Johnette Shepek, Budget and Financial Officer, gave an overview of the status of various funds. Capital Improvement Projects fund will have adequate budget authority for the rest of 2012. The Riley County Building fund has a significant cash balance. The Economic Development fund as of this date has nearly $300,000 balance in budget authorization. There were no expenses charged to the Road and Bridges sales tax fund during July (though work continued). It has a healthy balance. Ms Shepek distributed copies of the suggested 2013 Budget Overview brochure. It is a very comprehensive summary of Riley County Budget, including historical mill levy rates, proposed General Fund Expenditures and Revenues, listing of all categories of revenue sources and expenditures. The Riley County Budget for 2013 totals $39,690,224.
Anne Smith updated the Commissioners on the AtA bus. She gave Commissioners copies of the most recently produced brochure. They have added 5 stops on their fixed routes. In the first four days of last week, they transported 3642 rides, averaging 910.5 rides per day. Jardine residents have requested addition of two new routes: lunch time and dinner time between Jardine and Derby Food Center. They have 16 vehicles, one of which is a minivan. They received an allocation of $20,ooo from the United Way. Ogden residents have requested a shuttle on Saturday to and from Walmart. Commissioners commented that Target is in Riley County. They are still working with KSU an KSOT on signage. There may be some detours on the fixed routes on game Saturdays. At a conference in Dodge City, Manhattan/Riley County AtA bus system received an award as the highest percent ridership increase in the State in the class of over 10 vehicles. (8.9%)
Gregg Eyestone commented gratefully on the recent rains. Coverage is now very crucial for soil. It is time to fertilize or re-seed lawns. Soil testing is availabale at the Extension Office (539-6350). Cool grasses such as tall fescue and bluegrass work best in our climate, but if you have very sunny yard, hot weather grasses such as zoyzia, bermuda, and buffalo grass will grow.
Tim Hegarty, RCPD, (not present) forwarded a message for Riley County residents: Lock your house and your car.
Gary Rosewicz said drivers should avoid Alert Road beginning Aug 29 for two days. The realignment work on Mineral Springs Rd begins Sept 4 and continue to April 2013. No inconveniences are expected.
Kim Nies, Health Department, said the County is ready to administer flu shots. All insurance plans are accepted. She said they are seeking members for the Health Advisory Board. Questions about West Nile virus may be answered on their web site.
Cindi Valenti, Human Resources, said the Noixious Weed dept and Hazardous Waste office will be closed Wed Aug 29 from 9:d0 to 12:30 for a staff member family funeral.
Clancy Holeman requested an Executive Session. When they returned, they approved 3-0 action discussed in the exec session. Mr Holeman discussed Legislative requests for KAC. Commissioners decided to set the date for the Riley County/Legislative conference for sometime between the November election and Thanksgiving. The Indigent Defense Panel accepted the County's latest offer: no step increase, only COLA. The panel requested reimbursement of half the cost of software for "child in need" cases. Commissioners agreed to pay $175. (This amount is for each of the attorneys). Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a policy to meet IRS guidelines to see that bonds stay tax-exempt. This is called "Post Issuance Compliance."
Ron Fehr, City Manager, and a representative of the Chamber of Commerce joined the Commission in consideration of the presentations for the 1/2 cent sales tax ballot question. Ms McCulloh reminded all present that they may not legally advocate, merely educate. The presentation under consideration includes both County and City interests. It includes an inventory of (County) roads and bridges and culverts large and small; list of deficiencies;undesirable results of postponement of certain work; projects completed in the last 10 years; collage of businesses that have received development funds; number of jobs created; pie chart of spending, and leverage of private funds; recruitment and retention of many businesses and services. The proposed sales tax would be paid by an estimated 130,000 people. Property tax is paid by about 30,000 people. There are over 1,000,000 visitors per year. The ballot question is printed in its entirety. In 2012, by the end of the year, retail sales are expected to have exceeded $1,000,000,000 (one Billion dollars). Lots of taxes. Certain adjustments and additions will be made to the presentation.
The League of Women Voters will of course have a least one presentation to members!?!?Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg.
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