Commission adopts 2027 budget with mill levy reduction

Assistant county administrator departs for Solomon State Bank

County explores taking over trash hauling operations

Juvenile detainees to be housed in Johnson County

Register of deeds highlights county history and property fraud alerts

County eyes new regional housing initiatives

Walt's Country Store granted cereal malt beverage license

Commission adopts 2027 budget with mill levy reduction

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The Dickinson County fiscal year 2027 budget was unanimously adopted, featuring a 2.005 mill levy reduction and lowering the county's overall property tax burden by $97,291. Assistant County Administrator Marcus Rothchild reported the $32.1 million budget reduces overall spending by more than $782,000 compared to the previous year. While the county's mill levy drops to 48.4 mills—returning it to levels not seen since roughly 2014—officials cautioned that individual tax bills may still fluctuate based on rising property valuations.

Assistant county administrator departs for Solomon State Bank

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Assistant County Administrator and Finance Director Marcus Rothchild is leaving his position with Dickinson County. Rothchild, who presented his final budget during the meeting, received commendations from staff for his efforts to find departmental cuts and reduce the county's mill levy over the last several budget cycles. His departure marks the end of his tenure managing the county's finances and administrative duties as he transitions to a loan officer position at Solomon State Bank.

County explores taking over trash hauling operations

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Faced with potentially drastic increases in solid waste disposal fees, a debate occurred regarding purchasing equipment to haul county trash rather than relying on outside contractors. Officials noted that third-party tipping fees could soon jump to more than $100 per ton, which would inevitably force an increase in residential garbage bills. To accurately gauge market costs, staff were directed to send a certified request for proposals to waste management companies before committing to an estimated $740,000 in capital expenses to bring the transfer and hauling services in-house.

Juvenile detainees to be housed in Johnson County

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County will send its juvenile detainees to Johnson County rather than Ottawa County as initially planned. The pivot was announced during the meeting, noting that arrangements with Ottawa County did not work out as planned. Johnson County has officially accepted the agreement, providing Dickinson County with a secure, reliable facility for its youth in custody moving forward.

Register of deeds highlights county history and property fraud alerts

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - An extensive update on the county's record-keeping was provided, noting the Register of Deeds office maintains nearly 580,000 pages of property documents dating back to 1859. It was emphasized that while the office is strictly a recording agency and cannot perform lien searches or provide legal advice, it does offer a free property fraud alert system. The system notifies residents via email if a document is recorded under their name, allowing them to quickly contact law enforcement if fraudulent activity is suspected.

County eyes new regional housing initiatives

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Ongoing efforts to address local housing shortages were highlighted following a recent Driving Dickinson County housing committee meeting. Officials reported strong participation from residents representing communities from Herington to Talmage. While specific plans currently remain under wraps, the committee is developing several potential housing projects aimed at boosting residential development and revitalization across the county.

Walt's Country Store granted cereal malt beverage license

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Walt's Four Seasons Campground and Country Store, located at 2500 Mink Road in Abilene, received approval for an on-premises cereal malt beverage license. The application was unanimously approved, which allows the establishment to sell specific malt beverages for consumption on the property. The approval serves as the final local step following prior sign-offs at the state and Hayes Township levels.

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