By Lucky Kidd
ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — The Allen County Commission Tuesday approved submission to voters at the November General Election a proposal for a half percent sales tax to support EMS services. Action to place the proposal on the ballot had to be taken this week to meet publication requirements, and prior to the vote Commissioners discussed whether there should be a sunset clause on this sales tax, similar to one that supports Allen County Hospital. The original resolution did not have a time frame put on it and Commissioners agreed that this sales tax should expire five years from implementation unless voters agree to extend it.
Work on water lines from Allen County Airport to Iola has been completed, and with that Allen County Commissioners Tuesday approved release of the retainage from the contract for that part of utility extensions for a planned industrial park project.
Bruce Boettcher from BG Consultants told Commissioners most of the sewer force mains are in, some of which won’t be put in until after harvest. They are currently waiting on material for a “wet well,” and as of now construction crews should be back on-site the first of October. Related to the industrial park Commissioners received for their review a preliminary plat for the industrial park.
The Commission also approved the 2025 budget after hearing comments during public hearings which primarily focused on what goes into determining property valuations which have seen significant increases for many property owners in recent years. One of the citizens also expressed concerns about fire protection in the Petrolia community, including problems with water availability.
The Commission also approved the budgets for the fire and sewer districts it serves as the governing body for. Resolutions were also adopted stating the proposed levies for the county, Rural Fire Districts 2, 3 and 4, and Sewer Districts 1 and 2 will exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
