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MITCHELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS â€“ Monday, August 21, 2023

By Terry Bailey

Jason Brown, representing Grain Belt Express, made a presentation to the Mitchell County Commissioner Monday morning, August 21, regarding the high energy transmission line which starts near Spearville, Kansas, and runs across several states, terminating in Monroe County, Missouri. The proposed transmission line would run across the northern tier of Townships in Mitchell County. Brown told the Commissioners that 90% of the easements required for the entire length of the line have been voluntarily signed by landowners. He said negotiations are ongoing with those yet to sign easement agreements.
Brown said a road-use agreement will be negotiated with each county where the line exists. He told the Commissioners Grain Belt understand with the increased truck traffic during the construction of line, excessive use may damage the roads. The road use agreement will ensure that roads are returned to their normal condition when the construction is completed.
Mitchell County will receive an estimated $4 million is sales and property taxes during construction. Under Kansas law, Grain Belt Express receives a ten-year property tax exemption. In year 11 the project is expected to generate over $22 million in property tax revenues for Mitchell County over the life of the project.
The Commissioners deferred the final decision on the contract pending study of it by the County Attorney and the Road and Bridge Superintendent.
Mark Noah, County Attorney, was present to discuss the purchase of land just north of the Beloit Pizza Hut. The County needs to acquire this land in order to construct a larger addition to the Ambulance Barn to house the new and larger ambulances that will be purchased in the future.
Noah began his remarks by saying, "The land description currently on record is defective. It does not accurately describe the land in question."
The land is currently owned by Uptown Management, LLC. of Hays, Kansas, with Jason T. Staab as managing partner. Negotiations have been taking place between the County and Uptown Management off and on for some time. Missy McGinnis, EMS director, said she had spoken recently to Mr. Staab, and he had some concerns about the sale. The Commissioners directed McGinnis to maintain contact with Mr. Staab to see if the differences can be reconciled.
The Commissioners and McGinnis entered into a 15-minute executive session. At the end of the closed session, it was announced that no decisions had been made as a result of that closed session.
The Commissioners then voted to expend $23,692 to M.S.C. Ceiling of Salina, Kan., to remove all ceiling tile in the ambulance barn and to install new ceiling panels.
Kindra White and Nathan Fast representing Globe Life and Liberty National insurance companies were on hand to present insurance coverage from their companies. They discussed the merits of their insurance coverage and the costs. The Commissioners expressed interest in the insurance and will work out a time for a return visit to discuss their coverage in more depth.
Having addressed all items on the printed agenda, the meeting was adjourned.

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA