Riley County Commission June 13, 2011

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, McCulloh presiding.

Of particular interest to the League was a proposal by Commissioner McCulloh to include $150,000 in the 2012 budget for a new position of county manager. She noted some top employees are nearing retirement age and questioned the ability of three persons meeting twice a week to manage a multi-million dollar business. She noted the staff has been excellent but the need exists for an overall manager. Commissioner Johnson is opposed to the position. Commissioner Lewis said he is reluctant to include the position in the 2012 budget but is willing to agree to appoint a task force to study and make recommendations. Commissioner McCulloh pointed out Commissioner Lewis had campaigned in support of the need for the position. Mr. Lewis said he is “open to it but not ready to commit”. He agreed there is a strong case for the need of an administrator, but he is concerned about cost and voter mindset against tax increases.

The Commissioners agreed to hold off on considering redistricting maps until mid-July when budget negotiations are completed. County Clerk Rich Vargo has prepared several maps to suggest possible redistricting options. These will be posted as a PDF on the County website.

A number of budget issues were considered. Counselor Clancy Holeman said he anticipated Mercy Hospital will be proposing a considerable jump in the cost of the ambulance agreements with the County. Apparently the agreement has remained at the same dollar level since 1982 and Mercy feels it is unfairly subsidizing the County’s ambulance system.

Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek said insurance for the various properties of the County is hard to predict given the fluctuating values of property from year to year. Charlson and Wilson is suggesting a 6% increase be budgeted for next year for a total amount of $440,000. Commissioner McCulloh suggested it might be time to go out for a bid on insurance rates. There appeared no eagerness to do so on the part of staff and the two other Commissioners at this time. The last time such bids were solicited the County paid a consultant to handle the bids and make recommendations. County Clerk Rich Vargo said sorting out and comparing such information takes someone very knowledgeable about insurance. The estimated cost for a consultant would be $20,000.

Inmate medical costs at the jail are running high due to the heavy medical needs of one inmate. The contract for Advanced Medical Care is expected to rise from $45,000 to $100,000 due primarily to that one inmate. The Commissioners urged County Attorney Barry Wilkerson to do whatever he can to get that trial underway.

County Engineer Leon Hobson said County Commissioners and personnel will soon be going to a card system to replace key use for entering the County building. The cards will provide an ongoing history of who enters a building, the time of entry, and how often that person enters. Most of the day was devoted to budget requests from departments and agencies.