Riley County Commission January 28, 2013

 Joan Srickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

An Eagle Scout proposal was presented which would create a sign to be placed in front of the Carnegie building at Courthouse Plaza documenting the building’s historical significance.   The Commissioners asked to hear more of the plans as the project is developed.

Commissioner Boyd expressed concern that it appears post offices in Riley, Leonardville and Randolph are being considered for closure.

Extension Director Jennifer Wilson encouraged interested persons to sign up for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.  The assistance is available  at the Manhattan Public Library.  Interested persons must make an appointment through her office.

Cheryl Collins, Director of the Riley County Museum, noted that this Kansas Day on January 29, we will celebrate 152 years of statehood.

Robbin Cole, director of Pawnee Mental Health, gave a brief overview of her agency and the mental health system generally.  Pawnee is one of 27 mental health centers in Kansas.  In addition to counseling and support Pawnee offers 24 hour crisis services and provides psychological evaluations prior to determining a patient’s eligibility for treatment in a State hospital. 

Funding cutbacks over the past several years have caused a drop of about 25% in the number of Pawnee’s employees.  She noted there has been an increase of 126% in the number of mentally ill persons incarcerated in jails and prisons in Kansas.  Commissioner Boyd asked Cole to pull together a report on the costs to the County resulting from the incarceration of persons with mental illness.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman spoke of concerns the Kansas Association of Counties has regarding proposed legislation being discussed at the State level.  Some efforts mentioned would freeze county tax dollars, others would result in deep cuts in tax funds available to counties.  The possible impact of exempting business equipment and machinery from the tax rolls would be particularly devastating to the counties.

The Commissioners agreed to pay for aerial photography mapping of the County to help guide property evaluations and other county needs for such information.   The Commissioners encouraged Nall to check with nearby counties to see if they would be interested in sharing the cost of such projects.  The mapping must be done on a yearly basis and completed prior to the trees leafing out in early spring.

Emergency Management Director Pat Collins described an online training program called Target Solutions developed to instruct volunteer firefighters.  The program will be used to supplement the hands-on training already provided volunteers.