Cowley County Commission Summary
Week of August 19, 2026
Cowley County commissioners approve fiscal year 2027 budget
Cowley County sees $1.3 million drop in expenses
Landfill fees increased for tires and white goods
Memorial Lawn Cemetery service costs adjusted
Engineering agreement approved for 252nd Road project
Cowley County drug court rebrands, announces December graduation
Resignation leaves third vacancy on disabilities board
Cowley County commissioners approve fiscal year 2027 budget
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — Following a brief public hearing that drew no citizen comments, the Cowley County Commission unanimously approved the fiscal year 2027 budget at Tuesday's meeting. The motion passed without opposition after a brief review of the finalized budget document, which officials stated aligns with the community's long-term financial strategies.
Cowley County sees $1.3 million drop in expenses
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — Prior to finalizing the new budget, the administrative team was commended for significantly reducing operational costs over the past year. It was noted during the meeting that staff efforts and more effective budgeting strategies resulted in a $1.3 million reduction in expenditures. Gratitude was expressed to the various department teams that worked to cut costs while maintaining essential local services.
Landfill fees increased for tires and white goods
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — To prevent out-of-area residents from taking advantage of low local prices, the Cowley County Commission unanimously approved an increase in landfill service costs for tires and white goods. The adjustment aligns local fees with those of neighboring Butler and Sedgwick counties and is projected to generate an additional $14,000 in annual revenue. Rates for municipal solid waste and construction demolition will remain unchanged when the new fee schedule takes effect Jan. 1.
Memorial Lawn Cemetery service costs adjusted
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Cowley County Commission approved adjustments to service costs at Memorial Lawn Cemetery to better cover operational expenses and reduce reliance on tax levy funds. Staff averaged the service costs from surrounding communities, including Winfield and Wellington, to establish middle-ground rates that are neither the highest nor the lowest in the region. The updated fee schedule will take effect Jan. 1.
Engineering agreement approved for 252nd Road project
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Cowley County Commission approved a $34,000 engineering services agreement with Kirkham, Michael & Associates Inc. for a reinforced concrete box project on 252nd Road. The project will replace the current structure with a sturdier, pour-in-place box to better accommodate heavy school, business and agricultural traffic. Following concerns raised during the meeting about residents being unable to navigate nearby hills during winter weather, staff agreed to try to expedite the five-to-six-month design phase while awaiting potential federal disaster funding.
Cowley County drug court rebrands, announces December graduation
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Deputy County Attorney Christian Fazel announced the renaming of the Cowley County drug court program to Recovery Court, highlighting its 16-year history of combating substance abuse in Arkansas City and the surrounding area. Fazel invited the public to attend the program's upcoming graduation ceremony on Dec. 9 in the West courtroom. He emphasized the program's ongoing success in helping residents recover from substance use disorders, lowering crime and reducing local recidivism rates.
Resignation leaves third vacancy on disabilities board
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — Following the recent resignation of long-time at-large member Bob Matthews, which adds to two pre-existing openings, Cowley County officials announced they are searching for volunteers to fill three current vacancies on the Cowley County Community Developmental Disability Organization board. County staff are currently reaching out to local affiliates and community members to find willing candidates to serve on the board and fulfill the organization's bylaws.
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