Commission receives budget proposals
County extension agent asks for benefits for employee
A plea for employee benefits was made by Marion County Extension Agent Ricky Roberts Monday to Marion County Commission.
"I have an employee who has given 43 years of service to the county," Roberts said, "and she has never had a benefits package."
Roberts said he had tried repeatedly to get benefits for Doris Winkler but has not been able to with his current budget.
Marion county extension agents Roberts and Nancy Pihl, and county extension executive board chairman Gary Stuchlik presented a proposed four percent increase for the 2005 budget to cover benefits for Winkler.
"In 2002, the operational budget was $27,500," said Roberts. "In 2005, the proposed operational budget is $19,500. It's as blood dry as it's going to get."
Roberts said the operational budget has been reduced 29 percent since 2002, when he came to work for the county.
Roberts and Pihl are state employees, Roberts explained, with Winkler being the only county employee in the office.
State employees' pay a portion of their health insurance, Roberts said, which results in any pay increases being absorbed by increased health insurance premium costs.
There are three sources of revenue for the department, Roberts said, state (Kansas State University), county, and carry-over. The department is required to pledge a certain amount from each budget year to be carried over to the next budget year.
The county's appropriation would be $97,212 with the four percent increase for employee benefits, Roberts said. The proposed allotment from KSU would be a three percent increase from the 2004 budget.
Commissioner Howard Collett asked Roberts about multiple county districts.
Roberts said he was aware of the districts and has read letters from neighboring counties regarding districts. He said Saline and Ottawa counties are the most recent counties to merge as a district.
"Marion County is surrounded by larger counties," Roberts explained. It would be an advantage for Marion County to join the larger counties but not as attractive for the larger counties if Marion County should be part of their district.
"The same holds true for Marion and Chase counties," Roberts continued. "It would be to Chase County's advantage to join us but it would not benefit us as much."
Commission chairman Leroy Wetta remarked he realized the county cut the extension's budget last year considerably. Roberts added they have cut everything they possibly can.
Budget proposals for 2005 continued to occupy much of the commission meeting.
Dale Snelling, Marion County Park and Lake director, submitted a proposed budget increase of $7,600 with $167,920 proposed for 2005.
Snelling's list for 2005 included submission of a grant to build a dock or install additional electrical and water hook-ups. He told the commission the dock was at the top of his priority list.
The grant, if funded, would pay $30,000 with the county's matching portion being $10,000.
Also on the list was a new pickup truck at an approximate cost of $20,000 or so, Snelling said.
By reducing the number of fish he normally purchases, Snelling said he could afford the truck with the $25,000 carry-over.
The county lake budget normally has a $125,000 annual revenue from permits and fees. Commission members said some of the carry-over was for dam repairs but the state has not determined the necessary repairs.
Commissioner Howard Collett asked Snelling what the impact on the lake budget would be if the county followed the guidelines of Kansas Wildlife and Parks and discontinued charging for camping and boating.
Snelling said KWP would get more funding from the federal government and in return the county would get some funding from KWP.
Attorney Ty Wheeler of Kansas Legal Services requested an increase in 2005 from $2,000 to $2,500 for services.
Wheeler said this past year was a difficult budget year but a successful year in providing legal services to Marion County residents.
Nearly $200,000 in benefits were noted by Wheeler for county residents with $66,000 in new benefits.
"There were 10 people helped who were in dire straits," Wheeler said. These residents now are receiving $555 a month, a medical card, and food stamps.
Wheeler's office, located in Emporia, has suffered from state budget cuts.
"We were able to absorb the losses with local funds," said Wheeler, "without cutting services."
A local advisory board prioritizes cases, Wheeler said. "We're the 'lawyer of last resort' — taking cases no other attorney wants."
Wheeler suggested the commission talk with Eighth Judicial District Chief Judge Michael Powers and local attorneys regarding their services.
All budget proposals were taken under advisement by the commission.
