The Lyon County Commission has withdrawn as a member of the Flint Hills Regional Council.
The Flint Hills Regional Council focuses on enhancing the economic viability and improving the quality of life through regional collaboration in the Flint Hills. The Lyon County Commission has been a member of the council for the past 5 years.
Commission chair Rollie Martin says in the past the decision to renew their membership was almost automatic. However, two years ago after the City of Emporia decided to withdraw their membership the county began to evaluate the decision more thoroughly.
Commissioners denied the renewal of their membership to the council by a 2-1 vote. The lone vote for renewal belonged to Commissioner Scott Briggs who is also subsequently the president of the Flint Hills Regional Council.
Briggs says while he’s not thrilled about the decision he is also not shocked.
According to Martin, the decision is not a permanent one as there is a possibility the county could renew their membership down the road if the right opportunity were to present itself.
Lyon County was paying over $3,600 per year in membership dues based on population. With the withdrawal of Lyon County, the Regional Council now consists of five neighboring counties which includes Morris, Wabaunsee, Pottawatomie, Riley and Geary.
In other business, Lyon County Engineer Chip Woods sought approval for a quote from Foley Equipment Company for a used 2015 Caterpillar 12M3 Motor Grader. He was also seeking approval of a trade in of the County’s 2002 Caterpillar 140H Grader for $35,300.
With the trade in the total cost of the new grader is $184,300.
Also, Amy Welch with the Lyon County Noxious Weeds department requested approval for a state contract. The contract is with the Kansas Department of Transportation for spraying of right of ways on state highways within Lyon County. This includes Interstate 35, Kansas Highway 99 and Highway 50.
Six executive sessions also took place. The Lyon County Commission will next meet Jan. 10 at 8 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse.
