7-14-2026 Cole County Commission Meeting

At the July 14, 2026 Cole County Commission meeting, commissioners considered several spending and grant matters. They took up Homeland Security Grant subawards from the state for four projects, including technology, a portable radio cache, and Hazmat team needs; a motion to approve and sign the subawards was made and seconded, though the transcript’s recorded vote is unclear. The commission also considered an adjustment to an existing grant for a hazardous-materials violation; the transcript mentions both $2,500 and a requested $5,500 adjustment, so the amount and vote outcome are unclear. Staff reported that reimbursement for the county’s 2024 cybersecurity grant had been approved, with $140,000 in reimbursement due on a project described as costing approximately $250,000 overall.

The commission approved a change to election-worker compensation: pay would be based on minimum wage using standard hours for election day, with mileage reimbursed at the county employee rate. The discussion noted that the change would increase election costs and could require a budget adjustment; state and city reimbursements will offset some election expenses. Commissioners also discussed a possible county public-works cleanup of storm debris in Osage City, which would involve equipment and fuel costs, but no estimate or spending approval was recorded. Staff said reimbursement might be possible but was uncertain, and emphasized documenting costs and coordinating future disaster-debris cleanup with community partners.