In other business Monday morning, the Barton County Commission:
• Approved a bid for sand from Knopp Sand of Ellinwood for the Road and Bridge Department. The county will purchase no more than 50,000 tons of sand from Knopp at cost of $3.70 per ton (total not to exceed $185,000). Knopp was one of five vendors that submitted a bid.
For now, Road and Bridge Director Dale Phillips said his department will haul the sand.
Historically, Barton County has mined its own sand from pits near Great Bend, which is much cheaper, Phillips said. However, the county’s pits have been pumped out, meaning they have been mined as deep as the county’s 50-foot dredge can reach.
Besides, Phillips said, the dredge is 40 years old and needs to be renovated or replaced. So, it is cheaper in the interim to purchase the sand. The county owns a pit near Ellinwood which is where mining operations would likely resume, but that wouldn’t likely be until 2015.
The sand bought Monday, along with current stocks, are enough to get the department through the year.
• Approved an emergency vehicle designation for Hazmat Response of Great Bend. The 2014 Ford F-150, as operated by Troy McFarren, is used for both normal business and response to emergencies involving hazardous material. Response is made at the request of emergency personnel, said Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
The request sparked a lengthy discussion about the issuance of such permits. Schremmer has long been concerned about the privilege to use flashing red lights being abused.
There was a time, Bellendir said, when any law enforcement or emergency response agency chief could sign off on the permits. But, the Legislature in 2010 consolidated that authority with county commissions to help regulate it.
• Approved a revised budget for the Central Kansas Community Corrections, including an additional $10,404 from the DUI fines and fees. The Kansas Department of Corrections requires a budget submission for additional funding allocations that includes what the money will be used for. After adjustments are made, the budget requires the review and approval of the Barton County Commissioners, as the administrative county for the District to which the plan pertains, in this case, the 20th Judicial Distsrict, said Amy Boxberger, CKCC director.
Boxberger said the funds will be used to help offset budget cuts from last year. It will help pay for fuel, training and equipment.
• Reappointed Bob Suelter and Kevin Sundahl to the Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board for uncompensated terms that expire in December, 2016. This board reviews and makes recommendations on mental health services in Barton County and the surrounding area, Boeckman said.
• Reappointed Dr. William T. King, Dr. Mike Malone, Krista Smith and Teddy Williamson to the Health Advisory Board for uncompensated terms that expire Dec. 31, 2015. The Health Advisory Board reviews and makes recommendations on policies related to public health services in Barton County, said Health Director Lily Akings.
• Heard an update from Boeckman on the activities of county departments.
There is a movement in Topeka among legislators to abolish the mortgage registration fee, the money collected by registers of deeds for each mortgage transaction that has become an important funding source for counties.
The Barton County Commission Monday morning, at the urging of the Kansas County Commissioners Association, approved sending a letter to lawmakers and Gov. Sam Brownback opposing such action.
“It would have an impact on our mill levy,” said Count Administrator Richard Boeckman of the fee’s elimination. The county would likely have to raise property taxes to compensate.
When a lien is recorded with the Register of Deeds Office, there is a 0.26 percent of the principal debt fee to secure the mortgage. This fee, which was first implemented in 1925, helps ensure free and clear transactions involving land deals, giving potential landowners assurance that a property is free and clear of any liens.
Of that fee, 25/26ths is deposited in a county’s general fund, to be used to finance basic operations, and 1/26th is remitted to the State Treasurer Office to finance the Heritage Trust Fund, helping to preserve historic structures.
“This is an important revenue source for Barton County,” Boeckman said. He thought it unfair for the state to consider eliminating this without offering an alternate funding source to take its place, besides hiking taxes.
Here’s a breakdown: In 2010, it generated $158,000 (the equivalent of .7 mills); in 2011, $212,000 (.826 mills); 2012, $188,000 (.73 mills); and in 2013, $294,000 (1.097 mills).
“This is something that is quite serious for us,” Commission Chairman Kenny Schremmer said. Although he as spoken to local representatives who have assured the measure will likely fail, the county still must act.
Being in the real estate business, Schremmer said he has never had anyone complain about the fee.
“Having the Legislature erode our tax base is as bad as an unfunded mandate,” Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said. “That’s a major concern to our citizenry.”
The sending of this letter was something a deja vu for the Commission. A similar letter was sent to state officials late last year by Barton and 70-some oil and gas producing counties regarding the state’s interpretation of the Oil and Gas Depletion Trust Fund.
The counties threatened to sue the state over money they believe they were owed. Brownback and legislators have since backtracked and offered their support.
