Opening up at 9 am on Monday was the 2014 budget hearing for the Pottawatomie County Commission.
Robert Reece, County Administrator, reviewed with the commission where the budget was sitting and explained that “in essence, [the budget]was the same as last year.” The tax rate for 2014 is expected to be 25.675%.
After making a few adjustments concerning the consolidated fire districts, the commission approved the budget as presented.
After the budget hearing was completed, the commission moved into department updates.
During his report, Chris Trudo, the emergency management director, told the commission on August 5, they had a test of all tornado sirens and all are in working order. Trudo, also, mentioned they will be partaking in the Foreign Animal Disease training October 9 and 10.
Bruce Brazzle, fire supervisor, reported the new EMS building in Westmoreland was completed, except for a few punch list items, and is being occupied. Brazzle also mentioned the new EMS building in Onaga should be breaking ground sometime this week and has about a 120 days from the start until it is completed. At this point, there are no updates concerning the arson fire reported on August 9.
Dustin Trego, management assistant of operations, told the commission they have been seeing a pretty consistent number over the past few months. For July, there were 211 riders and 807 trips total.
Lois Schlegel, county appraiser, reported that July saw a record-breaking month for them as they had a total of 99 sales, which is the first time in about five years they’ve seen such a high number in one month. Schlegel, also, reviewed with the commission some new regulations from the state the Appraiser’s office is having to deal with concerning their procedural compliance guidelines and the documentation that is being requested.
The commission will be meeting again next Monday in Westmoreland.
