The 2025 budget picture is becoming clearer, however, a lot of work is still ahead for Lyon County Commissioners.
Commission Chairman Rollie Martin shared that thought during Wednesday’s study session inside of the Lyon County Courthouse Commission Chambers where the latest round of budget requests came before commissioners for consideration. Among the presenting agencies was Newman Regional Health seeking a flat sum of $800,000.
Newman CEO Cathy Pimple stated Wednesday the hospital has roughly $6 million in capital expenses planned for the coming year. This will include new cardio cath lab equipment and a new CT machine all of which are at or nearing their end of life.
While the $800,000 appropriation, if granted, would be a small sum in relation to the planned expenses, Pimple says the level of county support it would reflect is just as important to the hospital’s future.
In addition to Newman’s request, commissioners also received a flat request from Hetlinger Developmental Services of $37,000 and a decreased ask of $78,000 from the Lyon County Fairboard.
Commissioners also received a pair of budget submissions from the Lyon County Clerk and County Attorney offices. The Clerk’s budget comes to $342,000, up more than $5,000 from the previous year.
The election budget increased by $5,100 to $450,000. The Lyon County Attorney’s Office meanwhile submitted a 6.3 percent budget increase totaling more than $1.7 million. While speaking with KVOE News Wednesday, Chairman Martin stated he has been impressed with the numerous requests submitted to this point.
That being said, when asked about his confidence on whether the county will be able to fund a large majority of these requests in their entirety, Martin stated it’s too early to tell.
Commissioners are set to hear their next round of requests as part of their regular action meeting Thursday morning. Thursday’s submissions will come from Brian Rees of the Lyon County Extension Office, SOS Executive Director Mickey Edwards, Flint Hills Technical College President Dr. Caron Daugherty and Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope.
Separately Thursday, commissioners will consider signing the Urban Area boundary approval resolution establishing Urban Area boundary lines.
Lyon County Area Transportation Director Shane Brunner will submit a pair of requests including a memorandum of understanding for an agreement with the East Central Kansas Coordinated Transit Council as a host agency for a Mobility Manager position. Commissioners may also approve a quote from Safety Vision for the installation of security camera equipment totaling more than $13,500.
Matching funds of $12,000 have been awarded by the state with the county’s total cost coming to just over $1,500 following reimbursement.
The meeting will begin at 9 am inside of the Lyon County Courthouse Commission Chambers.
