Graves' budget cuts could hit cities hard
How will Governor Bill Graves' proposed budget cuts affect Marion County?
That was the question posed by Leroy Wetta at Monday's meeting of Marion County Commissioners.
Wetta expressed concern about the 50 percent reduction in some moneys designated to be sent by the state to local governments. The reduction will affect 2002 as well as 2003 budgets.
The planned cuts are in ad valorem, revenue-sharing, and motor carrier property tax funds and amount to a loss of approximately $48,000,000 to counties and cities.
Maggard said the county will feel an immediate impact because the expected Dec. 10 distribution of revenue-sharing funds to cities and counties has been eliminated. That money was included in 2002 county and city budgets.
"It's really got us now," Commissioner Leroy Wetta said. "If it's directed to one line item, the cut could really hurt us."
Other cuts will affect 2003 budgets.
Maggard said she will assist commissioners in looking at the 2002 budget to determine to what extent the immediate cut will affect county operations the remainder of the year.
The Kansas Association of Counties reportedly is considering options including legal action to attempt to reverse the cuts.
"Our worst fears have been realized," one KAC official said.
