Shawnee County approves vouchers, contracts and transient guest tax allocations

The Shawnee County Commission on Feb. 5 approved routine financial and contracting items, including vouchers, equipment leases and transient guest tax allocations.

Staff reported vouchers totaling $4,057,357.78; highlights included a $636,521.66 progress payment to KBS Constructors for construction on the Department of Corrections mental health facility (funded by a state grant), payroll of $1,487,796.12, health insurance administration charges of $926,470.85, and $49,025 allocated to social service agencies. The Board approved the vouchers by voice vote, 2–0.

The Board approved contract C2026029 with EZ ICE to lease an ice machine for the juvenile detention center at $250 per month and a $500 setup fee; Tim Phelps (Department of Corrections) said the agency is shifting to leasing rather than purchasing older machines. The Board also approved contract C2026030, a five-year lease with Professional Turf Products for four golf division pieces of equipment at an approximate annual cost of $93,163.73, funded from the golf earned income fund.

Jennifer Sauer (financial administrator) presented the annual transient guest tax allocation. Staff estimated about $69,000 in allocatable funds for 2026 (after 1% to Sunflower Soccer Association per prior agreement). Two requests were submitted: Combat Air Museum requested $7,000 for billboard advertising, and the remainder was proposed for marketing and sales at the Stormont Vail Event Center. The Board approved the allocation by voice vote, 2–0.

Other business included approving correction orders and canceling the Feb. 23 commission work session. All routine items were approved by 2–0 votes unless otherwise noted.

Motions were typically moved by Commissioner Rippon and seconded by Commissioner Cook; recorded tallies in the meeting minutes show consistent 2–0 approvals.