County Commission

County Commission April 19. 2012
All present.

Clancy Holeman, County Counselor, discussed with the commission the proposed county-wide ballot question on the ½ cent sales tax. There have been discussions with the city of Manhattan on coordinating, efforts but they seem to have some different views on how it should be presented to the public – wording, etc. The county’s wording would specify the use of the tax as infrastructure (roads and bridges, etc.) and economic development. Much more on this later.

Jennifer Wilson reported on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program activities. In 2012 they assisted with 442 e-filed federal returns, 482 state returns. Refunds claimed totaled $596,488. Tax liabilities paid were $33,124. The average income of taxpayers using the VITA service was $18,377. There were 61 persons who received education credits, 109 receiving Earned Income Credit and 109 received Child Tax Credit

Wilson also announced that Extension will offer the Park Quest program this summer. This year’s parks will be 1. Flint Hhills Discovery Center/Konza Prairie, 2. Pillsbury Crossing Recreation Area, 3. Tuttle Creek Park (areas that will not require admission permits) 4. Northeast Community Park, 5. Annenberg Park, 6. Washington Marlatt Park, 7. Leonardville City Park, and 8. Bala Park. This is a family-oriented activity. The goal this year will be to visit 6 of the 8 parks during the summer. Participants can pick up a “passport” and, at each location, stamp it or answer a question. Completed passports will be entered into a drawing for a prize.

Julie Merklin, observer