A 2021 budget proposal presented to the Saline County Commission this morning would include new positions and a possible raise for county employees without an increase to the mill levy.
County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes presented his recommended 2021 budget to commissioners during their weekly meeting this morning. According to information from the county, Smith-Hanes' "recommended budget provides funding for 10 new positions and a possible 1% increase to employee salaries, with no increase to the mill levy. This is possible because of the amount of carry-over cash the county is estimated to have on hand at the end of this year, even after accounting for a downturn in sales tax and other revenues."
Another discussion of the 2021 budget will occur in the next couple of weeks, with commissioners providing direction on the issue "no later than July 21 so a final budget can be published in time for a public hearing on Aug. 11," the county information noted.
You can find a copy of the proposed 2021 budget here.
In other business, according to the information provided by the county:
•Commissioners unanimously approved a new lease agreement with the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging for additional office space on the third floor of the senior center. Their rent per month will go from $275 to $400 when the new lease begins.
•Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a three-quarter ton truck to replace a similar truck that was damaged in an April accident. The county accepted the low bid of $26,427 from Midway Motors in McPherson.
•Commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Fort Hays State University to employ a summer intern, with the intern’s wages paid through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The county will contribute $500.
•County Engineer Justin Mader discussd with commissioners a FEMA Alternative Procedures Pilot Program that involves identifying costs FEMA would have spent to help the county make repairs for damage related to the 2019 floods and then spending that money on alternative projects that are more cost-effective in serving the community.