Commissioners approve employee compensation study in split vote

Unspent motor vehicle funds reallocated for security upgrades

Topeka motor vehicle offices announce early summer hours

Fleet vehicle upgrades tabled over electric vehicle inquiry

Garfield Park slated for new playground equipment

Sales tax funds new inclusive amenities at Gage Park

Commissioners approve employee compensation study in split vote

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 on Tuesday to approve a contract with Evergreen Solutions to conduct a comprehensive compensation study for classified and unclassified county employees. Administrative Services Director Angela Lewis said the study will provide essential market data to aid in hiring and employee retention. A dissenting vote was cast over concerns that the study was unnecessary following a similar analysis completed for the local government in 2022.

Unspent motor vehicle funds reallocated for security upgrades

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Unused funds collected by the Shawnee County Treasurer's Office will be retained in a special project fund this year to pay for facility improvements and additional security staffing. Historically, the estimated $70,000 in unspent motor vehicle budget funds has reverted to the county's general fund at the end of the fiscal year. The commission unanimously approved a request from the Treasurer's Office to hold the money in a dedicated job ledger to address immediate security needs at local motor vehicle locations.

Topeka motor vehicle offices announce early summer hours

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Early risers will have a new opportunity to skip the lines at Topeka's motor vehicle offices this summer. The Shawnee County Treasurer's Office announced that starting May 29, both the courthouse and the 17th Street annex locations will open at 7:30 a.m. on Fridays. The extended summer hours will continue through Sept. 4 to accommodate residents seeking tax, title and registration services before the standard workday begins. The office also reminded residents that booking online appointments remains the fastest way to receive service.

Fleet vehicle upgrades tabled over electric vehicle inquiry

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — A proposal to update 15 vehicles in the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation fleet was delayed Tuesday after commissioners requested more information on electric vehicle options. The department initially planned to lease eight gas-powered Ford Mavericks and several other vehicles through Enterprise Fleet Management at a net annual increase of $38,962. However, the purchase was unanimously tabled for one week to investigate electric versions of the Maverick to capitalize on fuel savings, as well as EV pricing and charging infrastructure requirements.

Garfield Park slated for new playground equipment

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Shawnee County approved a nearly $120,000 contract on Tuesday to replace an aging play structure at Garfield Park in Topeka. The project is partially funded by a $50,000 Dreams Grant from the City of Topeka, with the remaining balance covered by the Parks and Recreation Department's building maintenance fund. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent noted the playground will initially feature an engineered wood fiber surface, though the county plans to apply for a waste tire grant later this year to install upgraded rubber surfacing, with installation expected by Dec. 15. Laurent said a neighborhood association initiated the request to replace the more than 30-year-old playground equipment and actively participated in selecting the new play structures, praising the community feedback process for ensuring the new amenities will directly serve the neighborhood's specific needs.

Sales tax funds new inclusive amenities at Gage Park

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Gage Park in Topeka will soon receive 24 new picnic tables and several trash receptacles following the commission's approval of a $40,093 purchase. Funded entirely by the Gage Park sales tax fund, the upgrades will target the park's Playland and Animaland areas without impacting the department's operational budget. Seven of the tables will be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, which Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent highlighted as part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring local parks remain fully inclusive and accessible.

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