Increase in sales tax revenue reported
Marion County Commission met March 31 and reviewed sales tax revenue figures collected in January.
Once again, county sales tax revenue was up from previous years.
"This is the highest January total from 1999 to the present," said Carol Maggard, county clerk. The total collected was $45,776, an increase of more than $14,000 from the 2003 total of $31,616.
Commission approved vouchers and paychecks in the amount of $560,143.
The purchase of eight tables was approved by commission for the lake hall. Maggard presented the bids on behalf of Dale Snelling, Marion County Park and Lake manager.
The bid from Sunflower was the lowest at $759 for the eight tables. The old tables will be sold in a future employee sale.
A letter was signed by commission chairman Leroy Wetta for a 911 grant application. The grant is in the amount of $90,408 for a project totaling $120,544.
Two roof bids for Marion County Health Department were reviewed but decision was tabled until more information could be gathered.
Maggard reported two companies had been contacted. One company suggested not replacing the roof but repairing it. Maggard was instructed to research the options.
Maggard also reported a total of 80 appeals by property owners regarding the county's solid waste assessment.
Thirty-three appeals were granted for residential and commercial properties and 33 for seasonal properties. Twelve residential and two commercial appeals were denied.
In other business:
— Dianna Carter-Frantz, county appraiser, reported the ratio study figures for 2003.
"Residential appraisals came in very close to market value," said Carter-Frantz, at 99.9 percent. Commercial was reported at 104 percent which is still within compliance.
Carter-Frantz also reported 150 property appraisal hearing appeals have been held or are waiting to be heard. She said the website has been helpful for property owners.
— Area fuel bids were approved for the road and bridge department.
Two bids were received from Cardie Oil Company and Cooperative Grain and Supply for four areas.
Commission approved Area 2 to Cardie Oil Company for 2,150 gallons of fuel at $1.1094 per gallon for a total of $2,385.
Cooperative Grain and Supply was the low bid for the remaining three areas totaling 4,400 gallons of fuel, at an average of $1.1079 per gallon. The total amount was $4,868.
Gerald Kelsey, road and bridge superintendent, reported road oil prices are increasing due to an increase in the price of polymer.
Kelsey told commission cold mix for road repairs currently is being made in Lincolnville.
— Commission approved changes in bylaws with the juvenile detention center in Junction City. The changes addressed the disposal of a juvenile's personal property following intake.
The bylaws allow the sale of property (of less than $100) without public notice; $100 to $1,000 sale of property must be publicized; and property valued at more than $1,000 may be sold with permission from the county commission.
— David Brazil, planning and zoning administrator, presented three resolutions for commission approval. Two were for zoning changes and one was a conditional use permit for a rural business.
Commission approved two and will wait to approve the third following a wastewater inspection by Brazil.
A zoning change from agricultural to rural residential for Kenneth Gehr of 1585 Sunflower, Marion, was approved for 11.98 acres.
Commission also approved a conditional use permit for Clark Wiebe of 1131 190th, Hillsboro, for a woodworking business.
A zoning change is pending by the commission for Dan Holub of 1953 240th, Marion, following the inspection of Holub's wastewater system by Brazil, county sanitarian.
Brazil reported two employees from the transfer station recently attended a solid waste workshop.
— Commission approved the low bid and purchase of blue-bar paper from Navrat's Office Supply at a cost of $292 for 10 cases of 18-pound bond paper.
— Annual health insurance contract was signed by commission. Tim Oglesby of Blue Cross/Blue Shield presented the information and document.
"We've turned the corner," said Oglesby, referring to the stabilization of health insurance rates.
Oglesby also reported 43 percent enrollment (40 applications) from county employees for short-term disability insurance offered through the insurance company.
"For the cost of a large pizza, an employee can receive 70 percent of their salary (if disabled)," said Oglesby.
