Commissioners Close April with Funding Approvals, Kiwanis Proclamation, and Service Updates
April 30, 2026
The Thomas County Commissioners closed out the month of April with a wide-ranging meeting on April 30 at the Historic Thomas County Courthouse, addressing financial approvals, community recognitions, infrastructure needs, and several service updates impacting local residents.
Chairman Mike Baughn opened the meeting with announcements that included a legislative update, noting his approval that the governor declined to pass a previously discussed bill. The commission also reviewed key revenue figures, including $93,915.57 from the county’s half-cent sales tax and $46,957.78 from the quarter-cent sales tax. Additionally, the county received a significant $519,450 payment tied to the East Fork Wind Farm project.
The commission approved accounts payable totaling $229,083.36 from the Courthouse General fund and $5,795.51 from Road and Bridge.
One of the more ceremonial moments of the meeting came with the official proclamation of May 10–16 as “Thomas County Colby Kiwanis Week.” Representatives Sheila Krehbeil and Rick Dickman were present to accept the recognition, which honors 60 years of service by the local Kiwanis organization and encourages residents to thank current and former members for their contributions to the community.
The board also heard a year-end update from Jobeth Haselhorst of the Smoky Hill Foundation for Chemical Dependency, outlining services provided to Thomas County residents. While no action was required, the presentation highlighted ongoing access to counseling services for drug and alcohol dependency.
In personnel matters, the commissioners approved the transition of Katina Knowles from a volunteer EMT to a full-time county employee. EMS Director Scott Reese recommended an increased starting wage, citing her two years of service and experience within the department, a request that aligned with budgeted expectations.
Infrastructure discussion centered on a bridge inspection proposal from PENCO Engineering. The proposal outlined inspections for 32 county bridges at $250 per structure, totaling $8,000. Initially tabled for additional information, the commission later approved the proposal after confirming the expense was already accounted for in the county’s annual budget.
Timing challenges arose surrounding the upcoming Great Chili Cook-off, as organizers worked through a revised liquor licensing process requiring state-level approval before county authorization. With documentation still pending, commissioners delayed action and indicated a special meeting may be necessary if approvals could not be finalized in time.
Following a brief executive session with no action taken, the board moved through several routine items, including a $62.93 line-item transfer within the Sheriff’s Department, tax roll corrections involving real estate abatements, approval of minutes from April 20 and 22, and April payroll totaling $545,007.55.
Later in the meeting, representatives from the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center (WKCAC) presented their 2027 budget request. The organization, which provides forensic interviews, advocacy, therapy, and medical services for children affected by abuse, reported serving 88 children and delivering 451 services in Thomas County during 2025. They requested $5,000 in funding for the upcoming budget year and asked the commission to help promote a community donation effort for comfort items such as blankets, books, and toiletries distributed to children following traumatic situations.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the organization’s work and indicated the funding request would be considered during upcoming budget discussions.
With no additional business, the meeting marked a steady close to April operations for Thomas County, balancing routine approvals with ongoing investments in infrastructure, public safety, and community support services.