Leavenworth County commissioners approve TRIO Meals contract, gas contract, tax-foreclosure order, short equipment lease and Easton annexations

At its meeting the Leavenworth County Board of County Commissioners approved several routine and administrative actions affecting county services and property.

Meals on Wheels contract: The board awarded the FY2026–2029 nutrition-services contract to TRIO Community Meals (Olathe). Staff reported TRIO’s bid would total $5.81 per packaged meal (including consumable supplies) versus the local bidder’s $6.75, and estimated annual savings of roughly $170,000 based on current volumes (112,000 meals per year). Staff said TRIO will provide medically tailored meal options (gluten-friendly, heart-health, diabetic, renal-friendly and pureed) at no extra cost; the board approved the contract by unanimous vote.

Gas supply contract: Commissioners approved a three-year service contract with Clearwater Enterprises LLC for gas sales beginning July 1, 2026, and running through June 30, 2029. Staff said the approach had produced modest savings previously and the vendor agreed to holding rates for the contract term; the motion carried unanimously.

Tax-foreclosure authorization: The board approved Board Order 2026-7 directing county tax counsel to initiate judicial tax-lien foreclosure proceedings where property taxes are in prolonged arrears. Deputy County Counselor Roger Morris explained the standard three-year redemption framework under Kansas law and said statutory interest on delinquent taxes is typically in the low-teens percentage range.

Equipment lease: Public works staff received approval to enter a three-month lease for a JCB 110 hydro-dig from Cain Equipment for $25,000. Staff said 80% of the lease payments could be applied toward purchase if the county elected to buy, and that the machine would allow clearing of steep right-of-ways where current mowers struggle. The board requested post-lease photos and an effectiveness evaluation.

Annexations: The board held required hearings and found a proposed island annexation to the city of Easton (resolution 2026-1) would not interfere with county roadways, then consented to Easton’s annexation of a county-owned parcel (parcel 64 18 15) that contains a city well; the consents were approved by unanimous vote. The consent will allow subsequent deed transfers subject to additional FEMA documentation for the former buyout lot.

All motions recorded in this portion of the meeting passed with affirmative votes recorded as 'Aye' by the commissioners present. Several commissioners emphasized monitoring vendor performance and preserving options (contract clauses for quality reviews, a 30-day remedy window, and quarterly checks with TRIO).