County considers budget belt-tightening measures
Staff reporter
Marion County Commissioner Dan Holub wants the county to consider cost-cutting measures to the county's budget.
During Monday's commission meeting, Holub said he would like county officials to encourage reduction of expenses for meetings and transportation.
"Just because we've always done it this way doesn't mean we can't change," said Holub.
He would like consideration be given to employees driving their own vehicles to work instead of county vehicles, and other cost-saving steps.
Holub also would like courthouse custodians to consider covering north windows to reduce heating costs.
County clerk Carol Maggard said thermostats with timers have already been installed.
In other business:
— Frustration was expressed by commissioner Randy Dallke about the status of the county's tax sale.
Hannaford Abstract & Title Company had been hired by the county several months prior to provide title searches for approximately 40 properties with delinquent property taxes. Typically by the time the tax sale is held, the number of properties is reduced.
A teleconference was held Aug. 29 with the agency regarding the status of the searches. The commission was told at that time the searches would be completed in October.
"I watched this process the last time," Dallke said, "and was concerned. If we can't get a satisfactory response, we need to look elsewhere."
Holub suggested the agency be placed on the next commission agenda to discuss the issue.
— A payment of $15,978 was approved for a needs assessment for the jail project by BG Consultants.
— David Brazil, county sanitarian, reported he was told the county did not have the proper equipment to seed the land near the former landfill.
A contractor could be hired to seed the 18-20 acre area for $1,400.
Dallke questioned Brazil's information and stated he thought the county could plant the seed.
Holub agreed.
"I'm not paying $1,400 to plant grass," Holub said. "I'll do it myself before paying that."
— Six monitoring wells will need to be installed at the former landfill site. Quarterly and annual testing will be required.
County clerk Carol Maggard said the previous commission was aware of the expenses which will be taken from the solid waste fund.
— End uses of the former landfill were discussed. Brazil said he met with Gary Schuler of Marion County Conservation District. There is a pond and dam on the property that could be used as wetlands.
Brazil suggested a steering committee be appointed to gather information and provide public input. The use needs to be low impact, and provide public recreation or education.
Commission chairman Bob Hein suggested involvement with Quail Unlimited or some other organization.
Holub said he liked the idea of involving organizations but did not want to use federal grant funds due to regulations.
Dallke asked Brazil if there were drainage issues at the site. Brazil responded that was part of the engineering study and there was not. Adequate drainage was included in the design and construction of the landfill cap.
— The commission instructed Brazil to research ways the county can reduce the number of abandoned vehicles and mobile homes on rural properties.
— Dale Snelling, lake and park superintendent, was given permission to seek bids for two mowers. Holub encouraged Snelling to try to purchase in-county.
Dallke instructed Snelling to replace, not repair, a water line to the residence.
— Road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet was instructed to obtain agreements in writing from companies.
A verbal agreement between the county and Ritchie Paving was not being met in regards to repairs of Yarrow Road. In a letter from the company, it agreed to provide 500 tons of rock for the road.
The original agreement was to reshape and repair entire length of Yarrow.
— Steve Hudson was introduced to the commission as the new road foreman.
— Herzet requested and received a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Sheriff Lee Becker requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— A meeting will be scheduled for the task force regarding the county's economic development position.
— The commission did not comment on a tax abatement application for Mid-America Marble of Marion.
— Kansas Department of Health & Environment has issued permits to the county for disposal of hazardous household waste.
— The commission reviewed the 2004 personal property delinquent list.
The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.
