County considers disaster declaration

With roads in the western part of the county severely rutted and some debris-strewn because of 7 inches of rain in a short period of time on July 29, the county decided to seek state help. The severe storm that caused flash flooding also produced a small EF1 tornado that struck near the intersection of Indian and 20th roads near Bourbon State Lake.

Terry Coop, Bourbon County Emergency Management Director, asked the county commissioners on Friday whether they wanted to make a disaster declaration for the county.

"Damage caused by the rainstorms on July 29 affected 200 miles of gravel road. The roads were severely rutted and there was quite a bit of debris," Coop said.

She said the Kansas Division of Emergency Management asked her about declaring a disaster. The commissioners approved making disaster resolution.

"It's important we assess what the damage is, to see if we meet the deductible," Chairman Allen Warren said. "Our costs are in rock, equipment and labor."

The commissioners also heard from Craig Van Wey, regional project manager, business and community development, of the Kansas Department of Commerce regarding the Rural Opportunity Zones.

Bourbon County was included in the program on July 1. There are two portions of the ROZ; state income tax credit and student loan repayment.

The student loan repayment portion is a county-state partnership and only begins after a ROZ county opts in.

"The county can help...devoting funds, employers can contribute money or individuals can donate money to a 501 3C," Van Wey said. "That money can be pooled together to help with fund repayment. Local employers could use it for those they earmark money to, otherwise it's first come, first served. I see in the future the employer sponsorship option will be popular." He added that most counties have put in $1,500 to $6,000 for student loan repayment.

"The state has the ability to set aside up to $20,000 a year to match. We are starting to see employers kick in money as a labor recruitment tool," Van Wey said. "The state will match what the county does, most do it in increments of $1,500. They don't have to work in your county, just live in the county, and have to prove residency." He added this is especially helpful to the health care and education professions.

The financial institution will receive the payment for student loan repayment, not the individual, he said.

"Take the info, look it over. You decide whether you opt in or not," Van Wey said.

In another matter, the commission had a 30 minute executive session with Chief Judge Richard M. Smith, of the Sixth Judicial District and included the Commission, County Counselor Terri Johnson and Undersheriff Bill Martin to discuss matters relating to the security of the courthouse. No actions were taken following the session.

After the executive session, Judge Smith spoke about what Linn County has done to save money on inmates, another issue the commissioners have been grappling with.

Officials first decide who would be good candidates for house arrests, Smith said.

"What we've done is an informal survey, the jailer and the judge. We then electronically track...it's cheaper to do," Smith said.

They also have a bond program, where an incarcerated individual signs a promise to come back to court, instead of remaining in jail until they see a judge.

This is for "people who aren't going to hurt someone, not a risk to the community, and are likely to come back to court," Smith said. Many people do not have the money for a bondsman.

This is especially helpful for people that are going to be "farmed out" to another correction facility or has medical issues, "that we don't feel is appropriate for the tax payers to pick up the tab on," Smith said. These two strategies have helped Linn County with their jail overcrowding.

"It's cheaper to do than building a new jail," Smith said. The county attorney said she would look over information provided by Smith on the bond program and house arrests, then get the information to the commission.

"There isn't money for what these people need...treatment for the interventions," Smith added. "I can't get a drug and alcohol treatment unless they can pay for it...and they can't pay for it."

Commissioner Barbara Albright said "It's a socio-economic issue."

"You don't want to appear as 'hug-a-thug,' but these people bring in more problems than what you know," Smith said.

In other business the commission:

* Heard from a constituent, Joey Collins, that some equipment caused damage to a newly refurbished section of 205th Road. Following his departure, Albright called Public Works Director Marty Pearson, who told her that the ramp of a backhoe had cut into the asphalt, and the area was going to be patched.

* Approved the purchase of a 2013 GMC pickup for the low bid of $28,337 from Shepherd Team Auto. The pickup is for the Road and Bridge Director, Allen said.

* Heard from County Attorney Terri Johnson that David Neville had given her the agreement with Wray Roofing for signature. This is in regards to the roof replacement for county buildings following the April 7 hail storm.

* Citizen Frank Miller asked permission to allow Darrel Brown to sign weigh load tickets that are going to be for Miller's landfill account, Linn Sanitation. No action was taken at the meeting.