Commission approves budget
Marion County Commission unanimously approved the 2003 county budget Monday.
No one present asked questions or offered comments during the public hearing.
Various cemetery and fire district budgets were approved as well.
The county mill levy didn't change, but due to increased valuation, the cash generated increased.
Commissioners said they intend to pay off about $1.72 million in bonds next year. The 10-year bonds paid for improvements to several major roads but the county can pay them off after five years, in 2003.
Work on the proposal will start in May. If the county has unexpected expenses, it can continue to pay the bonds on the regular 10-year schedule.
In other reports:
Dickinson County formally withdrew this past week from the Central Kansas Regional Solid Waste Authority. The authority board did not vote on a proposed updated solid waste plan, said member David Brazil.
"There's the possibility that Dickinson County will come back in after the first of the year," said Commissioner Bob Hein, who also serves on the regional board. A new county commissioner will take office in January, so the issue may be reconsidered, he explained.
Purchase of a new fax machine was approved. The current unit is more than 10 years old and doesn't work properly. Low bid, which was accepted, was $599 from Sunflower Office Products.
Commissioners accepted Oliver Unruh's resignation from the planning commission. Unruh has moved out of the county. Hein will submit a recommendation for a replacement to fill the unexpired term.
Commissioners approved proposals to seek bids for a new truck for the noxious weed department, and to replace at least one pickup in the road and bridge department.
Transport fuel bids were reviewed. Low bid for 8,500 gallons of fuel was $8,803 from Cardie Oil, Inc., Tampa.
County clerk staff members will spend much of this week working out of other offices. Replacement furnishings were due Tuesday, with installation taking much of the week.
Changes in the commission room include brown carpet and new acoustic ceiling tiles. New blinds will be installed later this year.
Commissioners agreed to participate in the Old Settlers' Day parade Sept. 28 in Marion.
