Staff writer
The intended purchase of the Straub building for a new county shop, office space, and storage space may have run into a deal-breaker.
The problem is that the Straub building is not zoned by the City of Marion for government use.
Commissioners voted to ask the city to issue a conditional use permit.
“If they don’t issue it, there is no point in going ahead with the purchase,” commissioner Randy Dallke said.
Commissioners had planned to use the building for a shop, offices, and records storage, and add an outdoor sign, three fuel pumps, truck parking area, and a small storage building.
County Emergency Medical Service should be more responsive and sooner to arrive after two full-time paramedics and two full-time advanced EMTs begin duties next month.
EMS director Ed Debesis told county commissioners that one advanced EMT and one of the paramedics are completing their studies.
“We’re trying to improve our staff and that’s our goal, so we can improve our service to our public,” Dallke said.
Commissioners voted to approve the wording of a proposal seeking to create an expanded extension district, although the resolution won’t be published or put out to petition until after McPherson County also approves. A public hearing is also required before a merger is completed.
The merger being considered will not permit the county to hire additional extension agents, agriculture and natural resources agent Rickey Roberts said. It will create an extension district with five agents shared between the two counties.
In other matters, commissioners:
- Expressed their dissatisfaction to Ian Pitts of Treanor Architects that some storm windows being installed on the courthouse must be painted to match the others. The changes will be made at no cost to the county, Pitts said.
- Voted to give $6,000 to Marion County Resource Center and Food Bank, $2,500 to the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center, $6,000 to Families and Children Together, and $4,500 to Kansas Legal Services.
- Discussed adding cabinets and county to the county treasurer’s office.
- Put a hold on issuing a building permit for two rural properties where owners plan to build driveways from a road in the flood plain.