County treasurer to attend meeting in Virginia
Staff reporter
Marion County Treasurer Jeannine Bateman will attend a national convention in Richmond, Va., despite concerns expressed Thursday by Marion County Commission that the county's budget needed to be spent frugally.
Bateman is a member of Kansas Treasurers Association. She has served in various leadership capacities on the state level. As a board member, Bateman said the state association would pay a portion of the expenses with Marion County funds paying approximately $1,300.
Commissioner Dan Holub said he realized that Bateman can do as she sees fit with special vehicle funds but she was elected and responsible in making reasonable decisions. He considered this to be a judgment call.
"I have no objections if we're gaining something but would rather the information be obtained from other sources other than traveling to a convention," Holub said.
Bateman defended her need to attend the conference because she was able to obtain information for her departments and others, and represent the Midwest in electing officials.
County clerk Carol Maggard said Bateman has always been "good" about sharing information gleaned from the convention.
By pooling votes with county representatives from other inland states, the elected officials may be more of a benefit to Kansas and Marion County.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke said he had heard comments last year when Bateman attended the national convention in Hawaii using taxpayers' money.
"It is still taxpayers' money whether it is from the special vehicle fund or the county's general fund," Dallke said.
He continued that when he ran for commissioner, he talked with employees and they asked Dallke if they were really necessary.
"As long as you can justify it, then it's OK," Dallke said.
Commissioner Bob Hein agreed that justification was necessary.
With that said, Bateman said she had already made her reservations and registered for the convention and would attend. Since she was planning to attend, the commission designated her as a county delegate.
Through state statute, special vehicle money from the county fund is not controlled by the county commission. At the end of each year, Bateman has a history of surrendering some of those funds to the county's general fund.
Bateman also noted that the 2008 convention will be in Kansas City, Mo., and hopes more county employees and officials will be able to attend.
