COUNTY COMMISSION
Allen County commissioners completed the circle of providing financial assistance to local schools to improve their security systems on Tuesday.
The last was USD 257 Iola, Gas and LaHarpe with a grant of $20,000, the top amount commissioners decided to give. The other two school districts, 256 (Moran-Elsmore) and 258 (Humboldt), were gifted earlier, as was Allen Community College.
The last award was delayed a week so Stacy Fager, USD 257 superintendent, could relay to commissioners that proposed work was the result of competitive bids. He also pointed out since the district had security devices in place from the specific company, new cameras and associated equipment, costing $25,751 total, could be installed by school employees. Thus assured, they voted approval 2-0, with Commissioner Tom Williams out of pocket.
Money for the various security work came from reserve funds accumulated from substantial increased assessed valuation from the construction of Enbridges pipeline laid across the county, and its pumping station southeast of Humboldt.
Enbridge accounts for about $35 million of the countys $140 million of assessed valuation.
A grant of $335,000 to pay for most of the installation of utility lines gas, water and sewer to an industrial tract northeast of Humboldt was mentioned, but no action was taken.
Its pure economic development, said Commissioner John Brocker, but he and board companion Jerry Daniels deferred action until Williams returns to the round table next week.
Humboldt Administrator Cole Herder had anticipated Humboldt receiving a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to pay half the cost, estimated by engineers at $670,000. When that was declined, Herder took to figuring how the work could be done for less, without the city having to jump through expensive hoops required by federal funding.
He thinks the project may be done for about the commissioners promised match, which they said a week ago would remain in place.
The trigger will be final figures from Herder and affirmation by commissioners of the $335,000 in county funding.
Mitch Garner, director of Public Works, said a report on the condition of the Marsh Arch bridge over the Neosho River at the west edge of Humboldt was not yet in hand. The survey will determine whether weight limits should be lowered.
Commissioners have discussed briefly either upgrading the bridge, opened in 1932, or replacing it.
Marsh Arch bridges, of a distinctive style, are becoming a rarity. Humboldt residents with a fondness of historic landmarks are eager to preserve the bridge. One similar, on the route of U.S. 169 over Coal Creek when the highway ran east of Monarch Cement Companys plant, was replaced with a modern span several years ago, as was one west of Iola. Others still standing in eastern Kansas are in Independence and Emporia, though neither is used for everyday traffic.
IN OTHER business, commissioners heard 2019 budget requests.
Among them:
