Thomas County Commissioners Warn of Tight Budget Year, Approve EMS Proclamation and Key Equipment Purchases
May 11, 2026
Thomas County Commissioners opened their Monday, May 11 meeting with a warning that the upcoming budget cycle will likely be one of the most challenging in recent years.
Chairman Mike Baughn said formal budget discussions begin next week and emphasized that commissioners are acutely aware of the pressure property taxes place on county residents.
“We know the public is experiencing a great deal of concern and burden with property taxes,” Baughn said, adding that commissioners will carefully evaluate each department request to ensure county services remain strong while limiting the financial impact on taxpayers.
County Clerk Keesa Mariman reminded department heads that all budget requests are due by Friday, May 15.
Commissioners approved $93,338.04 in courthouse general accounts payable and then unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing May 17-23 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Thomas County.
EMS Director Scott Reese presented the proclamation, which honors emergency medical personnel for their around-the-clock commitment to providing life-saving care. Commissioners thanked Reese and local EMS staff for the essential service they provide to Thomas County.
Road & Bridge Director Clair Schrock then presented the county’s annual agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to treat noxious weeds along state and federal highways. Schrock said labor rates will remain unchanged from last year, and the agreement allows the county to be reimbursed for work completed along designated roadways. Commissioners approved the agreement unanimously.
Schrock also updated the board on extended warranty quotes for two Caterpillar motor graders used by the Road and Bridge Department. The warranties cover powertrain and hydraulic systems for 36 months or 2,000 hours. One warranty quote totaled $9,636 and the second came in at $8,773.50. Schrock said the warranties must be purchased before May 22 to avoid paying additional inspection fees. Because each quote is below $10,000, commission approval was not required, but Schrock brought the matter to the commission for informational purposes.
Landfill Supervisor Tom Fischer asked commissioners to approve the purchase of four foam-filled replacement tires for the landfill’s Doosan wheel loader. Fischer explained the existing tires, which are estimated to be five to six years old, have developed numerous sidewall splits. Although he has used patch kits to temporarily extend their life, Fischer said the tires are nearing the end of their safe operating condition.
The county received two quotes: $22,638.60 from Great Western Tire and $21,833.03 from TA Truck Service. Commissioner Brian Luedke suggested purchasing the tires now to lock in pricing while delaying installation until the current tires are fully worn out. After Fischer confirmed TA Truck Service would honor the quoted price and install the tires at a later date, commissioners approved the lower quote from TA Truck Service.
Thomas County Health Department Director Kendra Glassman then requested commission approval to continue providing school nursing services to Brewster USD 314 during the 2026-27 school year. The agreement calls for six hours of nursing support each week and includes health screenings, medication management, student record oversight and attendance at the Kansas School Nurse Conference. Brewster Schools will pay the Health Department $14,000 for the year.
Glassman said the partnership is nearing the end of its second year and has proven beneficial to students, staff and the Health Department. Commissioners approved the contract unanimously.
Following a 10-minute executive session with County Appraiser Rachelle Standley, commissioners approved a probationary wage increase for an employee in the Appraiser’s Office. The employee’s hourly wage will increase from $15 to $17 effective May 23.
Standley explained the employee has assumed duties previously handled by a part-time staff member, eliminating the need for that position and reducing the overall cost of operating the office. Commissioners agreed the added responsibilities justified the raise.
Later in the meeting, Fischer asked commissioners to reconsider the county’s hiring freeze so he could move forward with two promising applicants for a landfill position. Commissioners opted to table the request until the next meeting, citing ongoing budget concerns and the need for additional discussion.
Commissioners also revisited the starting wage for the county’s assistant maintenance director position. Commissioner Brian Luedke moved to rescind a previous motion that established a flat starting wage of $24 per hour. The board then approved new language allowing the position to be paid “up to $24 per hour based on experience,” providing greater flexibility during the hiring process.
During miscellaneous reports, Baughn encouraged residents to review the Thomas County Health Department’s 2026 Advisory Board Report, which was included in the meeting packet. The report highlights a wide range of public health services, including 486 lab visits over the past year, 67 routine foot care appointments, 42 active family planning clients and free CPR and first aid classes offered quarterly to the public.
The commission approved the April 30 meeting minutes, reviewed various informational reports and received a request for support for the Colby Fourth of July fireworks display.
After two additional executive sessions involving non-elected personnel, commissioners returned to open session with no further action and adjourned the meeting.