ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — The City of La Harpe may be looking at getting out of the fire protection business. That potential was brought up by Commissioner David Lee during Tuesday’s Allen County Commission meeting, and Lee said while it might be a good deal for the city, he’s not so sure about the impact for the County.
“Number one I don’t know if it’s our responsibility to provide fire services in a community like that, and number two what precedent are we setting and what are we picking up by doing this,” Lee explained.
The idea had been brought to Lee by La Harpe’s fire chief. Rural Fire District 2 serves the surrounding area. In discussing this there were a lot more questions than answers, and it was felt this is something that the County Counselor and La Harpe City Attorney should look into.
The walk-through for the Allen County Landfill expansion by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment took place last week, and Public Works Director Mitch Garner said there remains just a few minor details to wrap up.
One of those details is the landfill’s water well used for water testing and where the sleeve broke off. Garner said the break does not appear to be too far down, and arrangements are being made for testing. That testing has already been scheduled.
One of the things on the punch list is seeking, and KDHE will check that next spring to see if additional work needs to be done. Garner also reported the backhoe that’s been under repair should be back in service next week.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Jeremy Hopkins said crews are continuing chip seal work in Humboldt and are about to finish up on 600 Road.
Interim Allen County Appraiser Danielle Louk discussed with Commissioners the possibility of purchasing field mobile systems that would be in field appraisal work. Louk said this would cut down on the amount of equipment they have to take into the field, reducing that to a couple of tablet computers.
The system carries a $20,000 price tag over three years, including an initial set-up, plus the cost of two tablets. Louk said this would allow the current staffing they have to work more efficiently. There are funds available in the Appraiser’s budget for the purchase, and Commissioners are expected to take action on it next week.
