JEWELL COUNTY, Kansas (STPNS) -- A special meeting of the Jewell County Commissioners was Friday to consider the 2009 budget. Commissioners Doyle Alcorn, Dwight Frost and Steve Greene were present. Carla Waugh, county clerk, Randy Hoffmeier and Jerry Pugh of Bartlett, Settle & Edgerle were also present. It was decided to hold the county budget hearing at 10 a.m. Aug. 11.

The valuation has decreased $1,094,780 so to maintain the budget at the current amount, the levy must increase 3.3 mills. An additional levy increase of 6.337 is the result of rising fuel costs. Combined this makes a total levy increase of 9.637 mills.



The Jewell County Commissioners met in regular session Monday.

Jim Stone joined the meeting at 8:30 a.m.

Jim Vaughan, solid waste director, reported problems with the department's pickup. He requested permission to purchase from Matt's Automotive a 2005 Dodge 3/4 ton 4WD with trailer package for $10,000 with trade-in of the 2000 GMC 1/2 ton 4WD pickup. The purchase was approved.

Marilou Becker, deputy appraiser, said she talked to Bob Hindman and he agreed to finish the data collection. She also talked to Bruce Webb and he will attend the state board of tax appeals hearing.

The assessor's office has received the new land use map.

Jim Foster, general superintendent, discussed the state's 5 year plan and the cost to dig the new pit at the landfill.

Steve Greene reported on work to be done on the waterway of John Edwards' property.

Foster discussed damage caused by the heavy rain which fell on Thursday. He reported Paul Pumphrey's last day with the county is July 25.

Paul Dahl said the 250 Road sign needs to be put up at the entrance of the lake and the one at Webber blacktop is gone. He also inquired on the status of the state park taking over the blacktop road into the park. The Commissioners said the state didn't want to take it over. Dahl asked about taking down the North Shore Drive sign at Y Road.

Mel Brown joined the meeting at 10:20 p.m.

Approval was given for resolution 08-10 pertaining to the 2009 county budget.

Darrell Miller, county attorney, reported the City of Mankato was willing to divide the cost of repairing 165 Road south of Highway 36 depending on the type of repairs. It was suggested Foster discuss the repairs and cost with Marvin Loomis.

The commissioners asked the attorney about the time frame for a tax sale and process for changing the solid waste user fees.

The commissioners will host a multi-county meeting at the Esbon Senior Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. on July 28.