During a recent government meeting, Finney County commissioners engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the upcoming budget, focusing on potential tax increases and funding allocations for essential services. The board is considering a proposed budget of 48 mills, which would represent a 0.7 mill increase for homeowners. This proposal aims to address funding requests from law enforcement and the county attorney while also restoring some cuts made to public works.

Commissioner discussions highlighted the complexities of balancing the budget against rising property valuations and the impact on individual homeowners. The board acknowledged that while the proposed budget might raise more revenue due to increased valuations, the presence of tax incentive areas could offset these gains, ultimately reducing the county's revenue by approximately $500,000.

The commissioners agreed to defer final decisions on the budget until their next meeting on September 3, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach rather than piecemeal adjustments. They also discussed the importance of adequately funding law enforcement and the county attorney's office, with specific requests amounting to $285,000 and $64,000, respectively.

In addition to budget discussions, the meeting included the appointment of Kelly Munion, the county's human resources director, to the Western Kansas Showcase Board. This initiative aims to engage high school students in local government careers, with the county having previously invested $50,000 in the program.

The meeting concluded with a review of election results, confirming a voter turnout of 12.3% for the recent election, which was noted as an improvement over previous elections. The board certified the election results and expressed gratitude for the efforts of volunteers involved in the electoral process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing budgetary challenges while ensuring essential services are adequately funded, alongside fostering community engagement through initiatives like the Western Kansas Showcase.