Harvey County Commission
Week of October 1, 2026
Commissioners to seek solutions for rising property tax burden
Driver shortage threatens winter snow removal operations
Planning and zoning rewriting county comprehensive plan
Officials to investigate data center sludge disposal regulations
Commission approves conditional use permit for rural quilt shop
Commissioners to seek solutions for rising property tax burden
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. - Harvey County Commissioners expressed concern over the strain rising property taxes are placing on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. During Tuesday's Harvey County Commission meeting, commissioners noted that some residents are spending one-twelfth of their annual income on property taxes. The Harvey County Commission agreed to take a "deep dive" into county financials to find potential solutions and efficiencies before the next budget season begins.
Driver shortage threatens winter snow removal operations
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. - The county faces a critical shortage of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders that could delay winter road clearing, the Harvey County Road and Bridge Department warned on Tuesday. The department is currently short four CDL drivers, with two vacant positions, one employee recovering from surgery and another currently testing for their license. Harvey County Road and Bridge officials asked for the public's understanding if snow-clearing operations are delayed this winter, noting that the department is currently only equipped to facilitate a one-shift snow removal operation and has received zero qualified applicants for the open roles.
Planning and zoning rewriting county comprehensive plan
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Harvey County Planning and Zoning Department is in the process of rewriting the county's comprehensive plan after the previous software system sunsetted. The department is currently focusing on the land-use chapter, utilizing maps of soil, aquifers and natural resources to determine appropriate zoning restrictions. Harvey County Planning and Zoning officials specifically noted that future development in the Sand Hills may need tighter restrictions due to high fire danger and shallow groundwater that complicates sewer installation.
Officials to investigate data center sludge disposal regulations
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. - Harvey County Commissioners directed the Harvey County Planning and Zoning Department to investigate regulations regarding the agricultural disposal of sludge from data center cooling systems. Prompted by concerns raised at a Harvey County Farm Bureau meeting, commissioners questioned whether current policies protect local soil and groundwater from "forever chemicals" that some meeting attendees feared might potentially be present in the sludge. Harvey County Planning and Zoning Director Karen Rothe and department officials stated they will consult with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to determine if the state prohibits the land-spreading of industrial cooling waste.
Commission approves conditional use permit for rural quilt shop
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Harvey County Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for the applicants to operate a retail quilt, fabric and notions business at 4906 N. H Road. The approved permit, which also allows for studio classrooms, leaves the door open for future commercial additions, including a commercial kitchen and a small coffee roasting facility. The property, which was historically zoned for commercial use before reverting to residential, received vocal support from neighbors during the Harvey County Planning Commission process.
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