Reader poll
Would you support a plan to let the local K-State Extension office have taxing authority in Lyon and Chase County?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided
521 total votes.
The public can weigh in early next month on a proposal to grant taxing authority to the local extension services.
A meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 will provide more information about a proposal brought forth by Brian Rees, Lyon County Extension agent during Wednesday’s county commission study session. Under the proposal, Rees said, Chase and Lyon counties would form an extension district. The district would have separate taxing authority like library boards, recreation commissions and school boards.
During Wednesday’s meeting, commissioners discussed the ambulance agreement beteween the City of Emporia and Lyon County. This morning, they approved the $322,000 expenditure.
On Wednesday, Emporia City Commissioner Jim Kessler and City Manager Matt Zimmerman presented a cost-sharing proposal. The city spends about $2 million for the ambulance service each year with about $1 million of that coming back in revenue, according to city officials. The rest is subsidized by the city and county.
The county’s share of the ambulance service initially would have been around $350,000. Because about 30 percent of ambulance calls involve county residents, this figure is about 30 percent of the net cost the city incurs for the service. The city also offered a figure of $322,000, which was a new figure for the county.
In other matters Wednesday, county commissioners discussed matching community donations up to $7,500 for a public fireworks display.
This morning, commissioners approved a utility agreement with AT&T on the bank stabilization project for Road 145 west of Neosho Rapids; approved signing a letter of support for ECKAN’s collaboration with the City of Ottawa in applying for $770,543 for the Homelessness and Rapid Re-Housing Program grant; approved a request from North Lyon County School District No. 251 to grade and rock Road 330 from Road F east for one-half mile for bus service for a student and approved the FY2010 Kansas Department of Corrections Carryover Reimbursement Budget and gave signatory approval.
bcreager (anonymous) says...
I feel the Extension District is good for both Lyon and Chase Counties. It would be managed by an elected board with equal representation from Lyon and Chase Counties. This board would consist of tax payers similar to school boards and library boards. The biggest benefit is that it will allow for expanded Extension educational services in Lyon and Chase Counties. These services benefit farmers/ranchers, families, 4-H, those with horticulture interests and school enrichment programs. Extension districts are not a new concept, there are 9 or 10 districts across Kansas already. I would encourage anyone with questions to attend the public meeting on September 1 to learn more.
August 20, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paccifier (anonymous) says...
No, this is not a good idea.. Lyon County is cutting the fireworks contribution, and we are not purchasing an ambulance this next budget year. According to the report on KVOE this morning, Lyon County budget will be increasing it's contribution to the extension district (more taxes), and Chase County would get a decrease. This is also the wrong time to be establishing a new tax entity. Look at the mess that already exists with the ones we have wanting more money. If Lyon County cannot afford an ambulance, we cannot afford this. Also, with the greater financial contribution probably coming from Lyon County, and the larger population in Lyon County, why is the membership equal from each county?
August 20, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
This is something that should be discussed for SEVERAL years before going forward. Give the taxpayers and users time to consider. Be in no hurry!
August 20, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
traceygraham (Tracey Graham) says...
Other extension districting efforts around the state have actually reduced the taxes paid by individuals in the counties involved after a short adjustment period, while _expanding_ services. Districting would truly be a win-win siutation for residents of both counties.
Please wait until the facts are presented before you rush to judgement! It won't take years, but it will take more than a paragraph in the paper and a minute on the radio.
August 20, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Doug (anonymous) says...
Why is the Gazette already posting a reader poll before all the facts are available?
August 20, 2009 at 10:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SFIns (anonymous) says...
This is wrong... it will be just like the sales tax that was pushed through. Once they have the option to tax watch out your taxes will go up and up and up. For once I would like to see a govt body operate with the tax money they already recieve instead of wanting more and more of my money.
August 21, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wirewatt (Ken Bazil) says...
This maybe the greatest thing going, however it is time for the taxing to slow down. The county got a new sales tax and we are paying it. Just how much more are we going to add to the tax payer burden?
If the farmers, ranchers and 4-H needs this let them pay for it through a user fee system just like any business. Maybe the county commission will take a pay cut to help pay for the extension service, after all they voted in there own raise. We need to start reducing government at the local level and move right on up through the ranks, and put term limits on our politicians.
August 21, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
How much has been spent on the Lyon County Extension service in the last 5 years? How many employees?
How many farmers and ranchers have used the "services" they provide? Is there a private entity that provides the same service? They are a branch of K-State, how much support does that entity provide?
If consolidated with Chase county, would office space and staff be reduced or just consolidated?
Has the costs versus results ratio ever been studied?
I know we are an agricultural community, but tell me why the costs keep going up and up when population and the number of farmers and ranchers goes down?
August 22, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Well, next time I will try to read the paper before posting on here. Seems most of my questions were answered by last nights article.
By the way, it was a great article.
August 22, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )