The process of setting the 2019 budget continues for Lyon County commissioners.
On Thursday, the board fielded three proposals, all requesting slightly higher budgets. County Commision Chair Rollie Martin says the county is looking to keep budgets frugal while recognizing the need for compensating staff for the work they do. In addition, counties across Kansas are still working to meet the needs of their residents while contending with a spending lid enacted two years ago.
Thursday, the Lyon County Historical Society requested $115,000 in county aid, up $5,000 from the current-year budget. Kansas Legal Service is asking for $12,000, up $2,000. The Lyon County Fair Board is seeking $60,000 in county support, or a flat amount from the past two years.
Martin anticipates requests for slight increases from other departments and allocation agencies. Besides salaries, Martin says one other major budget pressure could well be health insurance costs, which in general terms have been increasing steadily over the past decade.
