08/11/2026
**THESE MINUTES ARE A DRAFT AND HAVE NOT YET BEEN APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. **
Graham County Commissioner Meeting
August 11, 2026
Commissioner Irby called the meeting to order at 10:00 am with the flag salute with Commissioner Irby, Commissioner Nelson, Commissioner Crouch, County Clerk Kendra Robinson & Graham County Hospital CEO Jonathan Gleason all present.
Graham County Hospital CEO, Jonathan Gleason
Jonathan reported that the hospital is currently working on its annual 340B certification. He also reported that they are evaluating the surgery area in hopes of revamping the space and are exploring the possibility of working with a grant writer to assist with grant applications. Jonathan asked the Board of County Commissioners whether Jason with Community Development would be available to assist with this process. Commissioner Irby advised the hospital to contact Corina Cox to determine whether she would be available to assist. Clerk Robinson advised that she would provide Corina’s contact information to Jonathan via email. Jonathan reported that negotiations are ongoing with an Occupational Therapist from Hoxie. He stated that he looks forward to having an Occupational Therapist onsite, as this would expand occupational therapy services as well as the types of patients the hospital could accept for swing bed care. Jonathan reported that the hospital continues to focus on providing quality care. Commissioner Irby reported that he had recently met with a gentleman who had taken over Redbud Village and discussed the importance of expanding and strengthening existing establishments within the county, such as the hospital and nursing home. Jonathan stated that he is very interested in increasing the availability of specialists and expanding the services available locally.
New Business, Part 1
Clerk Robinson presented the Board with the abstract of the 2026 Primary Election for review and signatures. Commissioners reviewed and signed the abstract. Robinson took a moment to report that the election went very well and commended the poll workers, Counting Board, and Audit Board for the excellent job they did throughout the election process. Robinson also commended the employees in her office, noting that this was their first election cycle and that they did an excellent job. She specifically recognized Deputy Julie Breinig, stating that she really stepped up and “took the bull by the horns” in assisting with Election Night responsibilities. Robinson stated that she felt the election cycle went very smoothly and expressed her appreciation to each and every person who helped make it a successful process. The Commissioners reviewed and signed the accounts payable vouchers and checks.
Graham County Sheriff, Les Burton
Graham County Sheriff Les Burton presented the Board with a letter reporting call volume over a two-month period. During that time, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office received 121 calls, while the Hill City Police Department received 264 calls. Commissioner Irby requested that Clerk Robinson calculate the total salary and benefits for one dispatcher for a one-month period and report the information back to the Board. Sheriff Burton reported that he is actively looking into purchasing a pickup for the Sheriff’s Office. He advised that the vehicle being considered for trade-in currently has approximately 114,000 miles. The Board requested that Sheriff Burton gather additional information regarding the proposed vehicle purchase and present it to the Board when available.
New Business, Part 2
Clerk Robinson presented two refund orders, 2026-462 and 2026-467, with a total valuation of 56,710 and a total tax refund of $9,302.88, for review and signature. Commissioner Nelson made a motion to approve the refund orders in the amount of $9,302.88. Commissioner Crouch seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Dawson Place Administrator, Brandy Born
Brandy reported that Dawson Place currently has two employment openings: one full-time night nurse position and one full-time day CNA position. She also reported that all staff are currently CPR certified for the next two years. Brandy reported that Dawson Place recently lost two elders and gained new residents, bringing the current census to 36 residents. Brandy reported that Dawson Place received an anonymous donation for the purchase of an ice cream machine. She noted that she had seen an ice cream machine at another facility and thought it would be a great addition for the residents. Brandy reported that staff completed Service of Excellence training last year and again on August 5th of this year. She expressed her appreciation to Mickie, EMS Director, for allowing Dawson Place to utilize the EMS barn for training purposes. Brandy noted that all staff completed the training last week and that she hopes to continue providing the training annually. Brandy also reported that Les has returned to work but remains on restrictions. Brandy reported that she is still in the process of building a crash cart and is awaiting the arrival of an AED machine that is currently on back order. Brandy reported that she is working with Nex-Tech on an updated door alarm system to improve the safety and security of Dawson Place. She noted that the proposed system is costly and that she hopes to apply for a couple of grant opportunities to assist with the expense. Brandy advised that she may request financial assistance from the Board. Commissioner Irby stated that he would contact Kristen at the Health Department to inquire whether any Pathways grant funds could be utilized for the project. Brandy reminded the Board that when she first started, the Commissioners assisted Dawson Place with replacing one of its air conditioning units. She reported that the second unit, which is older and has not been replaced, is currently not working properly. Brandy stated that she is in the process of obtaining bids and anticipates requesting assistance from the Commissioners with the replacement. Brandy also reported that the fair went very well. The elders enjoyed participating with their float, which received first place again this year. Brandy reported that, aside from Dawson Place matters, she wanted to advise the Board that she had been in contact with Mike Parks, who currently serves on the Hospital Board. She stated that Parks will be relocating and intends to recommend her to fill the remainder of his unexpired term. Brandy reported that she had discussed the opportunity with the Dawson Place Board, which was fully supportive of her serving on the Hospital Board. She stated that she felt she would be an asset to the Board from both a clinical and administrative perspective. Brandy acknowledged that the governing resolution provides for the Board of County Commissioners to appoint an individual to serve the remainder of an unexpired term and wanted the Commissioners to be aware of her interest in receiving a recommendation for the position. Brandy noted that the next Hospital Board meeting is scheduled for the end of August.
