Joan Strickler, observer
All Commissioners present, Johnson presiding.
Julie Govert Walters reported the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging has counselors prepared to assist seniors with decisions regarding Part D Medicare medical insurance options. Decisions on policies must be made during the open option period now in effect.
Shawn Brandmahl with the North Central Juvenile Detention Center asked the Commissioners for permission to draw down reserve funds on a quarterly basis rather than a bed usage basis for one year. A new funding formula for the Center is in the process of being developed and this help is needed to keep the Center functioning during the current year. Apparently the number of juveniles served has gone down this year. The Commissioners agreed to the request.
Lengthy discussions were held relating to the estimated 2009 General Fund ending cash balance. Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek noted budget overruns probably will occur in Public Works causing estimated carryover to look lower than expected. It was mentioned that Riley has the lowest tax level of counties in Kansas.
Lori Feldkamp, director of Big Lakes Developmental Center, discussed the possible impact on developmental disabilities community centers of closure and/or downsizing of the Kansas Neurological Center and Parsons State Hospital. Apparently BLDC and the other centers already have lengthy waiting lists. KNI serves clients who generally are fragile and sometimes have extensive medical needs. She noted BLDC does serve some clients with medical needs such as gastrointestinal feeding tubes, but would not be equipped to deal with more extensive needs such as ventilators. Parsons serves clients with more severe behavioral problems. Serving them might require help from law enforcement. BLDC housing is virtually full and finding and keeping trained staff to serve the current heavy needs of clients is difficult. Special education students in the community are faced with graduating from high school to the couch at home because of the existing waiting lists.
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