Stafford County Approves Contract for New Bridge Development

The Stafford County Board of County Commissioners has approved a significant contract for engineering services related to a new bridge project. During a meeting held on **October 8, 2023**, in St. John, the board voted unanimously to engage **Kirkham Michael** for the project, which is set to be located **six miles south and 0.4 miles west of Stafford** on **SE 60th Street**.

Commissioners **Jim Stanford**, **Bryce Garner**, and **Todd Wycoff** were present for the meeting, where they discussed several key agenda items. The board approved the engineering agreement with Kirkham Michael for **Bridge No. 000930681605940**, with a total contract value of **$62,000**. This investment is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve transportation links.

In addition to the bridge contract, the board made personnel decisions, including promoting **Trent Harman** to an exempt salaried position at an annual salary of **$57,000**. Furthermore, **Jody Brister** was elevated to the role of Road Foreman, with a new hourly rate of **$25**. Both motions received unanimous support.

Another significant discussion point involved a proposed boundary change concerning two parcels of land, one within the city limits of Stafford and the other in the county. **LuAnn Brister**, the Register of Deeds, along with **Marilyn Grizzell** and **Rebecca Austin**, joined the meeting to address this issue. They plan to attend the next city council meeting to seek a resolution that will allow the parcels to be combined under a single boundary.

The meeting also included an update from **Shannon Snyder**, the Health Department Administrator, regarding the **Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)** program. Snyder reported that the ongoing government shutdown has created challenges for the program, as current funding from the **U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)** is nearing depletion. She emphasized that WIC operations would be suspended until new funding is secured.

In a related development, **Rob Murrow**, the Sheriff of Stafford County, informed the board that he has successfully filled a critical position within his department.

The commissioners also reviewed and approved the minutes from their previous meeting on **October 1, 2023**, and agreed to draft a letter of support for **Sunflower Diversified Services**. This letter will accompany a grant proposal to the **Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)**, seeking continued funding for essential transportation services provided in the region.

The meeting concluded at **10:00 a.m.**, following a productive session that addressed both infrastructure needs and community health support. The decisions made will undoubtedly impact the local community, enhancing both transport options and welfare services in Stafford County.