photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Douglas County commissioners meet on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Douglas County commissioners deferred voting to make it easier to remove a road’s minimum maintenance designation on Wednesday.

The proposed changes would allow county commissioners to remove a minimum maintenance designation – which is given to a public road that may only occasionally be used and doesn’t require regular maintenance – with a vote or resolution without a formal viewing of the road.

County staff brought forward the proposed changes to make the process faster and less expensive, according to a memo in the agenda. Previously, removing a minimum maintenance designation required a recommendation from the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission along with a formal public hearing and a published notice in the newspaper.

The residents living along affected roads will still receive notice via mail ahead of any votes. Wednesday’s vote did not automatically change the maintenance level of any roads.

County commissioners decided to defer the decision on any changes after Commissioner Erica Anderson expressed an interest in gathering additional input from townships before approving the changes.

Additionally, county commissioners wanted to add language requiring township boards to review and make a recommendation on a proposed removal of a minimum maintenance road before the County Commission votes.

“Everyone should at least have the opportunity to provide input, especially when it involves their district, their township, their processes, their workflow,” Anderson said.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, COMMISSIONERS:

• Consolidated the purchase of cybersecurity software from Softchoice for Douglas County and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office totaling $123,009. The software, known as endpoint detection and response, monitors computers, laptops, servers and other devices for suspicious activity.

• Approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to replace and upgrade approximately 1,610 feet of guardrail surrounding the intersection at North 950 Road and East 550 Road. The county was awarded $258,000 from the federal High Risk Rural Roads Program, and they are required to provide a 10% local match and any additional expenses that exceed the federal award. Construction is scheduled for 2028.

• Approved a funding commitment with KDOT to install high-friction surface treatment on curved sections of Route 1055 and Route 1061 to improve vehicle traction and reduce the risk of crashes. The cost of the project is $258,072, and the county was asked to provide $29,000 in matching funds. Construction is scheduled for 2027.