Dickinson County Commission Summary
Week of March 6, 2026
Commission approves funding for new Chapman rescue truck
County refunds farm stand permit fee, clarifies zoning rules
County declares surplus property for upcoming public auction
Grant applications open for America's 250th anniversary projects
Dispatch general fund comes in $103,000 under budget
911 dispatch center bolsters staffing levels
County ahead of curve on proposed state emergency dispatch mandates
Commission approves funding for new Chapman rescue truck
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — The Dickinson County Commission unanimously approved a request to fund up to $30,000 for a new rescue truck for the Chapman Fire Department. Chapman Fire Chief Nick Saunto presented the proposal, noting the department requires a smaller, four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate difficult off-road terrain and severe winter weather that larger structure engines cannot access. The county will provide a 50 percent match for the purchase using the all-hazard rescue truck fund, while the city of Chapman will handle ongoing maintenance, testing and insurance.
County refunds farm stand permit fee, clarifies zoning rules
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners voted to set aside a conditional use permit and refund a $200 application fee to a local resident operating a farm stand on a rural county road. The permit was initially brought before the county commission due to the property's proximity to residential subdivisions and potential traffic concerns. However, county planning staff and commissioners ultimately determined that selling home-raised eggs, produce and handmade crafts is already a permitted use under the area's agricultural zoning, allowing the family to operate without the permit.
County declares surplus property for upcoming public auction
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — The county commission unanimously approved a resolution declaring several county-owned items as surplus property. The inventory, which includes older vehicles, a sprayer, cameras and scanners, will be sold "as is" to the public. Officials expect the items to be photographed and listed on Purple Wave within the next month, with the final sales proceeds returning to the county's general budget.
Grant applications open for America's 250th anniversary projects
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — Local organizations can now apply for grant funding through the America 250 Community Grant Program for projects taking place during the 2026 celebrations. County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf said applications will be open for one month and can be accessed through the Driving Dickinson County website. Following the deadline, submitted projects will be reviewed, with award announcements and project details expected to be made public in April.
Dispatch general fund comes in $103,000 under budget
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — A recent audit of Dickinson County's emergency communications budget revealed that the 2025 dispatch general fund ended the year $103,000 under budget. While the separate state-allocated 911 fund ran $9,000 over budget, officials have already identified cuts to non-essential services to prevent future overages.
911 dispatch center bolsters staffing levels
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — The Dickinson County Emergency Communications Center is making steady progress toward full staffing. Two dispatchers recently completed their training, bringing the center to five full-time employees. The department continues to utilize four part-time staff members to ensure adequate coverage while actively interviewing and testing additional applicants, with an ultimate goal of securing eight or nine full-time dispatchers.
County ahead of curve on proposed state emergency dispatch mandates
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — Proposed state legislation could soon mandate emergency medical dispatch or telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) capabilities for all Kansas counties, but Dickinson County is already ahead of the curve. Communications Director Amber Pfeifer told commissioners the county is already fully certified and actively providing pre-arrival medical instructions — such as CPR and bleeding control — to callers. This places Dickinson County well ahead of many smaller Kansas agencies that currently lack the funding or manpower to offer these critical services.
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