ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners this morning gave final approval for a change in the emergency notification system the county uses. Last week Emergency Management Director Jason Trego presented a proposal from Genasys, which would provide a product that would be better suited to Allen County’s needs than Code Red. Trego told Commissioners five other counties in southeast Kansas are now using Genasys, and they are pleased with how it is working.
The Commission approved a resolution to place on the November general election ballot renewal of the quarter percent sales tax that is used for maintenance of the Allen County Regional Hospital and clinic property. This tax is renewed every five years.
Commissioners heard a presentation from Thrive Allen County’s Marcia Davis on last week’s Iola Community Conversation, which included the suggestion the county look at hiring a County Administrator. Davis said some of the reasoning for that is to promote more continuity for department heads, and help preserve institutional knowledge with the turnover of Commissioners as they come and leave office.
The next Community Conversation will take place next Monday in Elsmore.
Public Works Director Mitch Garner said during his report the Kansas Department of Health and Environment last week did an inspection of Allen County Airport and particularly their fueling system, for which no issues were found.
Garner also provided an update on the new compactor, which could be placed in operation next week. The compactor had not been expected to be delivered until December, but it came last month. Garner also reported one of his temporary landfill employees will be leaving Thursday to return to school, with the other two working through the end of September.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Jeremy Hopkins gave an update on current road work, mowing and brush cutting. He also noted their bucket truck is still out of service, awaiting installation of a new engine.
Commissioners also agreed, subject to final arrangements being made, for a cars and coffee event on the east side of the Square in September, and an upcoming car show and aircraft display at Allen County Airport, proceeds from the car show to support Iola USD 257 Special Education.
