Changes Coming For Buildings & Grounds Job

Discussion and action items consumed a majority of the meeting time at the Tuesday, January 16, Kimball County Commissioner meeting.

At the last meeting, the commissioner decided not to reappoint Steve Warner, buildings and grounds superintendent, but no action was taken on his termination. The non-appointment turned out to be a gray area and so the termination of Warner was on the agenda.

Commissioner Carl Stander stated that Warner has worked for the county for 7-8 years and has built and repaired a number of projects, including most recently the counter in the treasurer’s office. Stander suggested that Warner be repositioned to part-time custodian and courthouse preservationist.

Stander then made a motion to retain Warner, but the motion died for lack of a second.

Then a motion was made to ratify the termination of Warner with Commissioner Elyse Lukassen and Chairman Rich Flores voting aye and Stander against the measure.

Following the termination, a lengthy discussion continued with the need for temporary cleaning and maintenance of the courthouse. Then the discussion turned to approval to advertising for a buildings and grounds superintendent and assistant.

In other action items, the commissioners accepted the resignation from Hannah Synder. She served on the County Visitors Committee, but she said that regretfully she has no time to continue in the position due to her business and family obligations.

The meeting continued with updates from the roads and weed departments and KCTS.

Christy Warner, administrator for KCTS, summarized the happenings at KCTS. She explained that the Cheyenne route has been postponed as of January 22 but they are working on getting veterans to the VA facilities there and other specialty appointments.

In financial matters, KCTS has brought a significant amount of revenue back into the county this fiscal year through Nov.30. Warner said $1,339,440 has been brought back into the county. Federal Tax dollars back into Kimball total $888,085 and state tax dollars $232,223. There also is money from advertisements on vehicles that are used as matching funds for grants, and almost $120,000 in fares.

The next meeting for the Kimball County Commissioners is scheduled for February 6.