Local governmental groups Thursday seemed to agree on how to word the sales tax question on the August ballot, although work remains on the matter, especially for the city of Manhattan. Manhattan City Commissioner Wynn Butler indicated he sees no alternative but to support the sales tax, with the possibility of easing property taxes.
Riley County Commission Chair Karen McCulloh reiterated the county’s portion of the tax would continue to be used on roads and bridges, but also mentioned money going to some of the smaller cities in the county.
While the two local governmental groups seemed agreeable Thursday, one group left feeling somewhat disappointed. That was the reaction from USD 383 School Board member Pete Paukstelis, who tells KMAN he’d hoped for a more positive reaction regarding possible inclusion of the district in sales tax revenue, with schools contributing to economic development.
Commissioner Butler indicated there would be some flexibility when it comes to the city’s portion of sales tax revenues, but admitted the current commission is looking more toward easing property taxes than for economic development. He mentioned Manhattan Area Technical college’s recent request for assistance for classroom space, which was granted-and said the city would deal with such requests on a case by case basis.
While much of a joint governmental meeting Thursday dealt with the sales tax question, an update was provided regarding the Wildcat Creek Watershed area working group. Rich Jankovich is one of the co-chairs of the group and mentioned some grants that have been approved. He also mentioned continuing activity by committees and an interest in obtaining more information…
A grant from the Corps of Engineers had previously been announced, as well as one from the county for rain barrels.
Jankovich provided the update to fellow Manhattan City officials, as well as representatives from Riley and Pottawatomie Counties and Manhattan/Ogden’s USD 383.
