Allen County commissioners agreed to a preliminary budget of $1,500 for May 7 groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Allen County Hospital at the northeast edge of town.
“Our focus is to have a memorable ceremony to mark this most significant day in the life and history of Allen County,” said Mary Ann Arnott, member of a committee planning the groundbreaking.
Arnott said several things necessary for the event, such as a tent, chairs and entertainment, would be donated. Of the $1,500 proposed, $1,000 was set aside for gifts and mementos that will be given to participants and attendees, specifics of which have yet to be decided.
Commissioners accepted the budget.
“Thousands of donated hours have been given by numerous individuals throughout the county to get us to this exciting day,” Arnott said. “This will be an opportunity for the county commissioners to recognize their service.
“It also will be an exciting step to announce to the people of Allen County, southeast Kansas and Kansas the process of building a new hospital of excellence is under way in Allen County,” Arnott said.
A LETTER pointing out rights of way along county roads are meant to be available for utility easements was approved at the urging of Larry Tucker,
Humboldt administrator.
Humboldt has developed a comprehensive plan that identifies several routes into rural areas near Humboldt where utilities could be extended to new businesses or housing developments. Tucker said easements were available from the state along K-224, which connects U.S. 169 to the north edge of Humboldt, and wanted official word from the county saying the same would be true on county road rights of way.
“We’re planning for growth,” he said.
Dick Works, commission chairman, and Commissioner Gary McIntosh agreed. Commissioner Rob Francis was absent.
Tucker said the plan is an outline for how the city might grow “10 or 20 years from now,” and has nothing to do with extraterritorial zoning or forced annexation.
The county has zoning rights outside all municipal boundaries.
The comprehensive plan also permits Humboldt to establish a reserve fund to pay for utility extensions, Tucker said.
COMMISSIONERS instructed Ron Holman, courthouse maintenance supervisor, to obtain bids for construction of a new sidewalk and steps leading into the courthouse on its west side.
