McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners Monday approved submission to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment the annual Aid to Local Grant application for the Health Department related to four of its programs including Family Planning, Immunization Action, Public Health Emergency Preparedness and State Formula funding.
Director Shalei Shea said while there is a nearly $20,000 increase in the grant funding, part of this is related to KDHE asking them to oversee family planning services in Rice County. Rice County discontinued providing family planning services a few years ago and is wanting to resume these services, which the state wanted another department to mentor them through the process.
This grant provides between 10 and 15 percent of their annual funding and also allows them to bill health insurance and clients for services rendered.
Information Technology director Jeff Butler discussed data related items on the County Building remodel, including providing for additional data points, wiring and changes in the number of secured door locks that will be required. Approval to order of supplies for this part of the project was given at a cost of just under $300,000, of which $82,000 is included in the construction contract.
Commissioners approved replacement of the fire control panel and smoke alarm systems at the courthouse, at a cost of just under $29,000. This project involves replacing three existing panels that were installed in 1998 and according to the vendor is the oldest system they work on. The smoke detectors are even older than that.
Maintenance Supervisor Joshua Pimentel was given approval to seek bids to replace the east sliding doors at the Courthouse, which wind can easily blow open. Commissioners accepted a $3,500 quote for replacement of a control panel for a chiller at the Courthouse.
Commissioners approved purchase of four Flock camera readers for the Sheriff’s Office. These license tag readers are currently used by several area jurisdictions and during a trial of it in Moundridge they were able to make a drug-related death case from data it collected. The cameras will be placed along I-135 and US 56, with a total cost over five years at $63,800.
The Commission was also informed the jail population as of Monday was at 40, up four from a week ago. This count includes six females and five being held for courts other than district court.
Commissioners signed the official notification to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management for the appointment of Emily Yates as the county’s new Emergency Management Director. Yates will officially assume the position next week on the retirement of Julie McClure, who is concluding 31 years of service to McPherson County. McClure is being honored with a retirement reception Friday from 2-4 PM at the McPherson County Extension office at 600 West Woodside. Yates also reported wiring of the new 911 tower southeast of Windom is taking place this week as erection of the tower has been completed.
In personnel matters, Commissioners met with Butler in executive session to discuss a personnel matter, with no action taken. Commissioners approved for Harvey/McPherson County Community Corrections an end of introductory raise for a field officer and hiring of a part time secretary for the Newton office, and a step increase was approved for a corrections deputy in the Sheriff’s Office.
