Commissioners get glimpse of southeast Kansas poverty issues

The Bourbon County Commissioners agreed on Monday that Bourbon County's poverty issues reflect those found throughout Southeast Kansas.

Becky Gray, of Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP), attended Monday's meeting and said the organization is required to assess the communities served every three years. In doing so, data is reviewed and community leaders are asked about the community's needs.

SEK-CAP is partnering with Project 17, which was created to improve economic opportunities and quality of life in a 17-county region that covers Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.

She provided the commissioners with census data and results of a survey that was sent to county commissioners in the region. She said the information provided is probably what the commissioners already know about their county.

"We're looking at the census data from across the region and are noticing things you probably already know," Gray said.

She said the region's population is declining and those who remain are moving further into poverty. More seniors are living in poverty. There are fewer new houses being built, which means available houses are aging.

"So when you combine poverty with the lack of access to affordable housing, you end up with people living in some situations that probably aren't ideal," Gray said. "Those are the type of discussions we're having around the table at SEK-CAP. How do we impact that? Do we want focus on seniors as we move forward as an agency? Do we want to focus more on housing and housing development as an agency? So I want to hear your input on what you think would most benefit your county."

"It's a huge issue to me," Albright said. "To me it's a very important issue."

When asked to clarify what the issue is, Albright said it is poverty. Gray said SEK-CAP has designated itself as a community development organization that addresses poverty through "a variety of methods." She said Head Start and Section 8 housing are two of the more common programs.

"But we can also do economic development," Gray said.

She said the organization can access funds to assist with business start up and also for housing development with market-value housing instead of subsidized housing. Later, she said she does not work directly with Fort Scott's economic development, but she believes Fort Scott is involved with Project 17.

When Albright asked how Bourbon County compares to other counties, Gray said it looks better than some counties.

"Bourbon County and Miami County, we're doing pretty good, really," Gray said. "But as a whole, we impact each other. I think as a region the same is true as what I said in the beginning."

She said because many people lost their retirement during the economic downturn, expectations are shifting and their financial situation is more precarious.

"We're trying to position ourselves to help," Gray said. "There's a little bit of a difference between the Baby Boomers and what they call The Greatest Generation. The elderly of yesterday didn't ask for help. The elderly of tomorrow are going to say 'I need this. I'm going to expect this.'"

She said the average median age of a house is 54 years old in Bourbon County. However, when Project 17 first organized, the group identified poverty as the number one issue. Because of it's broad spectrum, the group has broken the issue into areas such as workforce development, economic development and other "more manageable chunks."

"I think you're right on when you talk about skills you need to maintain a job," Albright said.

She suggested Gray speak with the city about its workforce development program.

"They've pretty much pinpointed where there needs to be a focus," Albright said.

The federal poverty level is $11,670 for a single person and $19,790 for a family of three, which is different than the figures used to determine free and reduced lunches at schools, Second District Commissioner Barbara Albright said.

Albright commended SEK-CAP for a poverty simulation held last year and asked if it would be repeated.

Five county commissioners and 13 "stakeholders" responded to the survey, but there were no responses from Bourbon County commissioners.

Commission Chairman Allen Warren said the survey did a good job pinpointing the issues.

"I was a little disappointed in the response, so you can't make broad assumptions bases on five or 13 people," Gray said.

Gray said because the report will be posted online, she is also asking commissioners to provide some of their counties' assets. Warren suggested the fact that businesses need employees because the unemployment rate is so low and Albright mentioned the county's schools. Recreational opportunities mentioned were Lake Fort Scott, Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, Timber Hills Lake Ranch and Gunn Park. Other attractions are the Fort Scott National Historic Site, National Cemetery and Gordon Parks Museum. A new dialysis center is near completion and The Lowell Milken Center is planning to expand and highways have been and continue to be improved.

"I think Bourbon County has a lot to offer families," Albright said. "It's always been a good place to raise your family. A lot of us have chosen Bourbon County because of the quality of life offered here. I do think that the people who are involved in this community are extremely involved. There are a lot of people that care a lot about the community and spend a lot of time making it a better place. I think they are very cognizant of this data. I don't think they'd be surprised by it."

Gray said the commissioners would receive a copy of the final report.

Other commission business

* Public Works Director Jim Harris reported chip and seal work was completed Friday in Redfield. The crew is working in Bronson this week. Soldier Road, west of U.S. 69, is being milled and crews are mowing and ditching this week.

* A 20-minute executive session was held with Harris to discuss non-elected personnel to protect their privacy. No action was taken.

* Warren reminded the commissioners there is $20,000 in the 2014 budget and $5,000 in 2015 for building maintenance at Elm Creek Lake. Warren said that the three buildings need to be tuck-pointed.

It also reported that Caretaker Wally Maples submitted his resignation. The commissioners are advertising for his replacement.

* A bid of $1,572.77 for 448 ounces of Escort XP was awarded to Van Diest. Other bids were $1,675.52 from CPS and $1,603.84.

* Third District Commissioner Harold Coleman suggested the commissioners consider a adopting a resolution to place a restriction on firearms being shot near schools.