Cheyenne County Commission Recap 4/15: Talks Infrastructure, Grants, and Community Services

by Derek White

The Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners convened on the morning of April 15, 2025, for a packed regular session that highlighted a mix of infrastructure investments, community service requests, and local economic development initiatives.

Financials Approved Without Objection

Commissioners William J. Martinez and Roger Faulkender, with Chairman Brett T. Poling presiding, unanimously approved the April 15 payroll totaling $91,647.53 and accounts payable in the amount of $183,164.89. They also accepted the minutes from the March 28, 2025 meeting without revision.

Insurance Options and Budget Planning

County Clerk Sharissa Andrist introduced a new insurance option from Colonial Life for employee consideration and raised concerns about the recent failure of the county's meeting video recorder. The board discussed whether future meetings should continue to be recorded. In addition, a budget workday was scheduled with department heads for May 20 at 1:00 p.m., and updates on legislative developments were shared.

Local Arts and Economic Development

Janet Carmen of the 202 Gallery announced an exciting visit from the Kansas Department of Commerce, who will tour the gallery as one of 26 statewide stops on Monday, April 21, between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m.

On the economic front, Fernando Montelongo from Tri-State Groceries shared plans to apply for a grant through the Kansas Healthy Food Initiative to purchase the local grocery store, a move that could ensure ongoing access to essential goods in the region.

Public Works: Permits, Repairs, and Equipment

Public Works Director Steve Wilhelm presented the 2024 Highway Department Annual Report, along with updates on bridge inspections, monthly expenses, and equipment needs. The commission approved two new Highway Permits (2025-01 and 2025-02) and voted to purchase a 2025 Maschio Giraffa XL 210 SE Flail/Boom Mower for $12,800.

Additional approvals included:

• $10,334.52 for replacement flights for the Cat Scraper from Foley Equipment

• $2,150 for two new tires for the Reclaimer from St. Francis Tire

The board also revisited the renewal of the Cat SIS program, though no final decision was reported in the minutes.

Supporting Seniors and Community Wellness

Carol Redding and Jo Hagney from the St. Francis Senior Center requested an increase in county funding to $10,000 for 2026, primarily to support wage increases for kitchen staff. Redding also revealed plans to apply for a Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant to help replace the center’s siding. The commissioners unanimously approved a letter of support for the grant application.

KCAMP Presentation and Adjournment

David Lamb delivered a presentation on the services and benefits offered through KCAMP, the county’s municipal insurance provider.

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m. The minutes were officially approved during the board’s April 30 session.

Next Up: The board will reconvene with department heads on May 20 to begin county budget planning for the next fiscal cycle. For the latest updates on county business, residents are encouraged to attend meetings or contact the Clerk’s office.