No New Home Yet For Visitor Center

Under action items at Tuesday’s Kimball County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners ratified a resolution to transfer funds from the Inheritance Fund to the general fund.

Due to a negative balance and cash flow issues in the general fund, $300,000 was transferred as of November 28. In July, $200,000 was transferred to the general fund from the Inheritance Fund. At budget time, the commissioners had determined to budget $900,000 to be taken from the Inheritance Fund for the General Fund.

In other action items, the commissioners passed a resolution to make the County Sheriff responsible for the security and protection of the courthouse, annex and courtrooms.

The commissioners continued with action items, although no action was taken to consider leasing a temporary location for the High Point Welcome Center.

John Morrison’s building at the High Point RV Park was under consideration as a temporary location for the center, but discussion among the commissioners about the necessity to hold the property met with a difference of opinion.

A monthly fee was required to keep the property available beginning in January. It was determined that because the deal with the possible welcome center buyer Big D Oil Company had not closed yet and would not close for a few months, it was premature to find a temporary location for the visitors center.

The three commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with discussions on establishing a joint countywide Economic Development Plan.

A brief discussion was held about the Rec Board Executive meeting to be held at 4:00 p.m. on December 19 at KCTS building. The Rec Board will discuss the cost of drilling a new water well.

Finally, the commissioners authorized a NACO Lease Purchase Agreement for 2022 for a KCTS Transit Van for $109,402 at 5% for three years.

Kimball County Manor Administrator Sarah Stull addressed the board with an update on the manor. Stull reported that the manor is at 96% capacity, and the assisted living is at 83% capacity. In recent months, a project for updating the lighting to LED, the HVAC system in the south hall room, and assisted living have moved forward. The manor has also ordered a new generator for emergencies. It is expected to operate the entire manor. After a summer hail storm, the manor recently received a new roof.

County Zoning Administrator Sheila Newell reported to the commissioners that no new zoning applications have been received, although there have been many inquiries.

The Board of Commissioners reorganization meeting will be held on January 4 at 9:00 a.m.

The Commissioners will meet again on Tuesday, December 19, at 9:00 a.m.