Allen County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes

IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
August 1, 2006

IOLA, KANSAS                  OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK                        August 1, 2006

The Allen County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. with Chairperson Dick Works, Commissioner Kent Thompson, Commissioner Walt Regehr Jr. and Sherrie L. Riebel, County Clerk.

Bruce Symes, Iola Register, was present to observe the meeting.

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of July 25, 2006 meeting.

Sharon Utley, Allen County Treasurer, requested to purchase a printer for the Treasurer’s office, one that could be used by the clerk’s office for checks as well. Bids were received from Advantage Computer Enterprises, Inc., for HP2430N for $839.00 and Copy Products, Inc., for Lexmark T640N Printer for $1,095.00. Commissioners approved the purchase from Advantage Computer Enterprises.

Sharon discussed her review of her 2007 proposed budget. She stated she couldn’t find anywhere to cut.

Cara Barkdoll, Allen County Register of Deeds, reviewed her 2007 budget proposal for deeds office. She stated the increase in budget cost was due to budgeting to fix up existing or purchase new furniture. Commissioners went to view furniture in the Register of Deeds office.

Tom Nevans, Kiwanis Club President of Iola, requested to use the southeast quadrant of the courthouse square on August 5, 2006. They want to have a fundraiser from 7:00 a.m. to 9 a.m. They will be serving biscuits, gravy and drinks. Commissioners approved such request.

Bill requested the chairman’s signature for pay request to Laforge and Budd Construction Co.. This is on the Allen County runway lengthening, contractor’s application for pay estimate #3. Commissioner Regehr moved to authorize Chairman Works signature on pay estimate #3 request. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion passed 3-0-0.

Bill discussed projects the employees are working on in the county.

Bill explained there is only one bridge project scheduled for 2006 and one scheduled in 2007. Discussion followed on 2007 budget for Public Works, Special Bridge and Quarry funds and the increase in cost to do projects.

Thomas R. William, Allen County Sheriff, and Timothy Beckham, Deputy, discussed issues on concealed carry. Deputy Beckham is currently teaching the class required by law before a person could carry concealed weapons. Discussion followed.

Sheriff Williams discussed his 2007 proposed budget with the commission concerning Sheriff’s office and Jail. Vehicles are still a concern for the Sheriff’s department. Discussion followed on items that are cut back on now.

Sheriff Williams requested to purchase a copier. Bids were received from Iola Office Supply for Samsung 531F for $1,399.00 and a Samsung 632DF for $1,650.00 and Copy Products for a Toshiba 163 for $1,179.00. Commissioners approved the purchase of a copier from Copy Products.

Jerry Hathaway, Allen County Attorney, discussed his 2007 proposed budget. His main increase is due to combining all the employees into one fund within his office. Currently they are paid from several different funds. Discussion followed on the cost of the proposed murder trial to be held in Allen County.

Elaine Dugan, Allen County Emergency Medical Services Director, discussed her proposed 2007 budget.

Donald Leapheart, City of Iola Fire Chief, called to request to take Tanker 313 to a funeral service to honor a deceased fireman. Commissioners approved.

Elaine discussed expenses for the ambulance services. Discussion followed on different scenarios. Commissioners reviewed her budget proposals.

Terry Higginbotham, Allen County citizen, discussed the Jaws of Life that a fundraiser is doing. He stated if the county is in need of the equipment to be updated why the county couldn’t consider buying the equipment to save lives. Commissioners explained that this Jaws of Life still works, but bigger, better, newer (not 20 years old) equipment is being requested. Discussion followed. Mr. Higginbotham stated the individuals responsible for the equipment should be held accountable for keeping the equipment in workable condition.

Rodney Burns, Hutinett Scholotterbeck and Burns, Auditors, worked on the 2007 proposed budget for Allen County. Discussion followed on several different funds. Commissioners will discuss the budget more on Friday morning.

Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, discussed the thermostats for the courthouse.

Commissioner Thompson moved to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel for a period of 10 minutes. Those in the room will be Commissioner Works, Commissioner Thompson, Commissioner Regehr, Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, and Sherrie L. Riebel, Allen County Clerk. The time is now 12:42 a.m. Commissioner Regehr seconded, motion passed 3-0-0. Commissioners reconvened at 12:52 a.m. No action was taken.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

Clerk’s Vouchers Totaling $119,663.34

Employee Expense Vouchers

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until August 4, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. in the Commission room of the courthouse for the purpose of Canvassing the August 1, 2006 Primary and discussing budget.

Please remember, minutes are unofficial until approved by the commissioners' at their next meeting.