Northview asks county to double its funding
By MATT NEWHOUSE
Staff writer
The sheriff's department wants another deputy and a part-time clerk, and Northview Developmental Services wants twice as much from Marion County taxpayers next year.
Both requests were made at the County Commissioners meeting Monday.
Northview director Stan Zienkewicz said increased need and decreased state support justified increasing the county's contribution to Northview from $54,500 to $109,000.
Northview assists mentally disabled children and adults in Harvey and Marion Counties.
Harvey County pays Northview $100,000 annually. The budget request for 2003 is $200,000.
Currently Northview has 161 clients: 116 adults, and 45 families with a disabled child.
Of those, 17 adults and 13 families are in Marion County. This is an increase of seven compared to last year.
Another 15 adults who now live or work in Harvey County come from Marion County families, Zienkewicz said.
In addition, three Marion County families are on a waiting list to receive services, he said.
The state contributes about $2 million to Northview's budget. Another $2.4 million is generated in federal funds. The state does not plan any increases, and agencies are being ordered to prepare for cuts in this year's budget.
"We aren't interested in putting people in crisis before we can respond," Zienkewicz said.
State officials want agencies such as Northview to include county contributions with state matching funds to generate more federal matching dollars, Zienkewicz said.
In response, Northview has frozen pay at current levels. If Harvey and Marion counties approve the increased requests, the additional money will pay for raises, meet other increased costs such as insurance, and reduce waiting lists.
No action was taken on that or other budget requests. The overall budget will be reviewed in August.
Sheriff's request
Sheriff Lee Becker presented a budget request of $493,680, about $22,260 more than this year. It reflects higher costs related to more prisoners serving longer sentences.
Becker also wants a half-time employee to help with office paperwork — the office deal with 14,000 civil papers a year, and has 114 active warrants on average — and another deputy.
Reductions in other parts of the budget, plus the increase, will cover the additional staffing costs.
Becker also suggested the county consider a long-range plan to replace the law enforcement center. The jail isn't designed for those serving long terms, he said.
Budget requests from several departments were unchanged. They included Communities in Schools, health department, and soil conservation service. Jan Moffitt, health department director, noted that grants and other funds generate about 70 percent of her department's budget.
Grader blades
Commissioners voted unanimously to accept a bid from Berry Tractor for grader blades, even though it was the highest bid.
The reason: Berry did not try to change the specs issued by the county.
The bid was $5,134, about $400 higher than the lowest bid. Commissioners originally accepted a lower bid until road and bridge officials pointed out that a requirement for all blades to be warrantied had been scratched out by the bidder. A third bidder also marked through the requirement.
"Both of them changed the specs on us," said Gerald Kelsey, superintendent. "Berry did not."
Blades are about $30 each. Officials said the county rarely broke more than three a year, though blades often wore down quickly due to use.
Commissioner Leroy Wetta said the cost didn't justify a specific warranty. He would rather companies be required to list warranties that come with blades. If a bid without full warranties is low enough, the county could finish money ahead, even if it had to pay for a few replacement blades, he said.
Kelsey said the issue was whether the county would require specs or simply allow bidders to alter them at will. Bidders who alter specifications generally are rejected immediately, he said.
In other reports:
An ag chemical collection day will be held Dec. 12 at the noxious weed office in Marion. Kansas Department of Health and Environment is sponsoring the collection, which will give farmers an opportunity to turn in bulk quantities of unused and outdated farm chemicals.
Commissioners approved a neighborhood revitalization program request from the City of Marion. Applicants who own property in the designated area may be eligible for property tax refunds for 10 years.
Susan Cooper, economic development director, noted that the plan included an option for taxing entities to cancel participation during the three years when applications would be accepted. Any property owners whose applications had been approved would still qualify for the 10-year rebate, even if the program ended early.
Repairs to an exterior wall at the health department were approved. Cost is $7,726 from Restoration and Waterproofing Contractors, Wichita.
Commissioners approved bids for carpet and painting in the clerk's office and commission meeting room. Low bid for carpet was $3,100 from The County Seat, Marion. Low bid for painting was $1,200 from Jim Versch, Marion.
A 1999 resolution establishing keg registration in the county was rescinded. A new state law governs keg registration, so liquor stores selling kegs will work with state officials.
Commissioners approved a board to review applications for a micro-loan program, that offers loans at below-market rates to qualifying businesses.
Members are Judy Mills, Florence; Jayson Hanschu, Hillsboro; Troy Leith, Marion; Peggy Jay, Goessel; Dave Schneider, Lincolnville; Jeannine Bateman, county treasurer; and Steve Waite.
