County Commission mtg July 9, 2009

All commissioners present.
Jennifer Wilson, Extension, announced plans for County Fair.
Lyle Butler, Chamber of Commerce, updated Commission on Economic Development activity. Three very good business prospects are continuing to mover forward with plans to come here. They involve high-tech, high paying jobs, but are not yet allowing public identification. American Eagle begins service from Manhattan airport on August 25, flight arriving at 2:45, with ribbon-cutting ceremony. Butler said a national news magazine has completed local interviews for an article featuring Manhattan (and other places) in September issue. The US Department of Labor has moved Manhattan area from "microarea" to Metropolitan area.. This includes areas in addition to Riley County. The NBAF construction and new hospital at Ft. Riley are the two largest construction projects in our immediate future. In answer to a question from McCullogh, Butler said the site of the proposed "Welcome center" at Hwy 177 and I-70 has been cleaned and cleared. Getting water to the site is still the greatest barrier to further progress.
Eileen King, Treasurer, gave her monthly financial report. Investment income is down, at half year 28% of whole year budget. Sales tax collections are down from last year, but at 60% of whole year budget. Among 25 top sales tax contributors, cars and retail are down, but groceries and utilities are up.
Clancy Holeman received approval from Commission to submit only three items for special support to the Kansas Association of Counties, in the coming Legislative session. Other items will also be mentioned as needing attention. Kearns will attend the KAC meeting on July 17 (all day) in Topeka.
Greg Vahrenberg, Managing Director of Piper Jaffray, explained the bond rating process. Riley County is rated by Moodie's. Our rating is AA3, exceptionally high for government entities. Criteria for ratings include general economic conditions, management practices, ratio of bonds to tax base, speed of payout of principal, etc.
After lunch, Pat Collins, Director of Emergency Services, was granted funding for replacement of the Console for Manhattan City Fire Department (making intercommunication among emergenty services easier) and for replacement of a repeater. Both approved 3-0.
A budget hearing following will be covered by Manhattan Mercury.
Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg, Observer.