Allen County Commissioners met with consultant Mike Taylor Tuesday to discuss development of an educational program connected with a proposal to place on the November General Election ballot a sales tax to support EMS services in Allen County.
Taylor, who has worked on similar projects in other Kansas communities, said the goal of this program would be to ensure voters are well informed about what is being proposed, and to give them factual information. There are specific state laws that prohibit use of tax dollars to advocate for a specific vote on a proposition, but something that sets out the pros and cons of a yes or no vote could be done.
Taylor also told Commissioners an outside group could advocate for a yes vote on a bond issue, citing some examples of campaigns he’s been involved with where this was done successfully. An executive session was held to discuss a possible contract with Taylor, no action coming out of it.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels said during the meeting they were informed the county’s valuation on which the 2027 budget will be built upon increased from $100 million to $207 million. As they begin work to develop next year’s budget, Sheriff Anthony Maness brought forth a change in what he proposed in his initial budget. Maness said after looking at all options, he is going to propose a plan to replace one pickup and one Durango SUV each year for the next four years. This change would trim between $80,000 and $90,000 from his initial request.
The Commission approved the purchase of a metal building for Allen County Airport that Pubic Works Director Mitch Garner said would be utilized for equipment storage, including their fuel trailers, mowers, and the airport’s skid steer. Some of those items are currently stored in a t-hangar and moving them to a separate building would free it up for rental. Total cost of the building, including installation, is around $24,000.
Commissioners also continued discussion on replacement of a leachate tanker discussed at a prior meeting.
