ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Matters involving the Allen County Airport were a major topic of discussion for County Commissioners Tuesday. At Commissioner David Lee’s request, the discussion covered hangar rates, construction of another hangar, and priority lists for hangar rental.
On the subject of rent, Commissioners voted 2-1 with Jerry Daniels opposed, to increase hangar rent to $600 a month. Commissioner Lee and to some extent Commissioner John Brocker, believed the rents should reflect what Allen County taxpayers have invested in recent hangar projects. Commissioners also voted 2-1, with Daniels opposed, not to construct a hangar that had been budgeted for this year.
Commissioners unanimously approved a waiting list policy that gives Allen County residents priority on rental of hangar space. Commissioners also discussed leasing space for privately constructed hangars, with which they have no issues.
Related to the airport, Public Works Director Mitch Garner said part of the pavement for a previously approved hangar must be re-poured due to a full-depth crack that developed. This will be the contractor’s responsibility.
Commissioners approved the attendance of 911 Director Chelsie Decker and Emergency Management Director Jason Trego at the Navigator Conference in Las Vegas, where both will be giving presentations for which event organizers are covering part of their costs. Sending another 911 employee to this conference was not approved, which Commissioner David Lee had completely opposed at a meeting two weeks ago.
It surfaced during discussion that the location of the conference in Las Vegas may have been a sore point for the Commission. Also discussed were meal reimbursement rates, which are set out in county purchasing policies and which the Commission wants to review.
In another travel request, Commissioners approved sending a landfill employee to a training session next month in Minnesota on the evaporator and pump system controls that were recently installed there. The training cost is inclusive, covering all meals and lodging. Commissioners also authorized use of a county vehicle for travel to the training.
Related to the landfill, Public Works Director Mitch Garner said there has been a change in the annual certification of the underground fuel tanks, paperwork for which will now have to be done by a third party rather than landfill staff per KDHE directive. Garner said this will cost around $250 a year, which is less than he thought it would cost. Garner added he will present the annual Solid Waste Plan to them next week for review and signatures.
Purchase of a chemical spray bed and nozzles for a new noxious weed truck was approved The low bid accepted of two received was from Fairbanks of Wichita was just over $81,000. Road and Bridge Supervisor Jeremy Hopkins said this unit can also be used for brine application on county roads during the winter. Delivery is expected in about three months. 2026 chemical purchases will come before the Commission next week.
Hopkins also reported a dump truck parked outside the shop caught fire last week. The insurance adjuster has totaled the 2007 truck, and Hopkins will begin looking for a replacement once they receive funds from their claim. Hopkins also reported on ongoing brush cleanup and said striping bids will be brought to them soon.
Commissioners Tuesday approved renewal of health insurance coverage through Blue Cross-Blue Shield. The renewal includes an increase in deductibles for the partly self-funded plan. There will not be an increase in employee premiums for health insurance, but there will be a slight increase for dental coverage. Building and Grounds supervisor Ron Holman presented a bid for tree and stump removal on the courthouse, with Commissioners asking he obtain an additional quote. Commissioners also approved an audit engagement letter with Jared, Gilmore and Phillips for the Hospital Board, and approved a cereal malt beverage license renewal for Humboldt Speedway.
The potential of a Neighborhood Revitalization Program for unincorporated areas of Allen County was discussed by County Commissioners Tuesday, Commissioner David Lee brought this topic up, and said he’s working with the county clerk, treasurer and appraiser on the logistics of how the program would work.
Under an NRP, which three communities in Allen County already have, residential property owners can receive a rebate of property taxes on the increased value of improvements to their property over a ten year period. Typically this is a full rebate for the first few years, which decreases in later years.
Commissioners John Brocker and Jerry Daniels are receptive to the idea, Brocker noting the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission has resources available on setting up a program.
