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First application requested for tax rebate program

Sunday alcohol sales to be considered at future meeting

Staff reporter

Marion County Commission already is beginning to see the fruits of its labor.

Nick Nickelson of Marion, asked the commission Monday if applications would be accepted for the countywide neighborhood revitalization program.

Nickelson said he had a customer who wants to build a new house in the county on 40 acres and wanted to take advantage of a tax rebate.

All Marion County taxing entities had been contacted regarding participation in the program which rebates a percentage of paid property taxes to new construction of residential, commercial, and agricultural structures.

Some entities previously agreed to participate in the program with only one declining — the City of Hillsboro.

The county was waiting for response from some municipalities, school and fire districts, and other entities.

However, since the county previously had adopted the program, Nickelson was instructed to have the landowner complete an application.

County clerk Carol Maggard said the rebate would begin when construction is completed. For instance, if construction is not completed by Dec. 31, the owner will not be rebated any taxes until 2006, or when the house is completed.

In other business:

— Sunday alcohol sales will be considered by the commission at a future meeting. Commissioner Randy Dallke did not attend Monday's meeting and the other two wanted his input.

Warren Kreutziger, owner of Canada Bait & Tackle, requested the commission consider the option of allowing Kreutziger to sell 3.2 packaged beer on Sundays.

Recent legislative action allows individual counties and cities to approve Sunday liquor and/or beer sales. If approved, the sales would not take effect until November.

— The commission was informed by David Brazil, county sanitarian, that additional soil inspections are required as part of closure of former county landfill.

In a teleconference with landfill engineer Jack Chapelle, the commission was informed that Kansas Department of Health & Environment was more aggressive with the county because of the county's history. Another factor was the type of soil being used for covering the landfill.

Soil samples indicated the compaction ratio was not the same as the natural covering.

Additional on-site inspections, which will cost the county more funds, will be required by KDHE.

Chapelle reminded the commission there was a potential for variables with this project and this happened to be one of them.

— The county's cash position continues to be favorable.

As of June 30, cash-on-hand was $8,425,872, with $1,811,944 in the general fund and $1,350,065 in road and bridge fund.

At the same time in 2004, there was a total balance of $7,359,583, and $10,107,317 in 2003.

— Brazil was approved to attend a national symposium regarding algae blooms on Sept. 6-8 in North Carolina.

Estimated costs are more than $1,000.

— Two tires for a skid loader at the county's transfer station were approved. Brazil was instructed to obtain bids from county vendors and purchase tires with the lowest bid.

— A grant application for $7,349 was approved for environmental health and sanitation. If the county is awarded the grant, the county's matching portion is $750. Funds will be used for equipment related to the county new mapping system.

— Changes in the county zoning and subdivision regulations will be submitted to the county's planning commission on July 28, during its monthly meeting.

A public hearing will be scheduled in August.

— Tim Oglesby of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas, advised the commission to continue to budget for future increases even though the county has had two consecutive years of refunds.

Typically, cities and counties plan a 15-20 percent annual increase each budget year.

— Robson requested and received a 10-minute executive session for attorney-client privilege. Maggard also was in attendance.

The meeting reconvened with no decisions.

— The commission reviewed employee evaluations.

Job applications for road and bridge superintendent and economic development facilitator also were reviewed.

The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.

Tampa club

plans mini-fair

The public is invited to a "mini-fair" beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday at Tampa Senior Center.

Sponsored by Tampa Triple T's 4-H Club, Tampa Community Association, and Prairie Pals, 4-H club members will display exhibits being prepared for upcoming fairs.

A hot dog meal and ice cream social, water games, and a weight-guessing contest of a market steer also will be available.

For more information, contact Beth Riffel at (785) 965-7179 or (785) 366-3637.

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