Proposed pre-tax wellness benefit plan could save county $72,000 in payroll taxes

Property tax change of value notices mailed to residents

District court clerk reflects on 24-year tenure ahead of retirement

Dickinson County IT technician tapped for state 911 leadership role

Rebranded 'Driving Dickinson County' celebrates economic growth

Fort Riley leadership plans Dickinson County tour to discuss workforce integration

America 250 grant applications open March 1

Emergency management urges disaster training for elected officials

Proposed pre-tax wellness benefit plan could save county $72,000 in payroll taxes

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The Dickinson County Commission is evaluating a voluntary, pre-tax preventative health and wellness program that could increase employee take-home pay while reducing the county's tax burden. Champion Health representative Steve told the commission the CHAMP Section 125 plan would positively impact 134 of the county's 152 full-time employees, netting them an average increase of $124 per month. By reducing taxable income, the county would save an estimated $72,195 annually in Federal Insurance Contributions Act payroll taxes. A legal review of the plan documents was requested, and a presentation is scheduled for an employee safety and wellness committee on March 10 before a final decision is made.

Property tax change of value notices mailed to residents

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County residents should expect to see their annual property assessments in the mail this week. County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf announced that the Dickinson County Appraiser's Office will mail out the official change of value notices on Friday, urging any residents with questions to contact the office. Additionally, taxpayers filing their returns were reminded that Dickinson County and its townships have officially eliminated the local intangible tax, taking full effect for the 2025 tax year.

District court clerk reflects on 24-year tenure ahead of retirement

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County District Court Clerk Cindy MacDonald delivered a final departmental report ahead of retirement in six months, reflecting on a 24-year career marked by drastic operational changes. MacDonald guided the courts through the transition to the Odyssey case management system in 2018, the implementation of Zoom hearings and online marriage licenses during the COVID-19 pandemic and a statewide judicial branch cyberattack in 2023. MacDonald also highlighted the completion of a legacy project using law library funds to convert 1,025 microfilm cassettes dating back to the 1880s into searchable digital PDF files.

Dickinson County IT technician tapped for state 911 leadership role

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The state of Kansas has tapped a Dickinson County employee to help lead its emergency communications infrastructure. IT network administrator Alyssa Boss has accepted a technical director role tied to the Kansas Next Generation 911 (NG911) Coordinating Council. While acknowledging her departure is a loss for the county's IT department, County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf congratulated Boss on the career advancement and assured that transition plans are already in place to fill the upcoming vacancy.

Rebranded 'Driving Dickinson County' celebrates economic growth

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation has rebranded as "Driving Dickinson County," a change celebrated during a recent gala attended by 216 local leaders and business owners. Local leaders praised the event for stepping away from routine reporting and instead focusing on community investment and workforce development. The rebranded organization aims to foster a collaborative approach to economic growth, emphasizing that local development is a shared responsibility across the county.

Fort Riley leadership plans Dickinson County tour to discuss workforce integration

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Fort Riley brings a $2 billion direct economic impact to the region — a figure that doubles with the multiplier effect — and military leaders are looking to strengthen ties with Dickinson County. A recent "Fort Riley Day" briefing noted that the installation will see $200 million in contracts this year. It was also announced that 1st Infantry Division Commanding General Maj. Gen. Monté Rone and Chief of Staff Col. Gregory McLean plan to take a windshield tour of Dickinson County in April. A key focus of the visit will be collaborating with local stakeholders to attract transitioning military personnel into the local workforce to alleviate community labor shortages.

America 250 grant applications open March 1

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Local organizations looking to fund upcoming historical celebrations can apply for the America 250 Community Grant Program starting March 1. The application portal will go live on the Driving Dickinson County website. Officials anticipate a strong early response to the program, which is designed to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Emergency management urges disaster training for elected officials

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County Emergency Management is urging elected officials and policymakers to attend an upcoming incident command and damage assessment class on March 13 in Salina. Emergency Management Director Chancy Smith emphasized lessons learned from the Chapman tornado, noting that early, uncoordinated efforts wasted valuable time before the county deployed map-based tracking for search and rescue teams. The training aims to teach local leaders how to establish emergency action plans, properly track resources and meet strict thresholds for state and federal disaster reimbursement.

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