Neosho County Commissioners discussed radio updates, road projects, and grant support during its Thursday, April 17, meeting.
In fire department radio updates, county commissioners approved to proceed with an estimate from Uplink for a repeater system for $22,102.19.
“We really need it,” District 1 Commissioner Paul Westhoff said.
In other 911 operations, Nally said that the department received its National Crime Information Center audit and said the department did well. According to Nally, there were some minor adjustments recommended. Nally said these changes were made and the department was now in complete compliance.
“We’re good for another three years,” Nally said.
Nally also requested to discuss a potential policy to have every other Friday off when possible. She cited frequent work-related calls when she is out of the office as one reason why this is needed. By the nature of her job, if there is an emergency, she said she would show up to work regardless, but having the option to stay home every other Friday was a perk she previously had up until six years ago. Commissioners were open to the idea but said they’d need to have a formal policy in place. Road and Bridge Director Mike Brown also said he supported having a more in-depth discussion between commissioners and departments about non-monetary benefits and potential adjustments to employee hours or schedules. Discussion on this matter will continue at the commission’s next meeting.
Casey Brown from Southeast Kansas Community Action Program or SEKCAP to ask for a community letter of support for a Community Service Block Grant. Casey said this grant serves as the organization’s core funding. SEKCAP provides Head Start programs throughout the region, as well as transportation services. Casey also asked the commissioners to participate in a community needs assessment.
“We want input from government officials, community members, you name it,” Casey said.
Brown says the responses help guide what their funding will be used for, whether that is housing, transportation, or at-home services. Commissioners approved a letter of support.
Mike Brown said the River Bridge Project was going well, noting that he was impressed with the crew. Mike estimated the river bridge south of Erie on Highway 59 should be completed in mid-May.
See COMMISSION, continued on page 2 A culvert project near Chase Road is also ongoing, with the hope to have the wing walls completed by the end of this week, weather pending.
The next Neosho County Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6, at 2 p.m., at the Neosho County Courthouse in Erie. Meetings are also live-streamed on YouTube from the Neosho County Commissioners YouTube channel.
