County budget on track
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission reviewed the January budget report Monday and found expenditures "in line."
Carol Maggard, county clerk, presented the favorable report. General fund expenses totaled 7.15 percent of the total (100 percent) budget. However, the county attorney spent 12 percent on juvenile detention, and the sheriff's office spent 11 percent of their respective budgets. (The percentages reflect January expenses based on 100 percent of the total available budget.)
"Everyone in the general fund is in line," reported Maggard.
Some line items were higher, said Maggard, because of the annual payments that were made.
Employees' benefits fund was at 13 percent due to the workers' compensation premium.
Maggard presented the treasurer's report regarding the county's cash on hand.
As of Jan. 31, there is $6,888,781 total cash on hand. Of that total, $1,973,145 is in county general fund and $1,049,676 in road and bridge fund.
There is $120,598 in the risk management reserve fund, $144,109 in solid waste fund, and $464,354 in capital improvement fund.
In other business:
— The Amelia Park Bridge, one mile northeast of Antelope on 260th, has been designated by the Kansas State Historical Society as a historic place, Maggard reported. The bridge was entered on the National Register of Historic Places Jan. 21.
— Maggard presented three vouchers to the commission for "rounding up and picking up" cattle. A total of $795, with $230 charged to 2003 budget, was approved by the commission.
"If the sheriff hired them and approved the expenses, I don't think we have any choice but to approve it," said Howard Collett, commissioner.
Expenses are based on $10 per hour for personnel and 50 cents a mile for mileage. Collett added that the mileage was for stock and horse trailers.
— Gerald Kelsey, road and bridge superintendent, reported he had purchased beams for future bridge projects as instructed.
At the previous meeting, commissioners were advised by Kelsey that the cost of the steel beams was to significantly increase and was given permission to purchase before the increase was in effect.
Commissioners approved the purchase of 13 beams at $2,770 per 100 pounds from Welborn Sales of Salina.
County road crews were commended for their efforts during the past week and weekend.
"Marion County roads were better than other roads (in neighboring counties)," said Bob Hein, commissioner.
Kelsey added that Marion County has more than 1,600 miles to clear and everybody wants to be first.
A road crossing permit was signed by Leroy Wetta, commission chairman, for Panhandle Eastern.
— Dale Snelling, Marion County Park and Lake director, reported that there has not been very much activity at the lake.
The cost of the heated boat dock was discussed. Snelling told the commission that the cost of the natural gas for heating the dock was $300. The fees collected for the dock will offset the expense, said Snelling.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the courthouse. The courthouse is closed Monday for Presidents' Day holiday.
