Prairie View to stay in Marion another week
Asks county for more money in 2008
Staff reporter
Officials of Prairie View requested a $5,000 increase in support from Marion County Commission for 2008.
Previously the agency received $60,000 from the county.
At Friday's commission meeting, Jesse Kaye, chief executive officer, and Pam Burns, vice president of operations, told the commission they would be at the Marion office another week because the weather has not permitted necessary dirtwork for the portable buildings at Hillsboro.
"The hospital has given us another week, which we're very grateful," Kaye said.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke asked the officials if there was a long-term plan for the agency in Marion County.
"The long-term plan is open," Kaye said. She added Prairie View was "very committed" to staying in Marion County.
"Hillsboro has been so accommodating and they were able to provide a location that was suitable within a very tight time frame," Kaye said. Her intentions are to continue to work with Hillsboro in the future.
The temporary buildings will be in place for two years, as will the lease with the City of Hillsboro.
Kaye informed the commission that she is aware of a county building in Lawrence that also houses community mental health facilities. The project was made possible with a combination of public and private funds, she said.
In an effort to better market services, an open house is planned at the new location in Hillsboro and more information will be made available to residents.
There are people who are eligible for assistance but are not aware of it, Kaye said, and there are people who need assistance but don't know how to access services.
Stigma of mental illness continues to be a barrier, particularly for elderly men.
In other business:
— The commission approved the purchase of a trailer from Deer Trail Inc. of Marion for $2,890. The utility trailer will be primarily used by the health department but will be shared with the clerk for hauling election equipment. A grant of $2,500 was secured by healthy start coordinator Sondra Mayfield to pay for the trailer. Election funds will cover the remaining $390.
Other bids were obtained with Deer Trail being the lowest.
— Great Plains Computers and Networking of Marion had the low bid of $2,108 for a hard drive and other equipment needed for backing up computer files in the health departments.
Other bids were obtained from Sorb of Hillsboro for $2,896, and CDWG which just quoted the hard drive.
— Markley Service of Marion had the low chemical bid of $1,813 for Escort and Crossbow for the county's noxious weed department.
Ag Service presented a bid of $2,210 and Cooperative Grain and Supply, both of Hillsboro, presented a bid of $2,374 for the same amount of chemical.
— The commission followed the state's lead in increasing mileage reimbursement from 43 cents per mile to 47.
— Department head evaluations by the commission will begin in the coming weeks.
— Assistant county clerk Tina Spencer reported clerk Carol Maggard had checked on concerns about the replacement courthouse doors. She was told by the contractor that the doors have a life span of at least 20 years and are the same type used by schools. All of the doors will be keyed the same.
— County sales tax receipts for April were $43,852, less than last year but still more than previous years.
— The assessed value for the county continues to increase, despite changes by the state of eliminating business equipment from taxation. The assessed value is 99,796,565, an increase of 177,520 from 2006.
— County lake superintendent Steve Hudson reported trash continues to be placed in county receptacles at the lake. The trash is being identified and turned over to the county attorney. The attorney sent letters to those identified, advising them to discontinue using county receptacles.
— Commissioner Dan Holub asked Hudson if additional boat slips could added to the courtesy dock to eliminate complaints of boats taking up space while others want to dock. Hudson said it wouldn't be difficult and would determine the cost.
— Bids will be solicited for receipt books at the lake. Some changes will be made, Hudson said.
Commissioner Bob Hein said Baker Brothers of Hillsboro and Hoch Publishing Co./Marion County Record of Marion should be asked for bids. He reiterated the importance of keeping the bids within the county.
The commission also approved Hudson's request to order vehicle tags to be used by those who pay for camping.
The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.
