Lyon County commissioners started the 2012 budget discussions during its study session on Wednesday.
Brian Creager, Lyon County Extension Board chairman, talked about his 2012 budget request. He said the Extension Office is seeking a flat budget for next year, which is $223,900. Creager said the board looked at things pretty hard this year and there were a couple of increases in line items such as fuel. However, they were able to keep the budget flat.
Creager also outlined how much funding Kansas State University kicks into the budget. They contribute $215,000 total for Lyon County, Creager said.
Commissioners also discussed the county’s budget as a whole. They discussed how much money it would take to give county employees a 2 percent raise.
“It would be about 1 mill,” Slater said. “It’s been a couple of years since raises were given.”
Commissioner Rollie Martin said the budgeting process is not just about budgeting for the next year but for years to come. He said in years to come facilities will need to be repaired and equipment replaced or repaired.
“Things wear out,” Martin said.
Briggs outlined the job of the county commissioners in the budgeting process.
“Our job here is to make sure the county is stable and the services here can be provided,” Briggs said. “You have to have a strong infrastructure and a good strong revenue source to provide that.”
Commissioner Teresa Walters said compensating employees is at the top of her list.
“I just think that we need to see if there is some way we can start compensating folks,” she said.
Walters also expressed the desire to build up the county’s multi-year fund, which is used to make large purchases.
In other matters:
During report time, Dan Slater, Lyon County controller, said revenue numbers for the county are looking extremely good. Sales tax stands at 52 percent of the budgeted amount for the year and prisoner care stands at 101 percent of budget for the year. Slater said the courthouse bonds will be paid off by the end of June.
Kevin Hanlin, city zoning assistant, discussed a request for rezoning of a one-acre tract located at 1154 Highway 99 from agriculture district to C-3 general commercial district. Hanlin said The Emporia-Lyon County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on May 24 voted for approval 5-0.
The Hideaway Gun Shop is seeking to move from the Days Inn on West Highway 50 to the location on Highway 99. The item was placed on today’s action session agenda.
- Chip Woods, Lyon County engineer, addressed the following items:
Low bid of Welborn Sales, Inc. for steel plate guard fence, standard end sections and guardrail bolts and nuts for $17,938;
Reviewed the 2011 Lyon County timber culvert inspection.