Encumbrances, budget issues occupy county commission meeting
Staff reporter
Budget encumbrances were the main topic Monday at Marion County Commission meeting.
Department heads were to submit their requests by Monday for consideration by the commission Dec. 30.
Encumbrances occur when budget funds are not spent during that budget year and are carried over to the next budget year for use.
Dale Snelling, county lake superintendent, requested funds be encumbered for two mowers. He will use encumbered funds with 2006 budget funds to purchase the mowers in 2006.
Funds to repair stone grills also were encumbered.
Elderly department director Noreen Weems also requested three encumbrances for computers, and folding chairs at Tampa Senior Center.
Maggard explained to the commission that departments are required to have some carry-over to cover January expenses in case property taxes are not paid in a timely manner. However, some carry-over can be spent if needed.
In other business:
— County clerk Carol Maggard reported 48 ballots have already been received after they were mailed Friday.
A special election by mail-in ballot is being held regarding a non-binding referendum regarding a destination resort casino being located in Marion County.
Maggard reminded voters to sign the return envelopes so election officials can verify signatures. If the return envelope is not signed, the ballot cannot be counted.
— A liquor license to serve alcohol was approved by the commission for Kingfisher Steakhouse and Lounge.
— Maggard reported the county had $6,913,043 cash on hand as of Nov. 30. Of that amount, $882,443 was in the county's general fund and $951,948 in road and bridge.
— Following a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel and the hiring of a noxious weed director, commission chairman Bob Hein announced an offer will be made to an applicant. If the applicant accepts, an announcement will be made at the next commission meeting.
— The commission granted a 15-minute executive session with noxious weed department employees Linda Brewer and Michele Gonzalez.
The meeting reconvened with the commission's decision to discontinue the part-time position in the weed department for this year.
— The commission reviewed the county budget for November.
Maggard reported the county was using its carry-over cash.
Costs to remove mold from the courthouse will come from the risk management fund.
It was noted that the noxious weed department is short on projected revenues. Budgeted revenues are $90,000 and only $36,000 has been collected.
Maggard advised the commission that at some point, the ambulance department will need to adjust or amend their budget in order to spend a windfall of revenue collected from 2004 bills.
— The commission was asked to respond to correspondence from a representative of a bonding agency regarding a new county jail.
"There are new players with Sedgwick County building a new jail," said commissioner Randy Dallke. "Plans are on hold."
— Salary increases were approved for Jamie Shirley, six months in ambulance department, Gene Bowers, six months in appraiser's office, Woody Crawshaw, one year in ambulance department, and Ike Boone, promotion to culvert foreman, road and bridge department.
Starting pay for new employees also was approved for Don Burnett, truck driver, and Scott Burke, equipment operator, both road and bridge department. Burnett will replace Jim Smalley who retires Dec. 20, and Burke replaces Boone.
— Maggard reported she is looking for storage space in the courthouse to store new election equipment.
Vacant offices in the road and bridge department will be considered.
— Dallke requested and received a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. Monday in the courthouse.
