County receives micro-loan grant
Marion County is one of six to qualify for a micro-loan program from the Kansas Commerce and Housing Department, county commissioners were told Tuesday.
The county receives $100,000 to create a revolving fund. Up to $15,000 may be loaned to small businesses with less than five employees. The interest rate cannot be less than four percent below prime.
As businesses pay back the loans, more money is generated to lend to more small businesses.
The program will be administered by the Marion County Economic Development Council.
Linn, Morton, Sheridan, Sherman, and Stevens counties also received micro-loan grants of $100,000 each.
There had been concerns about the grant because, while it was mentioned in a news release issued Monday, the county had not been notified by Tuesday.
State officials were contacted by telephone. They faxed a copy of the formal approval letter, reporting that it had been mailed Thursday.
Comprehensive plan
Commissioners said they would discuss the proposed countywide comprehensive plan at their meeting Monday.
The county planning commission submitted a plan. County commissioners returned the plan along with some questions, which the planning commission answered. No formal action has been taken on the plan.
The options are to provide formal notice that the commission wants the plan reviewed (which gives the planning commission 30 days to make changes), accept or reject it as presented, or make changes without planning commission approval.
Main frame
Commissioners approved purchase of an updated mainframe computer for $36,151 from IBM.
After July 1, the AS400 system now used will no longer be covered under a maintenance agreement. All updates and improvements will cost extra, and it may not have enough memory to support needed programs.
The new unit will increase memory from 15 to 42 gigabytes, with the option of increasing to 200 gigabytes in future years, said Lloyd Davies, county computer consultant.
Changing the system will require two or three days. The courthouse may close to the public for at least part of a business day since the computer system won't be available.
"I would hate for someone to come here and not be able to do business," Commissioner Leroy Wetta said.
Commissioners also approved purchase of two 15-inch flat-screen monitors for $365 each from Braden Computers, Hillsboro, and two 19-inch flat-screen monitors for $1,119 each from Great Plains Computer Networks, Marion. All will be used in the appraiser's department.
Drug tests
Commissioners renewed an agreement with The Consortium, Inc., Topeka, to provide random drug testing services. There are 32 county employees, all with commercial driver's licenses, who may be asked to provide urine samples without prior notification.
Clerk Carol Maggard said some departments have asked to add other employees to the random pool, since other departments do use county vehicles. No action was taken but commissioners agreed to consider the matter when the 2003 budget is discussed this summer.
In other reports:
Commissioners signed a letter recommending approval of a historic designation for Marion County Lake. The designation will apply to the historic stone structures at the lake. It will not include other buildings. A state committee will review the application Saturday.
Commissioners reviewed a list of recommendations from the worker compensation insurance provider.
A trend study indicates residential real estate in Marion County is increasing two to three percent in valuation, rural real estate is increasing seven percent, and commercial real estate is increasing six percent. These are overall trends so individual properties may differ, said Dianna Carter, appraiser.
Some items from the road and bridge department will be offered at an upcoming consignment sale.
Commissioners met into the afternoon to review county responsibilities associated with emergency response. Michele Abbott-Becker, emergency management director, led the session.
