All Commissioners present.
After executive session, Clancy Holeman updated Commissioners on legislative matters. Commissioners came to consensus that Holeman should ask our legislators to vote against a bill that would put lids on local governments ability to raise property taxes. They felt there are many reasons why this would not be a good idea.
Brad Schoen, Director of RCPD, along with representatives of Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Department, and other agencies, reported on the success of their elaborate planning for Fake Patty's Day. This was fully and accurately reported in Monday's Mercury.
Robbin Cole, Director of Pawnee Mental Health, said that they are preparing to operate under severe budget restraints in the coming year. She believes the governor's budget will eliminate the Family Centered Systems of care for children. Up to six (6) staff members may be lost. In non-Medicaid screening of persons for admission to the State Mental Hospital, they may be asked to perform without any compensation, losing $120,000, which would mean two (2) staff. The Rainbow Mental Health Center in Kansas City, scheduled for renovation to bring it up to standards for a residential treatment center, will be for only 36 of the potential 50-bed capacity. The proposed Kansas Medicaid "reform" still must have federal approval before it can be put into effect. A large number of people are working hard to delay the start for six months so proper preparations can be made for the changes. The "reform" will probably result in reducing institutionalization and hospitalization. The community concerned with developmental disabilities is very concerned that their programs will be "dumped" into Medicaid. The program will likely result in 10-12% less Medicaid support. There will be more patients, less money, fewer staff. Ms. Cole said, "We do our best."
Ginny Barnard, Extension, urged people to participate in Walk Kansas. Riley County has a team and is expected to challenge the city to see who could do better. Teams must register by March 16, www.rile.ksu.edu or 785-537-6350.
Mr. Johnson presented a plaque to Becky Dekat, 35-year employee of the Health Department. He said the county greatly appreciates her long service. Suzanne Kufahl, Health Dept. Director, said that Ms. Dekat represents the defining role of professional service to the public.
Leon Hobson, Director of Public Works, gave an update on projects. As for K-18, avoid it at all costs. If you must go that way, drive carefully (slowly), and attempt NO left turns. Among other projects discussed was work on the McDowell Creek Road Bridge. This will impact the alternate route for K-18.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, said the Historic Summit on March 1 was highly successful. Forty people attended. Ms. Collins has also been working on the planning committee for KSU 150 Commemoration in 2013. On Feb 14, there will be a Gala with a variety of attractions in Ahearn. They hope for a significant sports event (perhaps KU-KSU basketball game) on Feb 15, and on Feb 17 a signature event in McCain. She said that the publicity about the discovery of the oldest Kanza village had made many archaeologists anxious about its safety. There are already reports of untrained members of the public approaching the site.
Rich Vargo gave a report on year-to-date budget and expenditures. He said 2011 had closed out at 91.93% expenditure of budget. The 2012 report is for only a small period of time. The Health Dept. integration is going well. Ms. Kufahl has been exceedingly obliging and efficiently helpful. There is no established trend with those RCPD expenses paid by the County. Health costs of inmates and maintenance of the physical plant are very hard to predict. Mr. Vargo said he had presented a voting program at Via Christi Retirement Center. It is a poll site, which makes voting easier for residents. Most of the residents have signed up for permanent advance voting, which does not require repeated production of ID. He also reminded residents that people over 65 may use expired forms of ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg
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