Sheridan County Commissioners Recap 4/29 - Tackle Road, Safety, and Community Support

by Derek White

The Sheridan County Board of Commissioners gathered for their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, with Chairman Mike “Buck” Mader presiding. Commissioners David Stithem and Kyle Emigh were also present, along with County Attorney Steve Hirsch and County Clerk Heather Bracht. The session opened at 8:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and featured a packed agenda addressing infrastructure, community development, and financial oversight.

Road Projects and Signage Costs Discussed

Joe Herskowitz, Road & Bridge Supervisor, brought forward multiple road-related matters. A resident, Scott Foote, expressed interest in improving the road south of his home, which would require moving a fence line. The commission supported Foote's initiative. Herskowitz also raised concern about rising costs to the county related to a signage program, which exceeded initial estimates. He expects clarity on the issue later this week. Additional conversations covered ongoing road dragging efforts across the county.

Recycling Building Safety and Insurance

County Clerk Heather Bracht reported her communication with KCAMP regarding the north recycling building, which sustained damage. A new claim will be filed, and an adjuster will inspect the structure to determine whether it can be safely torn down. In the meantime, caution tape will be used to prevent public access and ensure safety.

Strategic Community Planning and Mental Health Services

The board welcomed Karl Pratt, Executive Director of the Sheridan County Community Foundation, who shared updates on local initiatives and planning strategies. He also informed commissioners of a daycare closure at a duplex property, highlighting ongoing childcare challenges in the area.

Craig Poe and Kaley Connor from High Plains Mental Health discussed current services offered in Sheridan County and upcoming projects, including a remodel of the 3rd floor of the Hadley building in Hays to establish a Crisis Intervention Center. They requested an additional $1,620.75 be factored into the county's budget to support the project. The commissioners agreed to revisit the request during the formal budgeting process.

Financial Business and Facility Concerns

Commissioners unanimously approved three Treasurer abatements, April 29 warrants, and minutes and payroll from April 22 and 25, respectively. Heather Bracht will follow up with Heim TV regarding replacement of heating and air units damaged in the June 2024 hailstorm. A reissued payment was also approved for road maintenance work.

Minor issues like overgrown weeds at the courthouse, EMS, and public transportation buildings were acknowledged, and Bracht was tasked with scheduling a visit from Kansas Wildlife & Parks to discuss progress at Sheridan Lake.

Budget Totals Reviewed

The board reviewed and approved the following fund disbursements:

• General: $163,461.04

• Road & Bridge: $486,986.53

• Noxious Weed: $34,531.43

• Public Transportation: $2,010.69

• Landfill: $4,408.78

• Forfeiture: $100.00

• E911: $6,883.25

  
  

Next Meeting Scheduled

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m. The next regular session of the Sheridan County Commission is set for Tuesday, May 6, at 8:00 a.m. in the commissioners’ room.