Meeting Information
<1/2xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />SHAWNEE COUNTY COURTHOUSE - Topeka, KS
-Convene
-Pledge of Allegiance
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Discussion of formation of an extension district serving Douglas and Shawnee Counties
(3) Other Business
(a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
(c) Miscellaneous
(d) Public Comment
(4) Adjourn<
The Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County, Kansas, conducted a joint meeting with the Shawnee County Commission on Monday, December 20, 2004, in Topeka, Kansas. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. with all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The purpose of the joint meeting was to discuss the formation of an extension district serving Douglas and Shawnee Counties.
Jim Lindquist, K-State Research and Extension Northeast/Metro Area Director, provided an overview of what an extension district is. Lindquist explained that six (6) extension districts involving seventeen (17) counties have already been formed. Elimination of duplication of services, and specialization of services are possible in a district. Most districts that merge involve smaller counties with smaller district office staffs.
McElhaney questioned whether a district impacted efficiency at the state level. Lindquist responded that it was encouraged at the state level because it enabled counties to be more effective. Most surrounding states have gone to districts. Iowa would be the most similar in that the districts have taxing authority.
Johnson asked why the budgetary authority for extension service offices was given to the Commissioners in 1987. Lindquist responded that the Commissioners sought the authority because they were the officials held responsible for the levy.
Jones questioned whether there were any specific plans to eliminate staff or implement any efficiency with the formation of the district. Lindquist was not aware of any specific plans. Jones noted he did not see anything in the proposed budget.
Johnson asked whether effectiveness would be gained through an interlocal agreement without forming a district. Lindquist stated he thought that might be possible. Other counties have entered into an interlocal agreement, but the disadvantage is having to deal with multiple county commissions. Another disadvantage is the need to have contingencies for the agreement being terminated.
Johnson then expressed his opposition to the creation of another taxing district. He then asked if the interlocal option agreement had been explored. A representative of the Shawnee County Extension office stated that option had not been explored.
Jones then expressed his opposition to the creation of another taxing district. He also expressed concern that the district would enable the extension office to become more reliant on the property tax.
Shawnee County Commissioner Vic Miller stated he was concerned about giving up control, but had great confidence in the people that manage the extension offices. He also stated that he believed we need to be creative with our govern ment structure -- other districts have been conservative with the tax dollars. He was in favor of the proposal noting there was a provision to terminate the district if it did not meet expectations.
McElhaney stated that government needs to get over their fear of having control -- they need to learn how to delegate control. He expressed his general support.
Shawnee County Commissioner Marice Kane expressed opposition based on the fact that the proposal created a new district. She expressed the hope that the extension offices would prepare an interlocal agreement as an alternative.
No action was taken.
PLANNING 12-20-04
At their meeting on December 15, 2004, the Board tabled TA-04-03-04: Consider a text amendment to the County Zoning Regulations to permit limited use excavation businesses through a Conditional Use Permit, until the County Counselor reviewed the proposed changes. The County Counselor reviewed the proposed changes and recommended approval as proposed. Jones moved approval of the following addition to the Douglas County Code, Zoning Regulations:
Article 19, Section 19-4.10. Public utilities; construction, maintenance and repair businesses that provide services primarily to utility companies; or public service uses, buildings, structures or appurtenances thereto.
Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried unanimously.
Jones made a motion to adjourn; Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Charles Jones, Chairman Bob Johnson, Member
ATTEST:
_____________________________ _____________________________
Patty Jaimes, County Clerk Jere McElhaney, Member
Time and Date