Ford County Commission Summary
Week of June 5, 2026
Commissioners approve new oversized load regulations
Land purchase approved for OS Bridge 31 project
Commission rejects vehicle bids, orders rebidding for Noxious Weeds Department
County reviews draft FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Conditional use permit granted for Spearville auto shop
Appraiser flags $146,000 calculation error in oil and gas abatements
County cuts Motorola lease, retains dispatch equipment
Commissioners approve new oversized load regulations
FORD COUNTY, Kan. — The Ford County Commission approved updated regulations for moving oversized and overweight structures and loads on county roads at its May 18, 2026, meeting. Resolution No. 2026-18, which was drafted collaboratively by multiple county departments, will take effect on July 1 to provide local movers adequate time to comply with the new rules.
Land purchase approved for OS Bridge 31 project
FORD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved the purchase of a permanent right of way to facilitate the OS Bridge 31 project. The agreement, presented by county legal counsel Glenn Kerbs, includes a permanent easement and a signed liability waiver allowing the sellers to continue using the existing bridge.
Commission rejects vehicle bids, orders rebidding for Noxious Weeds Department
FORD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission voted to reject newly received bids for a pickup truck for the Noxious Weeds Department after director Ben Rumbaugh revealed his department actually requires two vehicles. The commission directed Rumbaugh to restart the procurement process and solicit new bids that cover both necessary pickups to ensure accurate taxpayer spending.
County reviews draft FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
FORD COUNTY, Kan. — Planning and zoning director Melissa Drake updated the commission on an ongoing collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding local flood designations. FEMA recently submitted a letter requesting the county validate its draft Flood Insurance Rate Map database, a regulatory document that dictates local flood zones and could eventually impact property insurance requirements for area homeowners.
Conditional use permit granted for Spearville auto shop
FORD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved a conditional use permit and development plan for Agustin Rizo Fonseca to operate an auto and truck repair shop in Spearville. The new business will be located at 10394 126 Road.
Appraiser flags $146,000 calculation error in oil and gas abatements
FORD COUNTY, Kan. — Ford County appraiser Caroline Petty requested the removal of a $146,327.30 item regarding 2024 oil and gas abatements after flagging a calculation error in the total. The corrected abatement figures are expected to be brought before the commission for approval at its next meeting.
County cuts Motorola lease, retains dispatch equipment
FORD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved a request from communications director Elliot Linke to discontinue an equipment lease with Motorola at the end of its current term, opting instead to retain the existing equipment as permitted by the contract. The board also approved a maintenance agreement with Reliable Admin Solutions for the upkeep of the county's computer-aided dispatch system.
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