The Stevens County Commissioners met July 5, 2016 for their regularly scheduled meeting at the Stevens County courthouse. Present at the meeting were Commissioner Pat Hall, Commissioner David Bozone and Commissioner Joe D. Thompson. Also attending were Stevens County Clerk Pam Bensel and Hermes Reporter Ruthie Winget. Tron Stegman, Carol Lee Burrows and Gary Baker were on hand to observe the meeting. Stevens County Counselor Paul F. Kitzke was absent.
Chairman Hall informed the commissioners Gary Baughman still wants to lease acreage east of the landfill. After some discussion, the matter was tabled at this time.
Hall reported the cost of the heating and cooling system at the Stevens County Hospital can be refinanced for ten years. This would cut the payment nearly in half. The interest would go up from 2.75% to 3.15%. The balance could be paid off early.
Pat also brought in a bid of 16¢ per square foot to plant buffalo grass instead of fescue at the Pioneer Manor in order to save water. He plans to present it to the hospital board. Currently five acres are in fescue grass at Pioneer Manor. The commissioners passed a motion to accept the bid.
Hall stated if the county voters approve an increase in the sales tax, the proceeds must be split between the county and the two towns. If approved, the city of Hugoton would get a half percent from the tax proceeds.
Rodney Kelling brought over the new ambulance for the commissioners to inspect. He demonstrated how one person could load or unload 800 pounds out of the ambulance by themselves with the new equipment.
Jack Rowden of Citizens State Bank and Gary Gold of First National Bank brought in proposals to refinance the loan for Pioneer Manor. The loan would refinance for ten years. After the next Pioneer Manor payment August 22, the balance will be $3,639,989.81. The original note was for $8 million as the county had paid in a big down payment. The commissioners passed the motion to refinance the loan for ten years and work to pay it off sooner if possible.
The commissioners discussed refinancing the heating and cooling system for Stevens County Hospital. The first payment is due January 2, 2017 so they can wait a few months for a final decision. The commissioners will take this issue to the hospital board. Commissioner Hall stated the commissioners plan to attend the City Council meeting to discuss the prospective sales tax.
Road & Bridge’s Tony Martin dropped by, informing the commissioners his crew will start chip sealing. The rain has put them behind schedule with their road work.
Sheriff Ted Heaton reported the Fourth of July went smoothly.
Commissioner Bozone hoped someone would attend the WeKanDo meeting scheduled next week since he will not be in office next year. The commissioners are trying to cut the amount of out-of-town meetings they attend in order to save money.
The subject of the Commissioners’ wages was brought up. Bozone stated he was neutral on the subject since he would not be in office next year. Commissioner Joe D. Thompson stated he would like to wait until the budget hearing took place to see where they stand. He did not want county employees to think their wages may be cut, as it would lower morale.
After going into Executive Session, the meeting adjourned.