Rawlins County commissioners approve routine business, defer abatements review and discuss tax-sale water-rights agreement

At their Jan. 2 meeting, the Rawlins County Board of Commissioners handled routine county business, approved membership dues and deferred tax-appraisal items while discussing an agreement tied to landfill water rights.

The board approved minutes from Dec. 15, 2025, and approved the county's December 2025 vouchers. Commissioners also approved 2026 membership dues for the Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) and for the National Association of Counties (NACo) following motions recorded in the minutes. Commissioner Mark Mosley moved to approve the agenda at the start of the meeting; Commissioner Solko seconded and the motion carried.

Commissioner Mosley requested additional time to review Additions and Abatements submitted by the Appraiser's Office; the board agreed to place the item on the Jan. 12 agenda. Appraiser Alicia Baumfalk told the board there are refunds that will be held if abatements are not approved. County Attorney Chris Rohr and the commissioners also discussed a tax sale and an agreement with Farmers Bank & Trust concerning water rights at the landfill; the minutes do not show a formal action on that topic.

County Clerk Rachel Finley and Deputy County Clerk Renee Sagel reported they are working on a new employee handbook, which will be discussed at the Jan. 12 meeting. The board adjourned at 9:40 a.m.