County Commission

County Commission January 12, 2012

All members present, Johnson presiding.

The Annual Regional Retreat was announced. There will be two speakers. Dr. Kirk Schulz, KSU president, will focus on the 2025 plan which aims to have KSU nationally recognized as one of the top 50 public research universities. The other speaker will be Gen. Mayville, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division at Ft. Riley.

Lyle Butler from the Chamber of Commerce said that their goals for the future will stress retention and expansion of existing local businesses. (Thriving local businesses are often recruited by other communities and states to move there.)

Eileen King, Treasurer, gave the monthly financial reports. We have on deposit in eleven local banks $56,064,152.45. This includes CD’s and cash/money market. Sales tax revenue for 2011 was over budget by $784,117.50.

The commission is in the process of implementing one-hour parking limits in their parking lot. Several representatives of attorneys and the courts are asking for a method of having permits for lawyers who have to drive to court, as well as for jury members. It is difficult to find parking for more than two hours within easy walking distance of the court. Of course, the county wants the lot available for their customers, especially when new automobiles are being registered, and someone has to come out and actually see the VIN number. There were no decisions made, and the discussion will continue.

Julie Merklin, Observer