Norton County Commissioners Recap 4/14, Address Mental Health, Road and Bridge Leadership, and Insurance Coverage

by Derek White

April 14, 2025 – Norton, KS

The Norton County Board of Commissioners covered a full slate of county business during its regular meeting on Monday, April 14. Key topics included mental health funding, department leadership changes, and an update from the county’s insurance provider.

Deputy Appraiser Mindy Harting met with the board to express her interest in stepping into the role of County Appraiser following the upcoming retirement of Alan Hale. She presented comparable salary data from the region to support her case. Commissioners voiced their willingness to work toward an agreement.

Solid Waste Supervisor Ted White received approval to sell obsolete county equipment through the Big Iron online auction platform. He left the meeting shortly after his presentation.

Representatives from High Plains Mental Health presented their 2025 funding request and future projections tied to the construction of a new crisis intervention center in Hays. The facility, expected to open by November 1, will expand from 4 beds to 22. Norton County’s portion of cost-sharing is currently $41,083.40 but is projected to rise to over $51,000 in 2026. In 2024, 353 Norton County residents received services, and the new crisis center is expected to serve at least 29 more. They also discussed a promising new treatment, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which has shown an 83% success rate among patients without the use of medication.

A brief but serious exchange took place with Kansas Department of Corrections officials following an incident between an inmate crew and a county employee. Road and Bridge Supervisor Terry Laughlin took responsibility for miscommunication and said corrective action would follow.

In a series of executive sessions, commissioners discussed personnel matters. Following deliberations, Brad Lebeau was appointed interim Road and Bridge Supervisor beginning May 1 for a six-month probationary period.

David Lamb of KCAMP, the county’s property insurer, reviewed current coverage and benefits with the board.

The meeting concluded after additional executive sessions and the approval of previous meeting minutes. Chairman Marvin Matchett adjourned the meeting at 12:23 p.m