Thursday, July 12, 2012

Riley County Commission mtg 7-12-12

Mr. Lew was absent.

Commissioners discussed the composition and contents of the brochure that Rod Meredith, Public Works, is producing on the proposed 1/4-cent sales tax vote. This is for educational purposes, as elected officials may not advocate on such an issue, since public funds are involved. The brochure will contain facts about the present 1/2-cent tax, differences and similarities between the two systems, funding needs, safety deficiencies, etc.  Clancy Holeman, Counsel, gave the opinion that Mr. Meredith's proposed brochure meets the standard of education, not advocacy. He reported that the Regional Planning Board is working toward adopting a map of the area to be included.

Lyle Butler, Executive Director Chamber of Commerce, when asked, said the City had funded most of the the Chamber's budget requests but denied the City's part ($40,000) of the 24/7 program. He said the Kansas Department of Agriculture is planning to move part of their operation out of the present building. Proposals have been submitted by groups in Topeka, Manhattan, Dodge City, Garden City, and Great Bend. Three private sector groups have submitted proposals. Mr. Butler said there are several suitable properties here. The department is looking for a 7,500-40,000 square-foot space. The portion that will be moving is administration. The research arm would remain where it is for two more years. The relocation could produce from 15 to 140 jobs, depending on various factors.

Mr. Butler said they have been working to improve numbers attending the county fair on the opening night of the rodeo (Thursday). They have implemented a special "Military Night" promotion to encourage families from Ft. Riley to attend. The promotion has yielded 2,000 potential participants thus far.

Mr. Holeman discussed the content and wording of the ballot question for the 1/4-cent sales tax. Commissioners said simplest is best. Inclusion of the fact that it is a substitution for an expiring tax, date of sunset, purpose (uses) of the funds, expiration date (5 years), etc. would be desirable. It should be as short as possible. Commissioners discussed the proposed inter-local agreement between Riley County and the small cities therein. These small cities count on funds for certain operations. The suggested retention of the same percentage as at present was agreed to by consensus. Mr. Holeman said that the Legislative Post Audit is looking at the manufacturing and equipment exemption from personal property taxes. Evaluation and classi-fication may take 5 months. Next year's session may be long. There is still no formal answer from the Attorney General's office on the (now moot) question of the wording of a City/County 1/2-cent sales tax proposal. It would, as previously mentioned, be merely advisory anyway. Adjourned.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.

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