Marion County to help with Santa Fe Trail project
Marion County commissioners gave their tentative support Monday to the installation of about two dozen new signs marking the Santa Fe Trail.
They wanted some additional information, particularly on access issues, but said the project sounded worthy.
The signs would include large brown signs, matching those used along the entire trail. Most would be at sites from which remnants of the trail are obvious from a public road. They would be between Lost Springs and the west county line.
In addition, a wayside exhibit would be constructed west of Durham near the Cottonwood River crossing. It would be large enough that a tour bus could pull off the road, said Gerald Kelsey, road and bridge superintendent, who provided a map locating the proposed signs. It was prepared for the Cottonwood Crossing Chapter of the national Santa Fe Trail Association.
The Santa Fe Trail was created in 1821. It extended between Independence, Mo., and Santa Fe, N.M. It was used for 60 years, primarily as a route for traders. It also served as a U.S. invasion route during the Mexican War and by settlers and entrepreneurs.
Deep swales were cut in the ground by the heavily laden wagons. In many areas, swales remain visible.
Kelsey said he was told by organizers that tours of the Santa Fe Trail are popular, even with visitors from overseas.
Commissioners said they would support the project, but wanted it understood that the county wouldn't construct all-weather roads along the route. Some roads are impassable during wet weather.
Cost is about $5,000 but matching funds will cover part of the project.
Delinquent notices
The county won't change its current system of listing those owing delinquent taxes in legal notices. However, officials will look at the cost of sending out reminder notices to those owing the second half of property taxes.
John Del Vecchio, Peabody, told commissioners he was shocked to see his name listed. He missed a payment because he paid off his home and consequently the bank no longer paid taxes from escrow, he said.
If he had received a postcard reminding him of the taxes coming due, he would have paid them without hesitation, he said.
"It's put in the paper to embarrass people," he said.
Treasurer Jeannine Bateman said the public notice of delinquent taxes is required by state law. The county also sends out letters to those owing delinquent taxes before the legal notice is published. It identifies the property and lists the amount owed.
"We realize most people who are late just forgot," she said. Letters are sent in early July.
Del Vecchio said he never received a letter. Bateman said records show his letter was not returned as undeliverable.
Overall, delinquent taxes for 2001 totaled $121,416 on about 325 parcels, Bateman said.
Tax notices are sent to property owners each fall. At least half the taxes owed are due in December. The other half must be paid before mid-June. Marion County doesn't send out individual notices to those owing second half taxes. The county does publish announcements of tax due dates in local publications.
Commissioners said they were satisfied with the current system. Bateman said she would check with other counties to determine the cost of a mailed notice for second half taxes.
Kansas Clean Sweep
Outdated agricultural chemicals will be accepted Dec.12 at the noxious weed office in Marion, commissioners learned.
"Kansas Clean Sweep" is a program that accepts agricultural pesticides for disposal. Any pesticide is accepted but the goal is to remove canceled or damaged pesticides from barns, sheds, and chemical storage areas.
There is no charge for bringing in pesticides. Disposal costs are paid by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The sweep will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In other reports:
The county has received a grant to help address suspension and expulsion issues in the five high schools in the county, as well as provide treatment for substance abuse. Total cost of the grant is $54,000, reported Linda Ogden, Communities In Schools of Marion County director, who wrote the grant. Prairie View is providing in-kind match for the grant.
Commissioner Leroy Wetta will represent the commission on a county bio-terrorism task force. Commissioners decided not to serve as a group, since they ultimately have final approval on the task force's recommendations.
Commissioners approved extending a five-year contract to the accounting firm of Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk, and Loyd to prepare the county budget and audit expenditures.
Profitt's Tree Service was hired to trim large trees in front of the courthouse, remove three crabapple trees, and a large tree that was badly damaged by storms several years ago. Cost is $1,120.
Commissioners said they were pleased with the paving work on the parking lot south of the courthouse. It provides more parking stalls and is more serviceable than the gravel lot.
Purchase of 8,000 gallons of fuel was approved. Low bid, which was accepted, was $8,776 from Cardie Oil, Inc., Tampa.
