Sales tax revenue highest in seven years
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission's final meeting for 2003 was "chock full" of end-of-the-year housekeeping items and department reports.
Marion County Clerk Carol Maggard told the commission that the county's courthouse computer system had been down. It was repaired at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Maggard presented the following information:
— "Good news" was the term Maggard used to describe the sales tax revenue for October.
Totaling $43,030.78, it was the highest revenue for 2003. It also was the highest October revenue for the past seven years.
— The annual premium statement from KWORK, the county's worker's compensation insurance company, was received. Due Jan. 1, the premium amount for 2004 is $76,189, which is slightly higher than 2003's premium amount of $74,500.
"Some departments (ambulance and road and bridge) had increased but other departments went down," reported Maggard.
The experience ratio is .97 and is based on county claims. Maggard said that the premium amount is "well covered" in the 2004 budget.
— A report with the accrued vacation and sick leave for employees was presented. The report was per the auditor's instruction and reflects the dollar value of compensation if employment was terminated.
— The commissioners were asked if they wanted to go for bids for health care insurance. Maggard was instructed to contact the current carrier to determine the need for bids.
— The cost for capturing and boarding roaming cattle is $2,995. The cattle were sold at the Herington Sale Barn and received $1,689 which leaves a balance of $1,305 not covered by the sale of the cattle.
— The commission reversed a decision made in July for the commitment of funds for software equipment.
JoAnn Knak, former director of emergency medical services, had requested $3,432 to update department software. New director Darryl Thiesen made the request to have the funds be a part of the general budget of the department.
— Commission chairman Howard Collett signed a document regarding the bond issue and a letter to Virginia Downing, thanking her for her volunteer services with the department for elderly.
— Payroll for December was $555,666.
— Fifteen encumbrances totaling $242,592 were approved.
In other business:
— The commission had a 10-minute executive session for attorney/client business. Susan Robson, county attorney, and David Brazil, county sanitarian, were present with the commission and Maggard.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Jim Herzet, road supervisor, presented bids for an office workstation and area fuel bids at four locations.
Sunflower Office Products of Newton submitted a bid of $3,693. Navrat Office Supply of Emporia submitted a bid of $3,390. Commission approved the Navrat bid.
Cardie Oil Company and Cooperative Grain and Supply were awarded two bids each totaling $3,075 and $3,816 respectively.
Commission approved the transfer of $90,000 from the road and bridge general fund to its special machinery fund. The money will be used to pay an equipment lease.
— Dale Snelling, Marion County Park and Lake director, presented a budget report.
After December bills, Snelling said that his department will have a balance of $8,700 with a $33,695 carry-over.
A clear water fish farm will be bought with $8,000 and $700 will be carried over.
