Cowley County Commission Summary
Week of July 8, 2026
Commission reviews proposed 2027 budget featuring mill levy decrease
County switches employee health insurance to save over $190,000
Tensions flare over volunteer fire department workers' comp data
Cowley County approves disaster declaration for June storm damage
Commission approves repairs for Chrysler and Pebble Creek low-water bridges
Emergency dispatch center receives $53,000 power supply upgrade
County to request federal environmental review of proposed cell tower
County evaluates impact of proposed transmission line routes
Commission reviews proposed 2027 budget featuring mill levy decrease
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — Cowley County taxpayers could see a reduction in property taxes next year, following the presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. County Administrator Lucas Goff announced a projected mill rate of 37.383, a notable drop from 40.968 in 2026. The reduction represents an estimated $1.03 million decrease in property taxes levied. Goff noted that county department heads worked diligently to find cost reductions without jeopardizing services. A public hearing for the budget is scheduled for Aug. 18.
County switches employee health insurance to save over $190,000
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — In a move aimed at curbing rising health care costs, the commission unanimously approved a transition away from Blue Cross Blue Shield to a new employee health benefits model for the 2026-2027 coverage year. The county will now utilize an unbundled, partially self-insured plan through the Everlong Stop Loss Captive using benefit vendors Allied Benefits and OreadRx. USI Insurance Services estimated the switch will save the county $192,657, largely through reduced pharmaceutical costs. The switch provides comparable local coverage networks and substantial budget savings, offering an alternative that county officials deemed necessary despite a surveyed preference among 60 percent of employees to remain with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Tensions flare over volunteer fire department workers' comp data
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — A request for personnel data from rural volunteer fire departments sparked a tense discussion between fire chiefs and the commission over workers' compensation insurance. County Administrator Lucas Goff requested rosters and estimated volunteer hours to explore consolidating the departments' workers' compensation plans to save money. However, rural fire district representatives expressed concerns that the data could be used to justify forced consolidation of the fire districts themselves — a motive the commission vehemently denied. The commission ultimately gave the fire departments a 30-day deadline to voluntarily provide the data, after which the county will abandon the cost-saving effort.
Cowley County approves disaster declaration for June storm damage
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a weather emergency declaration for damages sustained during a severe storm on June 25. County Administrator Lucas Goff reported approximately $1 million in damages to county infrastructure, specifically citing the loss of a culvert and a bridge on township roads. Cowley County quickly surpassed its $169,000 threshold for state public assistance, and local officials anticipate a state-level declaration that will open the door for federal disaster relief funds.
Commission approves repairs for Chrysler and Pebble Creek low-water bridges
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — The county will repair two low-water crossings damaged by flooding rather than pursuing costly full-bridge replacements. The commission unanimously approved a project not to exceed $83,279 to repair the Chrysler low-water bridge on 182nd Road and the Pebble Creek crossing on 192nd Road. The project involves replacing culvert pipes, adding reinforcing steel and pouring new concrete tops pinned to the existing structures. Public Works Superintendent Jon Jordan indicated the repairs will extend the life of the crossings for several years, avoiding a multimillion-dollar expenditure for new bridge structures.
Emergency dispatch center receives $53,000 power supply upgrade
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — To ensure uninterrupted emergency services during power outages, the commission approved the purchase of a replacement battery backup system for the South Annex dispatch and server room. Emergency Services Director Doug Allison noted the existing system was installed in 2013 and will soon lack replacement parts. The $53,000 upgrade will be funded partially through the county's 911 reserve account, which currently holds around $380,000, and a server fee collected from agencies sharing the county's records management system.
County to request federal environmental review of proposed cell tower
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission agreed to intervene regarding a proposed 435-foot cell tower slated for construction near the Walnut River inside a federally designated flood zone. Following a plea from neighboring residents who cited concerns over the tower's impact on floodplain flow and property lines, the commission directed staff to draft a letter to the Federal Communications Commission requesting proper environmental due diligence. The county will also closely monitor the pending floodplain permit application, which could halt construction if developers do not meet floodplain regulatory requirements regarding water flow.
County evaluates impact of proposed transmission line routes
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — Cowley County is preparing a response regarding Evergy's proposed Buffalo Flats to Delaware transmission line project, following routing adjustments made by the Kansas Corporation Commission. County Administrator Lucas Goff confirmed that staff members are currently collecting data on how the newly proposed routes would impact local infrastructure and property. Commissioners expressed hope that the final route will utilize existing utility lines rather than cutting a new path across the eastern portion of the county, after regulators denied Evergy's eastern portion of the route and ordered a new routing study.
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