BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS
OFFICIAL MINUTES
March 1, 2007
The Board of County Commissioners, three members and the County Clerk present, met in evening session at 7:00 PM.
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CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Lewark-Wood.
INVOCATION: Commissioner Tucker.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Fowler.
AGENDA APPROVAL:
ACTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewark-Wood.
ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Lewark-Wood - Yes
Commissioner Tucker - Yes
Commissioner Fowler – Yes
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The Jail Committee met with the Board to give a report and recommendation from the Board. The Jail Committee has fulfilled their duties to the County with this report. Those present were Ron Levis, Jeff Chubb, Stan Veach, Bob Pierce, Bob Booth, Patti Clay, Ruth Bardwell, Anita Atherton, Greg Henner with Jeff Chubb serving as spokesperson for the group.
Mr. Chubb reported the Committee estimates 80 additional beds which will require 8 addition employees. Cost for 8 additional employees will be a $200,000 increase per year for salaries and benefits. The 80 bed addition will cost approximately 4.5 million dollars. The funding for this expansion would best be paid through a county-wide sales tax.
Mr. Bob Pierce addressed the Commission and thanked them for the Advisory Ballot. He stated he felt Washington School would be the best answer to the overcrowding in the jail with the school to be used for housing prisoners. However, the school is still in use and this could not be done at the present time.
Mr. Pierce asked the Board to appoint a committee to visit with both colleges on how to combine into one college for Montgomery County. He stated that “Montgomery County residents are overtaxed”. He feels the committee should be a five member committee.
Commissioner Lewark-Wood said the Commission could check with the County Counselor to find out if anything can be done on the colleges and Mr. Pierce’s suggestion.
Commissioner Lewark-Wood thanked the Committee for a good job and stated the Board does not want to increase property tax.
Commissioner Fowler said he would study the information further before making statements.
Commissioner Tucker said he was disappointed in the outcome on the advisory ballot. He feels now is the time for sales tax because of the turn over of money due to money being spent in the county. He acknowledged the hours spent and work done by the Committee.
Jeff Chubb was requested by the Board to check into the sales tax issue after the cost of expansion is determined definitely.
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PLANNING COMMITTEE RECOGNITION:
Scott Barnhart, Planning & Zoning Administrator, requested the presence of Planning & Zoning Committee members Wayne Bright, Joe Tucker, Jim Sheldon and James Templeton. Mr. Templeton could not be present.
Letters of recognition were read for each member of the Planning and Zoning Committee commending them on their years of faithful and dedicated service. Each member was given a letter and was presented with a certificate by the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Tucker received Mr. James Templeton’s recognition in his absence. Gift certificates were given to the members in appreciation of their service.
Each of the Committee members expressed their appreciation for the awards and gift certificates. Mr. Wayne Bright said he feels they are only a small part of the Committee through the years and many others should be recognized through the years. He stated this is the first recognition any of the members have had in past years.
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OTHER COUNTY BUSINESS:
ACTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Tucker to authorize the Chairman to sign, on behalf of Montgomery County, a grant application for the Montgomery County Health Department in the amount of $100,151.00. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Fowler.
ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Lewark-Wood - Yes
Commissioner Tucker - Yes
Commissioner Fowler – Yes
ADJOURNMENT: 8:40 PM
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Lewark-Wood seconded by Commissioner Fowler.
ROLL CALL VOTE – Commissioner Lewark-Wood - Yes
Commissioner Tucker - Yes
Commissioner Fowler – Yes
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS
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BILLIE LEWARK-WOOD, Chairman
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GENE TUCKER, Member
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TONY FOWLER, Member
ATTEST:
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County Clerk
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