Riley County Commission September 26, 2013

Joan Strickler, observer

 All Commissioners present, Lewis presiding.

Eileen King, County Treasurer, proposed raising the service fee the County charges for processing driver’s license renewals. The responsibility for processing driver’s license renewals belongs to the State, not the County.  For many years however the County has provided the renewals simply as a convenience to the people.  With the move of the State drivers’ license office to a more difficult to access location, more individuals are coming to the County for the service.  Traditionally the County has charged a fee of $2.00 to cover these expenses.  King recommended increasing that fee to $4.00 considering the growing caseload her office is experiencing in processing the renewals.  The Commissioners agreed to the increase which is expected to go into effect in the near future.

Cory Meyer, Network Administrator, provided an update on IT staff activities. Telephone and internet services for the Riley County Museum and the Health Department are now all contained under the County system.  With the changeover both the Museum and the Health Department will have increased band width and share a single connection to the County office.

Judge Meryl Wilson appeared before the Commission with a request for funds to hire bailiffs as needed during jury trials.  Numerous cutbacks in State funding have had drastic effects on courts and court personnel.  County Counselor Clancy Holeman sympathized with the need for additional help but cautioned Commissioners about assuming financial responsibility for costs that should be borne by the State.  Bailiffs are utilized mainly to help exchange information between the judge and jurors and see to the jurors needs.  The Commissioners agreed with the recommendation of Holeman and refused the request.

The Commission reviewed a draft resolution and draft bylaws to establish a Public Building Commission.  Commissioner Boyd supported the addition of an advisory body to the proposal.  It was mentioned that, in checking with bond counsel familiar with such commissions, none were aware of commission advisory councils.  Commissioner Lewis favored requiring public meetings to inform people and obtain public input.  Commissioner Boyd said he would include both the meetings and the advisory body.  The Commissioners will review language that would add both provisions to the draft though both Lewis and Wells expressed reluctance about the advisory body.