Pottawatomie County Commissioners Monday heard from a variety of department heads regarding proposed budgets, including Zoning Administrator Gregg Webster, Treasurer Lisa Wright, Brenda Krause with GIS, Tim Eisenbarth with the Noxious Weed Department, Emergency Management Director Chris Trudo, Fire Supervisor Jared Barnes, and Library, Conservation, and Mini Bus representatives.
Webster is proposing a similar budget to the year before, except for a proposed increase in wages, which involves about an 18 percent number.
Other items the Commission dealt with is a possible set-up of inspections of buildings throughout the county, involving the Planning Board and County Commission. Commissioners also heard from Public Works Director Leu Lowery that all 15 patch kits have been used on the Belvue Bridge and there’s been substantial improvement. The main part has been patched, except for guttering and a little bit on the sides of the bridge.
Health Director Leslie Campbell reported on her department, indicating things are running pretty smoothly. Judith Cremer gave the county commissioners her update on the Pottawatomie County library budget, including the online activities and children’s summer reading program residents can look forward to.
Pottawatomie County Commissioners admitted to relief Monday morning, when it comes to the State Legislature putting off a possible property tax cap for at least another three years. Commissioner Stan Hartwich tells KMAN he and his fellow commissioners were worried when hearing that due to wording in the measure it could go into effect as early as this July first.
Commissioners Dee McKee and Chair Pat Weixelman also expressed relief with the change, made during Friday’s sine die session.
But according to McKee the state legislature has much more to do, adding with rulings on the schools, the group still has work ahead of it. And she notes the state still has not achieved a balanced budget.
