Clancy Holeman, County Counsel, requested an executive session of 10 minutes.
Eileen King, Treasurer, gave monthly financial reports. Investments are still yielding low figures, but not worse than recent months. Sales tax collections continue to be healthy. With 50% of the year past, sales tax collections are at 58.85% of budget. Ms. King estimated final collections for the year may be $500,000 over budget. She suggested adding half that amount ($250,000) to the general fund. Commissioners agreed by consensus that this would be justified. In variance to budget, income is 4.4% up overall. Some funds are down, others up.
Press conference:
Gregg Eyestone, Extension, said there will be a presentation on fall vegetable gardening on Wednesday, July 18 at 7:00 in the Public Library Auditorium. He displayed some "long beans" (about 30" long) which can be eaten as dry beans or, when harvested at 12" or less, as "green beans. He said gardeners should keep watering to wet the root system.
Greg McClure, Extension, said the corn crop pollinated during severe dry conditions and is thus, not going to be a great crop. Other crops are doing pretty well. Early weaning of calves will pay off in the long run in health of cows and growth of calves.
Eileen King said average sales tax collection is 15.18% over 2011 through June. Auto sales and retail sales are up, as well as intercollegiate athletics. Utilities are mixed. Some new markets are among top 25 and top 40 sales tax remitters, and many new restaurants are in the top 100.
Ms. King said 3M (the company supplying the new vehicle registration system to all counties in the state) has to still fix some things before they are "off the hook." The system is working satisfactorily at present, though slow. Commissioners congratulated her on being elected President of the National Association of County Treasurers [etc]. She will be installed in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday. The Association is valuable for networking ideas for improvements in service.
Dennis Peterson, Noxious Weed, said the Hazardous Waste trailer will be a Howie's this Saturday, July 14 from 8:00 to noon. They accept paint, waste motor oil and other automotive fluids, household cleaning substances, pesticides, batteries, mercury (old thermometers and thermostats), fluorescent bulbs, and prescription drugs. Note: controlled substances, e.g. those containing morphine or codeine, must be taken to the police department. E-waste is free except leaded glass TVs and computer monitors, which require a fee.
Rod Meredith said this Saturday the U. S. Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Salazar, will be here with the Governor to oversee the declaration of the Kansas River as (one of only two) a National Water Trail. They will meet at 8:30 at the canoe launch site for an airboat ride, then go to the Discovery Center for the 9:30 announcement.
Commissioners conducted a discussion of the 1/2-cent sales tax matter. Mr. Meredith distributed a handsome brochure about the state of county roads and bridges. Commissioners expressed impatience with waiting for the Attorney General to make a decision on wording for the ballot matter. They are also tired of waiting for the City Commission to decide what they want to do. They discussed what would present the question in the most favorable light to the voters. They felt the intention to devote their collections to repairs and building of roads and bridges, as the previous measure had been, was most appealing. The public was perceived as being uneasy about amorphous eco-devo plans, or "any lawful use." In the end, they voted 3-0 to put a 1/4-cent county tax on the ballot, for infrastructure uses. The legal language will be forthcoming, with further details.
Cheryl Collins, Museum Director, introduced Alana Sanger, the new Curator of Design. She is an appropriately-educated and well qualified addition to the museum staff. Commissioners discussed with Ms. Collins the subject of "old stuff and why it changed." This would include dial telephones, typewrites, LP records, a piece of carbon paper, etc.
After lunch, a representative of the Animal Shelter spoke. He said he needs more funding from Pottawatomie County, which has a large number of animals brought in every year.
Commissioners held a budget work session. Many department heads were present. They mentioned that the AG's opinion on the sales tax question was merely advisory, so there is no problem in that quarter with their decision to end the indecision on the matter. Several changes in the budget were accepted by consensus. At Ms. McCulloh's request, they agreed to increase the allocation to the Health Department and to give a COLA only to the Indigent Attorneys. Initially, an additional position for IT was denied, but after further discussion and explanations and pleadings from some department heads, they agreed (2-1, Ms. McCulloh dissenting) to allow the addition (replacement of an IT Analyst). Commissioners agreed to certain shiftings of funds between Public Works and CIP. Mr. Meredith pointed out that they need a certain buffer, approximately $200,000, in case of flooding, heavy snows, or other emergencies. Commissioners felt it is better to keep the mill levy flat rather than to lower it, since expenses for the Health Department are yet to fully fall on the county, and 2014 is likely to be a large jump in their request, without the previous carry-over. Commissioners agreed tentatively to raise the Health Department contribution to $500,000 for 2013. The mill levy for 2013, at this point, is computed as 35.557, a rise of only .299. There will be another work session on July 19. Budget approval must be made by July 23. Adjourned.
Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.
Commissioners held a budget work session. Many department heads were present. They mentioned that the AG's opinion on the sales tax question was merely advisory, so there is no problem in that quarter with their decision to end the indecision on the matter. Several changes in the budget were accepted by consensus. At Ms. McCulloh's request, they agreed to increase the allocation to the Health Department and to give a COLA only to the Indigent Attorneys. Initially, an additional position for IT was denied, but after further discussion and explanations and pleadings from some department heads, they agreed (2-1, Ms. McCulloh dissenting) to allow the addition (replacement of an IT Analyst). Commissioners agreed to certain shiftings of funds between Public Works and CIP. Mr. Meredith pointed out that they need a certain buffer, approximately $200,000, in case of flooding, heavy snows, or other emergencies. Commissioners felt it is better to keep the mill levy flat rather than to lower it, since expenses for the Health Department are yet to fully fall on the county, and 2014 is likely to be a large jump in their request, without the previous carry-over. Commissioners agreed tentatively to raise the Health Department contribution to $500,000 for 2013. The mill levy for 2013, at this point, is computed as 35.557, a rise of only .299. There will be another work session on July 19. Budget approval must be made by July 23. Adjourned.
Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.
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