County receives clean financial audit for fiscal year 2025

Property valuation protests hit record low

EMS call volumes remain high at over 10 runs daily

County jail reaches overcapacity, housing inmates elsewhere

Commissioners highlight new mental health crisis center

County honors late Tom Wasinger

County receives clean financial audit for fiscal year 2025

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - Ellis County received an unmodified opinion on its fiscal year 2025 financial audit presented by Adams Brown representative Jami Benyshek during Tuesday's commission meeting. The county did not require a separate single audit this year due to the depletion of COVID-19 funds and an increase in the federal auditing threshold to $1 million. The representative noted two minor statutory violations, including the debt service fund exceeding its budget by $16,275 due to a budgeting error, though sufficient funds were available to make the bond payment. The commission unanimously approved the audit.

Property valuation protests hit record low

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - Ellis County saw one of its lowest years for property valuation protests, with only 60 individuals challenging their appraisals. The numbers were reported after a recent meeting with county appraiser Eugene Rupp. The appraiser's office was commended for its accuracy in setting valuations, though it was warned that rising insurance costs remain a looming concern over which the county has little control in the upcoming budget cycle.

EMS call volumes remain high at over 10 runs daily

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - Ellis County Emergency Medical Services continues to experience high community demand, maintaining an average of more than 10 runs per day, a pace that continues to stretch department resources compared to averages from previous years. The sustained call volume was highlighted during the meeting, emphasizing the critical, life-saving nature of the service. It was noted that while department heads look for budget cuts where possible, the county faces increasing equipment and fuel costs to maintain current service levels.

County jail reaches overcapacity, housing inmates elsewhere

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The Ellis County jail has returned to overcapacity, requiring the county to pay to house inmates in out-of-county facilities. The development was noted during the monthly departmental report, emphasizing that while the jail population had previously seen a temporary dip, the return to full capacity is a reality of the essential services the county must provide despite rising operational costs.

Commissioners highlight new mental health crisis center

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The commission celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the High Plains Mental Health Center Crisis Intervention Center, noting its significance for care throughout northwest Kansas. It was reported that a recent lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., successfully drew federal attention to the project, prompting a tour of the newly opened facility by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran just days later.

County honors late Tom Wasinger

ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - The Ellis County Commission held a moment of silence Tuesday in honor of Tom Wasinger, who passed away on Saturday, May 2. Condolences were extended by the county to Wasinger's family and his wife, State Rep. Barb Wasinger, recognizing his long-standing contributions to the local community.

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