ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners continued discussions Tuesday on a proposed Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, which would provide rebates on the increased valuation resulting from certain improvements in unincorporated areas of the county.
One of the major items discussed was whether it would be a 100 percent rebate for the full ten-year period, which Iola, Humboldt and La Harpe have in their plans, or start phasing down the amount of the benefit in the later years of the period, which is common in many plans around Kansas. Commissioner David Lee stated a preference for the full rebate for all ten years, while Commissioner John Brocker backed a phase-down after the 6th year.
Appraiser Danielle Houk discussed with Commissioners some of the logistical factors of having different abatement scheduled. Work on the plan will continue next week. Once developed, it will be submitted to the school districts involved and Allen Community College for their review and approval.
Commissioners adopted proclamations for Child Abuse Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Commissioners also took part in the pinwheel planting for Child Abuse Awareness, which they took a short break from their meeting for.
The Commission agreed to provide $1,000 to the Allen County Farmers Market to help pay for the person who coordinates acceptance of SNAP and Double Up vouchers during the markets, matching what the Iola City Council agreed to contribute Monday. They also asked for permission to place banners on the southeast and southwest corners of the Square, and will work with building and grounds supervisor Ron Holman on that.
An update was presented on the Southeast Kansas Food Festival taking place on the Square May 2nd. They are still accepting vendor applications for the festival, with spaces $25 for food trucks and $15 for food tables, with informational booths free. The city of Iola has also agreed to waive vendor permit fees for this event. As part of the festival there will be prizes awarded for the best food vendors along with a people’s choice award.
Bids were approved s for road oil for the 2026 season. Road and Bridge Supervisor Jeremy Hopkins said the cost of that oil did go up, but not as much as he was expecting. Commissioners opted to go with the low bid for each type of oil used, most of which will be purchased through Coastal with one oil type to be purchased through Vance Brothers if bids can be separated out.
Hopkins also reported Bettis Asphalt and Construction began work Monday on 1150 Road south of US 169, which is being overlaid to match up with a project last year in Neosho County on the continuation of the Old Highway 169.
Commissioners also discussed a proposal to designate Allen County as a Purple Heart County, which will be looked at in more detail next week.
