to assist in educating voters on what that tax would do, given successes other counties have had in passing similar sales taxes. Daniels cited Neosho and Wilson counties as possible resources on how to get a sales tax passed.
Commissioner David Lee said such a tax could generate around $1.2 million a year, and with the opening of Lehigh Portland State Park, this will bring additional out-of-county shoppers to Allen County. Economic Development Director Camille Lavon was asked to look into possibilities for this.
The Commission is looking at possibly having this question on the November general election ballot.
Emergency Management Director Jason Trego told Commissioners new cell modules are being installed Wednesday on the three county-maintained storm sirens. While Blue Valley Public Safety is doing this work, Trego asked for and Commissioners agreed to have the batteries on the sirens replaced. These batteries, which cost $700 each, have about a three year life span.
During the meeting Commissioners also signed the 2026 Waste Management Plan to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, after the County Counselor reviewed it and had no issues..
Commissioners accepted a bid from B&E Services of $1,322 to remove a tree on the Courthouse square. Building and Grounds Supervisor Ron Holman said B&E had the low bid of three received. This tree is being taken out because its root system is causing uplifting of a nearby sidewalk creating a safety hazard. Holman is planning to do some landscaping work next year in that area, once sidewalk repairs are completed, and it’s his intent to plant a new tree in the future to replace what’s being removed.
Bids were reviewed for concrete work near an entryway to Monarch Cement’s facility near Humboldt. This work will be in the area of 1600 and Delaware Roads, and the lowest bid of four received came from FN Contracting of Yates Center, at $22,350. Monarch is providing the mid and trucking services for this project. Action on the bid will be taken next week.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Jeremy Hopkins said a noxious weed spray truck will be going to Wichita this week to have the new bed installed.
Commissioners next week will hear a presentation on a proposed Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioner David Lee met last week with County Clerk Shannon Patterson, Appraiser Danielle Louk and Treasurer Cricket Maley to discuss the specifics of the plan, which would provide a rebate on the value of improvements to a property, including residential properties, over a ten year period, not unlike an Industrial Revenue Bond. Louk will present the pros and cons of various things a plan could include.
Commissioners also conducted an executive session with Economic Development Director Camille Lavon and Bruce Boettcher from BG Consultants related to trade secrets of third parties.
