Russell County Commissioners Approve Live Stream of Meetings, Hear 2027 Budget Requests

Russell County Commissioners met Monday and approved live streaming of future meetings.

Commissioners discussed options and expenses and decided on a 4-1 vote to begin live streaming once the needed equipment and software is acquired and set up.

Commissioners also discussed implementing a burn ban in the county due to dry conditions, but took no action.

An update on the Hell Creek Bridge project was given. Commissioner Duke Strobel attended a meeting with the Kansas Department of Transportation recently. The total cost of the bridge project is expected to be $4.4 million with the county responsible for $400,000. Work on the bridge is expected to begin in 2028.

Also Monday, commissioners heard 2027 budget requests from the 20th Judicial District Court, High Plains Mental Health and Bunker Hill, Dorrance and Russell County Historical Societies. 20th Judicial District Court requested $115,300. High Plains Mental Health asked for $38,325.61 and an additional $11,604.10 to support the Crisis Intervention Center. The Bunker Hill Historical Society asked for $10,000. The Dorrance Historical Society requested $23,000. The Russell County Historical Society asked for half a mill levy.  No action was taken.

Haying bids in the county and metal pile bids at the Russell County Landfill were approved.

Commissioners also approved a temporary conditional use permit to A Fairport Knight for a concert on May 24.

The next meeting for the Russell County Commissioners is Monday, May 18 at 9 AM at the courthouse in Russell.