The Lyon County Commission opened up the annual budget cycle with several requests for more funding than in past years.
SOS Director Connie Cahoone presented the allocation agency’s 2023 budget request, which was $27,500, up from the $26,000 requested last year for this year’s budget. Cahoone says the reason is simple.
Also, outgoing Emporia Public Library Director Robin Newell presented a $169,000 request, which has been flat since 2019 — but she says county commissioners can expect a requested increase for the 2024 budget. Newell says the library’s approach has been to ask for a 10-percent increase every three years instead of a 3-percent increase annually.
Meanwhile, Lyon County Treasurer Sharon Gaede wants to shift some salaries around between the Motor Vehicle and Treasurer’s departments because Motor Vehicle is state-funded, but the county office doesn’t make enough in revenue to cover other expenses.
County Clerk Tammy Vopat manages two budgets, the Clerk and Election departments, and both are poised for roughly $20,000 increases. Vopat says those account for pay raises and cost increases.
County commissioners will continue their budget discussions during their action meeting Thursday as CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness CEO Amanda Cunningham will present the agency’s budget request.
Other business for Thursday includes a discussion with former county commissioner Jackie Leffler on levies and the budget process as well as two executive sessions, one for non-elected personnel and one for legal issues. The meeting starts at 9 am at the County Courthouse Commission Chambers.
