Riley County Commission May 30, 2013

Riley County Commission May 30, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 

All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

Commissioners held a general discussion about events attended and issues to be addressed.  Commissioner Lewis mentioned the need for considering the traffic system around the K-State campus as the University cuts off traffic through campus.  As vehicles are parked in the Snyder Family Stadium lot, this will increase the need for bus transportation to and from the main campus.  Development relating to the NBAF building will affect the need for road  traffic system updates.

County Counselor, Clancy Holeman, provided a brief report on the Legislative session.  It appears there is agreement on the budget bill, the problem is disagreement on the tax bill.

Robbin Cole, director of Pawnee Mental Health Services, noted her program has been operating for 56 years and serves a 10 county area.  More than 7000 clients were served last year, of which 2,377 were from Riley County.  In FY ’07, statewide funding for community mental health services was $31,066,330.  Cuts to that amount occurred in fiscal years ‘08, ’09, and ’10.  While $5 million was restored in FY ’13, that amount was cut in the Governor’s budget recommendation for FY ’14.  This would represent a 68% cut in funding for Pawnee in the coming year.  Funding for families with children with serious emotional disturbances would be cut entirely in the Governor’s recommendations for FY ’14.

Reimbursement for persons served under the new KANCARE managed care system has been falling short of actual costs.

Following the regular meeting Commissioners participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Manhattan Town Center Mall.  The ceremony was held to draw attention to a new traveling exhibit sponsored by the Riley County Historical Society and Museum, “Americans by Choice: the Story of Immigration and Citizenship in Kansas”.