Credit cards, policy considered by county
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission reviewed policies Monday regarding the possibility of issuing county credit cards to employees.
County clerk Carol Maggard had asked the commission to consider the proposal because county employees were using personal credit cards for county business — such as making hotel room reservations, fuel for county vehicles, food, etc.
Maggard said that some employees do not have credit cards which causes more hardship.
Commissioner Randy Dallke asked if the credit cards should only be used for hotel room reservations. Maggard responded the cards need to be available for more than rooms and could possibly include purchases from the Internet.
Maggard said each department head would be responsible for the cards for his/her department.
The sheriff's department currently has a credit card and would change to the county card, if the commission should approve the proposal.
Maggard further explained that specific items would be placed on a list. If an employee tries to charge something that is not on the list, the purchase will be denied.
The commission said it did not want to encourage employees to use the Internet for purchases and may consider pre-approval of all Internet purchases.
Dallke said he wanted the policy to state that any misuse of the credit cards could result in termination.
A teleconference will be planned with a representative of UMB of Wichita, to further discuss options.
In other business:
— With an increase to 43 cents per mile for mileage reimbursement, the commission may allow county-appointed volunteers to receive mileage reimbursement.
Car pooling also will be encouraged.
— Maggard presented an estimate for removal of overgrown shrubs and trimming of bushes on the courthouse lawn. A watering system also needs to be considered, said Maggard, to keep the vegetation healthy.
Commission chairman Dan Holub suggested a drip water line could be used. Dallke suggested having road and bridge personnel remove shrubs and stumps as needed.
Maggard will seek another bid for trimming only.
— Rose Vinduska of Marion was appointed by the commission to serve on the Corrections Advisory Board. Bob Maxwell of rural Marion also represents the county on the board.
— A session will be held at 7 p.m. July 24 for public input for the county's 2007 budget. The meeting will be held in the courtroom in the courthouse.
— Diedre Serene, health department administrator, presented a proposed budget for 2007. She stated some revenue will be decreased due to changes in the car seat rental program and Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements, and a reduction in grant funds.
— Serene reported she will participate in a pandemic influenza workshop July 24.
— Mary Holloway, chief executive officer of Northview Development Services, asked the commission for $59,500 in support in 2007, the same as previous years.
— Jackie Hageberg has been hired to work part-time at the transfer station.
The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.
