Commission approves part-time deputies following disbandment of reserve program

Commissioners praise cross-county wildfire response

Health department staff granted 7 percent wage increase

County accepts $75,000 in grants for health department upgrades

Commission approves 2026 revenue-neutral budget

Financing approved for county bulldozer

County waives purchasing policy for skid steer motor

Commission approves part-time deputies following disbandment of reserve program

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — In a 4-1 vote, the Seward County Commission approved the hiring of three part-time certified deputies to replace the Seward County Sheriff's Office reserve program, which Sheriff Gene Ward recently disbanded due to liability concerns. Undersheriff Ryan Roehr told commissioners the part-time deputies will primarily handle event security, with their wages reimbursed by entities such as Seward County Community College and Liberal USD 480. The decision drew criticism during the meeting from current reserve deputies, who expressed frustration over the sudden termination of the decades-old volunteer program and a lack of communication from leadership.

Commissioners praise cross-county wildfire response

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — During closing comments, commissioners expressed deep gratitude to local and regional fire departments for their tireless efforts in battling recent wildfires across Seward County. Officials noted that fire crews from multiple neighboring jurisdictions, including a strike team from Texas County, Oklahoma, provided crucial assistance. Commissioners specifically thanked road and bridge crews and community members who supplied heavy equipment and food to support the first responders.

Health department staff granted 7 percent wage increase

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a budget restructuring for the Seward County Health Department that will provide a 7 percent wage increase for all department staff. Health department director Brie Greeson requested the restructuring using already-approved funds, noting the raise is crucial for staff retention and recruitment amid a competitive health care market. The department has struggled to fill nursing positions, with one role vacant for more than 100 days. The move will leave the department approximately $2,600 under its $976,000 personnel budget for the year.

County accepts $75,000 in grants for health department upgrades

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously accepted $75,235 in state grant funding to offset operational costs at the Seward County Health Department. The funds will cover a $49,190 two-year contract extension for the department's electronic health record system, Nightingale Notes, through August 2030. Additionally, $6,194 will be used for a five-year maintenance contract for N95 mask fit-testing equipment, which the department can now use to test local fire department personnel.

Commission approves 2026 revenue-neutral budget

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — Following a public hearing that drew no citizen comments, the commission unanimously approved the 2026 amended county budget, returning to a revenue-neutral rate. The approval ensures the county will not collect more property tax revenue than the previous year, adjusting the mill levy to offset changes in property valuations.

Financing approved for county bulldozer

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a lease-purchase agreement with Bank of the Plains for a 2026 CAT D6 dozer. The county secured a 4.53 percent interest rate for the heavy equipment, beating a competing 5.6 percent rate offer from the Bank of Beaver. The dozer is part of the county's previously approved capital improvement plan.

County waives purchasing policy for skid steer motor

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously agreed to waive the county's standard purchasing policy to expedite the replacement of a motor for a Bobcat skid steer used at the Seward County Event Center. The Seward County Road and Bridge Department will install the replacement motor, purchased from VanderHaag's for $11,273. The county expects to receive a $2,400 core credit upon returning the damaged engine within 90 days.

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