Commissioners review 2027 budget proposing 2.755 mill increase

County sets evening budget hearing to boost public participation

Commission explores adding visual aids to property tax notices

County trims nearly $485,000 in supplemental budget requests

Shift in health department grant funding prompts scrutiny

County seeks solution for commercial truck traffic on township roads

Alert shared for local agencies regarding upcoming state EMS review

Commissioners review 2027 budget proposing 2.755 mill increase

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Board of Commissioners received the preliminary 2027 budget on Tuesday, which includes an estimated mill levy increase of 2.755 mills to maintain current services and fund capital projects. If adopted, the new tax rate of 47.464 mills would cost the owner of a $200,000 home an additional $63 annually. Harvey County Administrator Kevin Frymire noted that achieving a revenue-neutral rate would require cutting roughly $1 million from the proposed budget to offset a 4.66 percent increase in countywide assessed property valuations.

County sets evening budget hearing to boost public participation

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — To better accommodate working residents, the Harvey County Board of Commissioners agreed to schedule the county's public budget and revenue-neutral rate hearings for 6 p.m. at a future Tuesday evening meeting. The preliminary timeline originally suggested a 10 a.m. meeting, but commissioners opted for the evening slot to ensure taxpayers have an opportunity to attend and voice their opinions on the proposed property tax increase. Final adoption of the 2027 budget is anticipated at a later meeting.

Commission explores adding visual aids to property tax notices

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County commissioners discussed the possibility of inserting a pie chart or visual breakdown into the state-mandated revenue-neutral rate mailers sent to taxpayers each August. The proposed graphic would illustrate how local property taxes are divided among the county, cities, townships and school districts, aiming to clear up common misconceptions that the county receives the entirety of the tax bill. Harvey County staff will consult with their printing vendor to determine if the addition is feasible without increasing postage costs.

County trims nearly $485,000 in supplemental budget requests

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — While building the 2027 budget, Harvey County administrators eliminated $484,943 in supplemental funding requests from various departments to control costs. Denied requests included additional detention deputies, a new communications equipment reserve transfer and increased funding for mental health operations. However, the budget does incorporate $345,782 in approved additions, including two new 911 dispatchers, a part-time courthouse custodian and increased funding for indigent defense operations.

Shift in health department grant funding prompts scrutiny

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — A proposed personnel change transferring 0.29 of a full-time equivalent Harvey County Health Department position to the county's general fund drew scrutiny on Tuesday. Staff explained the shift was necessary because grant funding that previously subsidized the employee's wages was reduced. Questions were raised during the meeting as to why the employee's hours were not correspondingly cut when the funding disappeared, prompting staff to agree to review the history of the grant's fluctuations before the budget is finalized.

County seeks solution for commercial truck traffic on township roads

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County Road and Bridge staff are collaborating with the city of Newton and local roofing manufacturer GAF to help direct commercial truck traffic navigating township roads near U.S. Highway 50. Staff reported that GAF has been an active partner and offered to fund new signage directing drivers to designated truck routes. The county will consult with Newton city officials to determine jurisdictional responsibilities and implement a long-term solution.

Alert shared for local agencies regarding upcoming state EMS review

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Local emergency medical service (EMS) providers and businesses impacted by fire codes are being encouraged to prepare testimony for a newly approved state legislative interim committee. An alert was shared during the meeting that the Special Committee on the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services will soon review the legal framework, funding mechanisms and workforce challenges facing the board. The review is expected to take place later this fall and directly relates to recent county discussions regarding EMS operations and remodel fire codes.

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