The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office was recognized during Thursday’s Lyon County Commission meeting with an award they’ve now received five years in a row.
The department was presented with the 2017 AAA Kansas Community Traffic Safety Award, the only sheriff’s office in Kansas to earn it five consecutive years, reaching platinum level. As a result, AAA says over that span, in Lyon County teen seat belt use has increased from 59 percent to now 89 percent. Child passenger restraint use has increased from 76 percent to now 88 percent. And 92 percent of SAFE program students wear their seat belts now versus 86 percent five years ago. Undersheriff John Koelsch.
AAA Kansas spokeswoman Jennifer Haugh says the department’s outreach with safety programs and accident prevention are shining examples for other agencies.
County commissioners also discussed the 2019 budget, which is set for approval in late August. County Controller Dan Williams noted that the county is coming in flat on the mill levy and are below the tax lid by more than $47,000. A key portion of that was that claims have come in below projection for healthcare, currently at 58 percent. The county had targeted 75 percent.
The commission still needs to solidify appropriations. Appropriation requests are higher for Newman Regional Health, which is seeking $100,000 more than 2018, mental health is seeking $24,446 more, the Lyon County Historical Society is seeking an additional $5,000, the Lyon County Extension is seeking $5,800 while the library is seeking $17,141. All other appropriations are flat according to Williams.
Commissioners were generally satisfied with how the budget is coming together and are planning additional discussion at their July 5 meeting.
Lyon County Controller Dan Williams meets with the Lyon County Commission Thursday. Photo by Brandon Peoples/KVOE News
