Commissioner questions funding request for Health Ministries Clinic

Commission approves shared dietitian contract with Reno County

Parks department approved for new Ford F-150

Commission approves HVAC replacements for county parks

Administrator reports minor damage from recent storms

Commissioner questions funding request for Health Ministries Clinic

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission heard a 2027 budget request from Health Ministries Clinic on Tuesday, sparking a discussion about the organization's county funding. Clinic Chief Executive Officer Matthew Schmidt highlighted the organization's 35th anniversary and noted that it serves approximately one in three county residents. However, concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the clinic's $10,000 funding request for upcoming budget hearings, with an argument made that the tax-exempt organization already receives a significant financial benefit by not paying property taxes. It was suggested that providing a letter of recommendation for grant applications might be preferred over direct funding. No official action was taken.

Commission approves shared dietitian contract with Reno County

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — In a unanimous vote, commissioners approved a $21,600 sole-source contract with the Reno County Health Department for registered dietitian services. The contract, which is fully funded by the county's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) grant, allows Harvey County to share a specialized dietitian with neighboring counties. The dietitian will be available for in-person appointments twice a month and remote consultations twice a month, serving the county's WIC clients without the need to hire a full-time staff member.

Parks department approved for new Ford F-150

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Parks Department will purchase a 2026 Ford F-150 Super Crew 4x4 after the commission approved a $34,294 bid from Midway Motors in Newton. The approved purchase includes an option for skid plates and factors in a $12,000 trade-in allowance. The final cost came in $15,418 under the county's budgeted amount for the vehicle. It was the lowest bid that met all of the county's minimum requirements.

Commission approves HVAC replacements for county parks

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a $28,609 bid from Fahnestock HVAC in Wichita to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at Camp Hawk and Volunteer Hall. Although the bid came in $4,609 over the designated $24,000 budget, the commission allowed the parks department to cover the difference using savings from its recent truck purchase. The contract also includes a biannual maintenance agreement.

Administrator reports minor damage from recent storms

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — County Administrator Kevin Frymire provided an update on severe weather that passed through Harvey County the previous evening, noting that the area avoided major devastation. The county received reports of downed trees and power lines, minor street flooding, spotty hail and approximately 2 inches of rain at Newton City/County Airport. No injuries were reported, though some vehicles and roofs sustained damage from falling trees.

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