Manhattan sales tax
Pottawatomie County Commissioner Pat Weixelman commented on Manhattan City Commission discussions about taking on a city-wide sales tax during a meeting Monday.
If the city-sales tax were to become a reality, the Manhattan City Commission may no longer require the Riley County Commission’s approval before pursuing economic development projects on the Pottawatomie County side of the city.
Weixelman says if this were to happen, the Pottawatomie County Commission should pursue an agreement where their approval is required for these types of projects.
He also says the Manhattan City Commission is using this process to fund projects they currently can’t afford due to failing to pass a sales-tax increase last November.
Riley and Pottawatomie County Commissioners and Manhattan City Commissioners discussed the proposed city-wide sales tax during a joint meeting last Thursday.
Pottawatomie County flu update
Despite being overshadowed by news about the novel coronavirus, Pottawatomie County Health Department Director Lisa Kenworthy says influenza is still a concern.
She also says there have been 18 flu outbreaks in Kansas, which involves close contact between at least two people.
The flu also remains a concern across the United States.
To avoid getting or spreading the flu, Kenworthy recommends getting the flu vaccine, washing your hands, staying home if you are sick and remaining at home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks.
There are currently no known cases of novel coronavirus in Kansas.
Health Dept.-Washburn University partnership
The Pottawatomie County Health Department is partnering up with the Washburn Nurse Practitioner Doctoral Graduate Program.
Health Department Director Lisa Kenworthy explains what students in this program will be doing in Pottawatomie County.
She says they will also be helping the department in some areas other than research.
For more information about the Pottawatomie County Health Department, visit pottcounty.org.
In other Pottawatomie County news…
- The Pottawatomie County Fire Dept. is in beginning stages of a $337,000 lease-purchase agreement to acquire air packs. About $37,000 would be paid up front with the rest being paid off over about five years.
- The county commission is contributing about $300 to Havensville Living History Day. This event seeks to educate the public on the history of pioneers in Kansas through exhibits and speakers.
- The county commission tabled a request from the Wamego High School After Prom Committee for a monetary donation. Commissioner Greg Riat says he would like for members of the After Prom Committee to make the request in person so they can experience politics and government work. In previous years, the commission has made contributions of about $400 to the After Prom Committee.