New Business, Part 3
Clerk Robinson presented the Restated Lease Agreement for Trexler Lake, as revised by County Attorney Michael Abbott. Robinson requested the Board’s approval of the agreement so it could be forwarded to Kim Trexler for her review and approval. Commissioner Irby made a motion to approve the Restated Lease Agreement for Trexler Lake. Commissioner Nelson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Clerk Robinson presented the abstract of the Commissioner minutes from July 21, 2026, for the Chairman’s signature. Commissioner Irby reviewed and signed the abstract.
Graham County Employee, Deb Russell
Deb asked the Board whether an employee working 40 hours per week was considered a full-time employee. The Board concurred that they were. Deb provided the Commissioners with examples of how essential employees, such as dispatchers, may not be receiving equitable employee benefits, specifically regarding paid time off and holiday pay. The Commissioners acknowledged the concerns presented and agreed to review the matter further, with the intent of making a determination by the following week. Deb provided each Board member with a packet outlining her concerns and supporting examples for their review and consideration as the matter is discussed further.
Graham County Road & Bridge Supervisor, Steve Kreutzer
Steve reported that the Road Department is currently working on Well Head Road and mowing at Trexler Lake. Steve reported that he obtained a bid from Bruckner’s for new tarps for the belly dump trailers. He presented a bid in the amount of $5,149.28 for one tarp repair and advised that four tarps need to be repaired. The Commissioners requested that Steve obtain two additional bids before a decision is made. Steve also presented a quote from Bruckner’s for a 2016 Mack CHU613 truck in the amount of $45,205.50. He advised that the truck is currently located in Louisiana and that Bruckner’s had placed a hold on it until he had an opportunity to discuss the potential purchase with the Commissioners. Steve noted that the truck is equipped with a wet kit, which would make it a more versatile truck for the department. The Commissioners agreed that Steve should contact Bruckner’s to determine whether arrangements could be made for him to inspect and drive the truck before committing to the purchase. Commissioner Nelson agreed to look further into the trucks that had been previously discussed. Steve reported that, according to Cole with Penco, the bridge project remains on schedule to begin August 17, 2026. Steve advised that DD Road will be completely closed during the project, with a detour in place. Commissioner Crouch reported that Jerol with Penco had indicated that the project was behind schedule and that, although DD Road would be closed beginning August 17, 2026, work on the bridge itself may not begin until September. Steve reported that equipment is already onsite and explained that tree removal must be completed before work on the bridge can begin.
New Business, Part 4
Commissioner Crouch made a motion to approve the minutes from July 28 and August 5, 2026. Commissioner Nelson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Clerk Robinson inquired whether the budget was acceptable as presented and whether she could proceed with publishing the Notice of Hearing in the newspaper. Robinson advised that the Board had previously discussed making transfers to both Health Capital Outlay and County General; however, she had since determined that the proposed transfer to County General was not allowable. Therefore, the transfer would need to be made in its entirety to Health Capital Outlay. The Commissioners agreed to proceed with publication of the notice stating that the County intends not to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR), along with the notice of the budget hearing date. Clerk Robinson presented three bids for the replacement of the air conditioner at the Community Center. Robinson advised that, with the assistance of Commissioner Irby, the bids were received in a timely manner; however, because she was unsure whether they would be received prior to the meeting, the item was not included on the agenda. The Commissioners reviewed the following bids: Elliott’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in the amount of $8,435.00; Pittman’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning in the amount of $8,000.00; and Jones Appliances and Construction in the amount of $5,518.71 with a 12-year warranty or $5,228.36 with a 10-year warranty. Commissioner Nelson made a motion to approve the bid from Jones Appliances and Construction in the amount of $5,518.71 with a 12-year warranty. Commissioner Crouch seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Clerk Robinson advised the Board that she had applied for a Project Exemption Certificate through the Kansas Department of Revenue and had received notification that the certificate was expected to be issued that day. Commissioner Irby reported that he had reviewed the anticipated savings to the County resulting from employees paying their portion of dental insurance premiums. He estimated that the County would save approximately $30,000 annually and would be contributing approximately $15,000 per month to the Health Insurance Reserves. Based on these savings, Commissioner Irby expressed his support for providing each employee with a $500 net bonus, after taxes, from the Health Insurance Reserves as a gesture of appreciation to County employees. He noted that, based on the anticipated savings, the cost of the bonuses would be recouped within approximately two to three months. Commissioner Irby made a motion to approve a $500 after-tax bonus for all County employees, to be paid from the Health Insurance Reserves. Commissioner Nelson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Clerk Robinson advised that she would be processing payroll the following week and suggested that a letter be included with employees’ paystubs explaining the bonus. Commissioner Irby agreed to draft the letter. Commissioner Crouch reported that he had already spoken with Steve with Road & Bridge but wanted to publicly recognize the work completed at the house at Antelope Lake. He noted that he had previously discussed the need for repairs to the beams and stated that whoever completed the work did a spectacular job. Commissioner Crouch also reported that he had previously raised concerns regarding St. Peter Road. He contacted Steve about the road, and Steve arranged for the work to be completed that same day. Commissioner Crouch commended the Road & Bridge employee who completed the work, stating that he did a great job. Commissioner Crouch questioned whether changes could still be made to the budget after the hearing date and time were published, noting that the Historical Society had requested an increase in funding but the proposed budget still reflected $2,500. Commissioner Irby advised that adjustments could be made to the budget; however, the County could not exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR). Commissioner Irby also suggested that when the next round of Pathways grant funding becomes available in October, the County should inquire whether the Historical Society may be eligible to receive funding through the program.
With no further business to come before the Board, Commissioner Irby moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Crouch seconded the motion. Motion carried 3–0.
**THESE MINUTES ARE A DRAFT AND HAVE NOT YET BEEN APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. **
