Riley County Commissioners continue to tackle the task of formulating the 2015 budget. Another budget work session was held during Monday’s meeting, and the first area of focus was the personnel salaries and raises.
Commissioners seemed to agree on the possibility that salaries may not be raised as much as in previous years.
“I’ve always been supportive of making sure our staff is taken care of. I’m not sure we can be as generous though,” commented Commissioner, Dave Lewis. However, Lewis did state that the capitol improvement project (CIP) list seems of somewhat higher priority.
Commissioners began discussing the “imperative projects” list within the CIP. One of the items on the list was a portable air compressor.
Commission Chair, Robert Boyd indicated some of the items on the list, including the compressor, do not fall under the county’s definition of “imperative”. Commissioner, Ron Wells said the commission shouldn’t make the determination of whether something falls into the imperative category or not, and that department heads should make those recommendations.
“Does it meet any of those standards, that it affects the majority of the people in the county?”, Boyd asked. Wells answered quickly by stating, “if it involves the roads it does, yes”.
Commissioner, Dave Lewis seemed to agree with Wells, as he believed some of the projects were on the list, because they do impact efficiency within the county.
Another budget work session will be held Tuesday morning at 8:30.
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Now that Country Stampede is over, the numbers are in.
During the meeting’s press conference, County EMS Director, Larry Couchman shared the end figures. For the five day event, a total of 471 patients were assisted. This number includes minor injuries, such as headaches, scrapes, bee stings, etc. EMS in particular saw a total of 111 patients.
Couchman said Saturday was the busiest day, and some of the numbers were down while others were up.
When breaking the numbers down further-there were 23 alcohol related problems, 16 heat related incidents, and 13 ambulance transports.
Couchman highlighted one incident in particular involving carbon monoxide poisoning. As KMAN reported on Friday, four individuals needed medical treatment after exposure to carbon monoxide in their trailer.
