Finney County Commission Summary
Week of June 2, 2026
Commission approves special use permit for 6,150-acre solar project
Battery energy storage system gets green light from commissioners
New EMS and health department facility running ahead of schedule
Katrina Lowry appointed as new Finney County local health officer
County to purchase three new cardiac monitors for EMS
Commission narrowly approves engineering contract despite past performance concerns
Local firm selected to design repairs for 11 hail-damaged county buildings
Scott County to withdraw from West Plains Extension District
Commission denies extra payroll funds for senior center, praises mental health expansion
Commission approves special use permit for 6,150-acre solar project
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Finney County Commission approved a special use permit for Sherlock Solar LLC to construct a 400-megawatt commercial solar facility spanning roughly 6,150 acres. The project, part of the broader Home Range Clean Power initiative, aims to provide renewable energy that could potentially support a future data center or advanced manufacturing facility. Despite public concerns regarding water usage and the revegetation of the local Sandhills, the commission praised the rigorous permitting process that mandates extensive environmental, water and road use agreements before construction begins in spring 2027. One commissioner recused himself from the 4-0 vote.
Battery energy storage system gets green light from commissioners
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — In a related 4-0 vote, with one commissioner again recusing himself, the Finney County Commission approved a special use permit for Sherlock Energy Storage LLC to build a 400-megawatt battery energy storage system. The facility will occupy 54 acres adjacent to the newly approved solar project. Company representatives assured the commission that the lithium-ion batteries do not require water for daily operations and that strict emergency readiness plans will be established in coordination with local fire departments to ensure safety.
New EMS and health department facility running ahead of schedule
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — Construction on the new Finney County Emergency Medical Services and Health Department building is tracking more than a month ahead of schedule and under budget, according to Director of Building Maintenance Nolan Thill. Flooring and building systems are currently being finalized, and furniture delivery is expected by late July or early August. County staff anticipate moving into the new facility just before Labor Day.
Katrina Lowry appointed as new Finney County local health officer
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — Katrina Lowry was unanimously appointed as the new Finney County local health officer, replacing Deynalina Ontiveros, who served as the interim director during a transitional period. Ontiveros will be returning to her preferred role as a charge nurse. Lowry, who took over as the public health director in early May, will now officially oversee the department's public health operations alongside Deputy Health Officer Anna Alex and County Medical Officer Dr. Michael Jackson.
County to purchase three new cardiac monitors for EMS
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Finney County Commission unanimously approved the purchase of three Zoll X Series cardiac monitor-defibrillator units for Finney County Emergency Medical Services at a cost of $183,288. The county expects to receive a $17,912 reimbursement through a Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services grant, bringing the net cost down to $165,376. The purchase, funded by the emergency medical services equipment reserve fund, will replace aging equipment and ensure all county ambulances operate with standardized technology.
Commission narrowly approves engineering contract despite past performance concerns
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — In a split 3-2 vote, the Finney County Commission approved a $76,000 preliminary engineering agreement with Kirkham Michael for the 2027 High-Risk Rural Road project on Old Highway 83. The safety improvement project is funded by a $600,000 federal grant, with the county covering preliminary engineering costs from the special highway fund. Questions were raised regarding the firm's past project management and customer service, but the commission ultimately approved the contract after county staff confirmed a completely new project management team would handle the roadway improvements.
Local firm selected to design repairs for 11 hail-damaged county buildings
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Architect, LLC, a Garden City-based firm, was unanimously selected to provide architectural and design services for extensive roof repairs across 11 county-owned facilities. The buildings sustained significant damage during a July 2025 hail storm, with insurance estimates projecting around $1 million in replacement costs. The firm will help the county develop detailed bid specifications to ensure all construction contractors are held to a uniform, high-quality standard, with the firm's fee to be negotiated based on the total project cost.
Scott County to withdraw from West Plains Extension District
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — It was announced that Scott County has voted to withdraw from the West Plains Extension District, which currently provides agricultural and community extension services to both Finney and Scott counties. The withdrawal will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. The upcoming separation will require the remaining board members and county administrators to divide assets and restructure the local extension office's budget and operations over the next two years.
Commission denies extra payroll funds for senior center, praises mental health expansion
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — During commissioner reports, it was noted that the Finney County Commission will not provide additional enhanced funding to the Senior Citizen Center to cover recent payroll issues, citing a need to stick to previously proposed budgets for outside agencies. The rapid expansion of Compass Behavioral Health was also praised, noting the agency has grown from 200 to over 300 employees to better deploy social workers and therapists alongside local law enforcement during mental health crises.
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