Riley County Commission March 31, 2001

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

Commissioner Lewis discussed the need for an enhanced speaker system in the Commission room that will make it easier for persons in the back of the room to hear the Commissioners’ comments. He asked that staff be prepared to discuss options for the installation of a new speaker system prior to initiating the work on cleaning and changing the room’s ceiling tiles.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman said SB 40, dealing with emergency repairs to county buildings, remains in the Appropriations Committee. He said Rep. Schwartz advised against trying to get it moved out to another committee since it could lose any chance to be voted on in the current session. Most bills in committees are dead at this time in a legislative session unless they are assigned to certain “blessed” committees such as Appropriations or Ways and Means.

There was concern expressed about a bill, apparently introduced late in the session, pertaining to the origin for sales taxes to be applied in internet sales transactions. The bill would give retailers the option of utilizing either the sales tax percentage at the item’s destination or the seller’s origin. County Treasurer Eileen King is concerned that Riley County and Manhattan could lose significant tax income if the bill passes. Bills introduced late in a legislative session do not receive much study in committees and can be voted on without real public input and without giving legislators time for study.

County Planner Bob Isaak presented the Vision 2025 Plan. It was reviewed and passed by the Planning Board with no recommendations for changes or modifications. The Commission voted to approve the Plan.

Susanne Kufahl, with the Riley County Health Department, gave a power point presentation on the Healthy Families Program. The Commission agreed to send a letter to the granting authority indicating their continuing support for the program.