County Commission Dec. 13, 2012

BOCC Dec 13, 2012

   All Commissioners present.

The Commission appointed 14 county residents to 9 different county boards with terms beginning Jan 1, 2013.

Lyle Butler, Manhattan area chamber of commerce, thanked outgoing commissioners McCullough and Johnson for their work.  Butler said the statistics for the city are strong, and the unemployment rate is low.  The city is eighth in size in the state, but fifth in retail shopping.  Complete statistics for 2012 will be out in January

Eileen King, Treasurer, gave her monthly report.  Among the items, sales tax is $208,000 over budget estimates.  These numbers are from Nov. of 2011 through Oct 2012.  She expressed concern about proposed cuts in sales tax proposed by the governor.

Rich Vargo, county Clerk, gave a report of his department’s accomplishments and goals.  The biggest item this past year was the 2012 election which went well.

                Susan Kufahl, Health Dept. Director said that the Flu season started early this year but it is still not too late to get a shot.  They have been notified that their Early Childhood Block Grant has been recommended for funding and they hope to hear that is has been fully funded.

                The Kansas Dept of Ag. has indicated that they will send a user-friendly ongoing report for Riley County restaurant inspections that can be posted on their website.

                The first public health advisory board meeting is scheduled for Jan 23 at 4 p.m.

                There was a lengthy presentation and discussion of the long range facility plan for the county building(s).  The presentation included slides with pictures and diagrams produced by Brent Bowman.   This is just very preliminary and much discussion and analysis of space needs will occur in the future.

Julie Merklin, observer