Action from the July 13, 2022, Barton County Commission meeting:
COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: RFP – Bulk Mailer for Revenue Neutral Rate Notices: -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, providee details. The “revenue neutral rate” is the property tax rate in mills that would generate the same property tax revenue in dollars as levied during the previous tax year using the current tax year’s total assessed valuation. All Kansas counties are required to mail every property owner an estimated tax notice with information relative to each specific property's taxes and the revenue neutral rate (RNR) compared to the proposed rate for each taxing subdivision. The Clerk’s Office solicited proposals for the bulk mailing of the notices as prepared in cooperation with area taxing entities. The approximately 17,000 – 18,000 notices, as prepared through the CIC program, must be mailed by August 10, 2022. Postalocity bid was approved. As it was an estimate of $8,950.54, the County will encumber $10,000.00.
TREASURER’S OFFICE: Operational Costs: -Jim Jordan, County Treasurer, provided details. During the last legislative session, the Kansas County Treasurer’s Associated introduced a bill that called for increased registration and title fees for services performed by county treasurers and the division of vehicles and decreased fees related to administrative costs, to include the elimination of the modernization surcharge. It is anticipated that the bill will be reintroduced this year. Information only. No action necessary.
RESOLUTION: A Resolution Defining the Parameters under which County Employees or Contractors May Seek, Apply for or Manage Grants: -Commissioner Kirby Krier provided details. The Commissioners, understanding that reliance on property tax dollars and user fees to support local government endeavors is shortsighted, seeks monies to supplement local funding through competitive federal, state, local and private grant sources. As such, it is important that the Commission outline the parameters for the use of the time County employees and / or contractors may dedicate to that endeavor. Generally, assistance shall be limited to local municipalities with a moratorium on assisting for-profit, private and property tax exempt businesses and agencies. This Resolution did not pass.
RESOLUTION: Clarification of County Travel Policies, to be used in coordination with the Barton County Employee Handbook, Policy 509, Business Travel Expenses: -Commissioner Krier provided details. According to the IRS, the definition of business travel is travel the employee does ‘away from their home’ for business purposes. County expectations for employees are found under the Barton County Employee Handbook, Policy 509, Business Travel Expenses. In an effort to clarify that travel process, it is suggested that, with the exception of travel in the Kansas City, Missouri, area, all out of state travel must be approved by a majority of the Commission and that employees of the County Attorney, the County Clerk, the County Treasurer, the Register of Deeds and the Sheriff are exempt from this provision. The Resolution was adopted.
STORM DAMAGE UPDATE: Severe Weather, July 6, 2022: -On the evening of July 6, 2022, Barton County, particularly the City of Ellinwood and surrounding area, was impacted by severe weather. Several County offices responded to the event. Chris Komarek, Ellinwood City Administrator, thanked the County for assistance.
Added Item – The Commission approved a Letter of Support for Midwest Energy for infrastructure improvements.