Despite a harsh economy, Lyon County commissioners received a positive financial report from A&M Consultants during their Thursday action session.
Bob Agler of A&M Consultants said Lyon County has $10,809,000 in unencumbered cash after payroll at the end of October. Agler said the end of the year is looking good as long as the weather holds.
There are a couple of funds that are over budget, including Road and Bridge, which is over by about $127,000; Noxious Weed is over by $44,000 and the Special Road and Bridge Fund is over by $30,000. Road and Bridge can be tied to commodities, Agler said.
County Controller Dan Slater said because of late rains and floods, Road and Bridge is still putting rock on roads — something unusual this time of year.
“You expect them to slow down,” Slater said.
Although the overall numbers are looking good, Agler cautioned commissioners.
“Next year’s budget is predicated on the new estimates,” he said. “All we’re doing if we go over in these budgets this year, unless revenues are up for some reason, we’re just spending next year’s budget. ... We’ll be in a pinch for 2010.”
For now, the county’s financial status is good, Agler said.
“It’s a good report,” he said. “(It’s) tough times and budgets are really holding to play by and large.”
In other business, commissioners heard two requests from Newman Regional Health. The first request was to nominate Don Bailey for ad hoc member to the Public Building Commission. Bailey serves as the chair of Newman’s finance committee. The appointment was approved 3-0 by Lyon County commissioners.
The second request was to expand the Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees from seven members to nine members. The request, which was postponed for vote until next week, was brought to the commission for consideration Thursday for several reasons, including time commitment of board members. The expansion would allow a voting member to be from the medical staff and would allow for more effective representation, according to documents provided by Newman Regional Health.
In other matters, commissioners:
• Reviewed the motor grader assignment policy with Chip Woods, county engineer.
• Approved Chip Woods and Jim Brull to attend the KSLS 2010 Salina Series.