Commissioners Address Road Sign Dispute, Approve Financial Reports at April 20 Meeting
April 20, 2026
The Thomas County Commissioners worked through a full agenda on April 20 at the Thomas County Courthouse, highlighted by ongoing road concerns, financial approvals, and discussion surrounding local control at the state level.
Commission Chair Mike Baughn opened the meeting with legislative updates, voicing concern over recently passed Kansas House legislation, specifically House Bill 2043. Baughn described the bill as problematic for local governments, noting it could allow a relatively small percentage of voters to force budgetary changes through protest petitions. State and county organizations, including the Kansas Association of Counties, have recommended a gubernatorial veto, citing long-term risks to local governance.
Baughn also updated the board on recent events he attended on behalf of the county, including the Colby Community College dormitory groundbreaking and regional meetings with county officials. Commissioner Brad Flipse participated in the meeting by phone.
Public comment once again centered on concerns from resident Bill Miller regarding signage near his property along County Road CC. Miller pressed commissioners for quicker action ahead of the upcoming harvest season, expressing frustration with delays. The discussion grew tense at times, with commissioners emphasizing the procedural requirements involved in installing signage.
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Later in the meeting, commissioners formally addressed the issue. They approved allowing Miller to install “slow down” signage on his property, while the county will proceed with installing official speed limit signs within the roadway right-of-way. This dual approach was seen as a compromise balancing public safety concerns with county policy.
Financial matters made up a significant portion of the agenda. Commissioners approved multiple accounts payable totaling $267,543.07 across road and bridge and general fund expenditures. The board also approved the annual engineer’s report, which outlined a road and bridge budget of approximately $2.7 million and detailed ongoing maintenance efforts across the county’s 232 miles of roads.
Road and bridge operations were further discussed as officials moved forward with seeking bids to crush accumulated concrete and asphalt materials. The goal is to repurpose the material for practical use in county operations rather than allowing the stockpile to grow.
County Treasurer Lane Bruggeman presented the quarterly financial report, highlighting stable investment strategies and ongoing efforts to maximize interest earnings. While the full report was not included in the meeting packet available to the public, commissioners reviewed the information and accepted the report.
Additional financial actions included approval of tax roll corrections and abatements totaling $38,434.15 in uncollectible taxes, along with corrections tied to Brewster Grocery properties. A $2,200 line-item transfer was also approved to correct a clerical error.
The board approved meeting minutes from March 31 and April 6 without changes.
Before adjourning, commissioners reviewed miscellaneous correspondence, including a permit notice involving McCarty Family Farms and a thank-you letter from the Solomon Valley 4-H Club recognizing the county’s ongoing support.
The meeting concluded with no further business, as commissioners continue to balance infrastructure needs, fiscal management, and resident concerns heading into the busy summer season.