Commissioner Proceedings 8/26/25

November 4, 2025

The Wallace County Board of Commissioners met in regular session with, Becky Larson, Chairperson, Will Walker, Commissioner, Brian Gailey, Commissioner, and Micaila Lock, County Clerk present.   

Warrants # 33227-33305 in the amount of $ 74,911.78 were approved for payment. Payroll warrants in the amount of $160,432.51 for the working period of August 3, 2025, through August 16, 2025, were approved for payment.

Danny Welsh, Entered the meeting

Darrel Welsh, entered the meeting

Marshall Unruh, Sheriff entered the meeting

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Larson for business at 8:30 a.m.

Maggie Figurilli, ROD entered the meeting

A concerned citizen wanted to discuss the RNR notice and asked where the money is going. The commissioners discussed with the citizens how the appraiser determined property values and also mentioned the 18 mandated services the county is statutorily required to provide with no state funding to help provide those services. The commissioners presented a spreadsheet which explained the amount of cost associated with each mandated service. Maggie expressed concerns about decreasing the Mil levy for next year and asked what the county is going to do for 2027 when all Personal Property is tax exempt. The commissioners discussed some of the future expenses with everyone such as paying off the bond for the nursing home, closing costs for the Landfill and how much it will cost to construct a new landfill when that time comes. All these expenses must be planned for.  

Commissioner Walker Made a motion to approve resolution 2025-11 Commissioner Gailey seconded.

AYE 3   NAY 0

Commissioner Walker made a Motion for Roll Call Vote for Resolution 2025-11. Commissioner Gailey Seconded

AYE 3   NAY 0

Commissioner Gailey made a motion to approve Resolution 2025 -12 Commissioner Walker Seconded AYE 3   NAY 0

Commissioner Walker made a motion for Roll Call Vote for Resolution 2025-12. Commissioners Gailey Seconded.

AYE 3   NAY 0

Doug Springsteel, Landfill supervisor, entered the landfill.

Anthony Garcia, Road and Bridge Supervisor entered the meeting.

Doug discussed his concerns for possibly needing dirt in the future and possibly selling the compost.

Anthony gave updates on the road department. He mentioned that it was difficult to keep up with the mowing due to all the rain but they were doing their best with the current manpower to keep up with the demand. Regarding roads, he mentioned that they focus on taking care of the bus and mail routes first and then take care of the rest of the roads.

Jacee Dobbs representing Anchor Network Solutions entered the meeting

Marshall Unruh, Sheriff Re-entered the meeting

Jacee discussed with the commissioner what Anchor has to offer for IT and that they are doing the IT Support for the sheriff and dispatch department. She explained that they do all the IT support for Thomas County.

Marshall gave updates on his department and discussed the taxes and levies. Along with discussing the new IT support. More discussion about itemizing the budget more and having less of a “miscellaneous” column. Commissioner Gailey made a motion to approve August 12th, 2025, minutes. Chair Larson Seconded

AYE 3   NAY 0

Chair Larson made a motion to approve August 18th, 2025, minutes. Commissioner Walker Seconded.

AYE 3   NAY 0

Steve Unruh, Judge entered the meeting

Steve wanted to discuss the new phone system and expressed his about the call tree style of extensions for users.   

Darren Booth, Teele Insurance entered the meeting

Darren discussed what Teele does with Freedom Claims that still works with Blue Cross Blue Shield and other insurance companies. He showed a chart that explains what Freedom Claims came up with for rates that they offer with a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan but explained that the county would no longer be in the grandfather plan. It is a two-card system that would have the insurance BCBS Card and the Freedom Claims card with it as well for a doctor’s visit. Darren and the commissioners discussed the rates and what it would look like if the county was to move forward. Darren asked if he could quote the health insurance for the county for next year.

 Paulette Unruh, Ambulance Director, entered the meeting

Paulette discussed getting new radios and batteries for the EMS Department and discussed getting a new flooring in the barn

Recess for lunch 12:04 pm

Lissa Sexson, Wallace County Community Development entered the meeting.

Reconvene 1:00 pm

Lissa discussed the Love Wallace County campaign that she is trying to promote. She also let the commissioners get the senior request grants. She discussed the north park project and asked for updates regarding a decision to purchase rubber mulch rather than the wood mulch. There was more discussion on what can be done to make the park more appealing. She also talked about the water grants for the City of Sharon Springs and Weskan. Along with giving updates on the safe route for all and discussing the KDOT Cost Share. She ended with a discussion on the Music Series.  

 Recess 2:30

There being no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 2:17PM.

ATTEST:

Micaila Lock, County Clerk

                              

Becky Larson, Chairperson

Will Walker, Commissioner                                                                                       

Brian Gailey, Commissioner