The Montgomery County Commissioners had their regular meeting this morning. A highlight was the presence of a leader from Four County Mental Health, Greg Hennen, a practicing psychology doctor who works at Four County in Independence. Hennen spoke to commissioners about the rate of suicides in the county being of concern, particulary having three in one week. He said $9,500-10,000 is spent per person every year in the United States, and while our country spends 2-3x more money than other nations, we have less of a health outcome. Hennen pointed out that other nations spend more on social services, leading to a better quality of life. He requested commissioners to approve any amount from the mill levy, or property tax, to be determined.
Other items discussed included land for Coffeyville's Summer Celebration for July 13th. All commissioners approved the property at East 8th and 1800 for the event, and it will be asphalted shortly.
Money was approved to be debited from the Noxious Weed Fund to pay the lowest bidder, Van Deist Supply of Lindsborg, Kansas, for chemicals or herbicide.
A citizen petition was discussed regarding properties bought for alleyways, roads, and streets.
Emergency Management Director, Rick Whitson, informed of bids received to work on roof repairs and painting.
County Appraiser, Dianna Carter, was back from last week to follow up on the commercial project of combining same-owner properties for data efficiency, requesting to move forward with Equitable Solutions, Inc. Commissioners approved and will sign off at a future meeting.
County Clerk Charlotte Schmidt let commissioners know the Tobacco Free Parks Policy in Coffeyville is the only one possible for the county, all approved.
Finally, this Friday the 28th is the closing on the sale of Coffeyville's old Red Cross building to the county. It will be the new Tag office. The county already paid $10,000 and today they approved a $30,000 payment for Friday's closing.
