Riley County Commission

Nov. 22, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

Commissioners signed the contract with ACH to provide health services to the Law Enforcement Center. A licensed practical nurse will be available up to 40 hours a week to see to the health needs of prisoners.

Commissioner Kearns mentioned the many court hearings being held, some for lengthy periods. He wondered what the County spends on jury fees. Later Johnette Shepek, budget and finance officer, reported jury costs have generally run about $16,000 a year but they are budgeting for up to $20,000 next year in anticipation of increased needs.

Assistant County Counselor Craig Cox reported on a violation to a nuisance enforcement contract in Randolph. Apparently up to 30 unregistered and inoperable cars are parked in a lot on Seacrest Street and must be removed.

Treasurer Eileen King said all offices in the Docking State Office Building in Topeka will be closed at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, November 24 for maintenance on the electrical systems. Since this includes Motor Vehicle and Driver’s licenses operations Riley County will not be able to perform any driver’s license functions that afternoon. All systems should be back up and running by Monday, November 29.

Assistant Counselor Craig Cox reported on some work he has been doing in the area of animal control resolutions, code complaints, and zoning issues. He is dealing increasingly with Health Department sanitary code violations usually involving out of compliance septic systems. The violations often occur with new construction or remodeling. He said it is amazing what some people do to avoid compliance. Other work involves recovering tax obligations from banks when foreclosures occur. He complimented the staff in the Treasurer’s office for being cooperative and helpful as they work with him on tax issues.

Public Works Director Leon Hobson said, due to some misunderstandings between his office and the contractor, the work on the parking lots at the LEC will run about $81,000 instead of almost half that cost. It appears the contractor did not understand the front lot was to be improved as well as the back necessitating 700 tons of asphalt instead of 400.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek provided her estimates for the 2010 ending General Fund Balance. The beginning cash balance combined with estimated tax revenue should amount to approximately $21,165,101. Expenditures and disbursements are estimated at $17,591,665 leaving the estimated ending cash balance at $3,573,437. She said this is a lower amount than ending balances in previous years so 2011 could find the County dealing with a very tight budget.