[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6661684,"mediaKeyId","2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b","parentId",2406429,"title","Community corrections director reports rising caseloads, potential funding boost from KDOC reallocation","audioSeconds",386,"startMs",4054000,"endMs",4440000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b&start=4054&end=4440","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b/thumbnail_4054000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6661684/Leavenworth-County/Kansas/Community-corrections-director-reports-rising-caseloads-potential-funding-boost-from-KDOC-reallocation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661684-678ac4d9ff65e823c52efbbac89d66f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448540&Signature=SJKCGnEdB2NlIXOicxvK5iBSKsdqGfjeY95tAIlcuk0N4bPT2RRB2ATy5Eg2vsw0TJ~r9t0x~XYnB~e415jI~y8OL51J~XtltAoUv75Nev8sCP3BQgGjFfnSyA-cIkPwsm2Kd7xgdmOgALyS4NypzyzSvrIbCSY7DeKWb1pFD7Mh8j2onpAVlkPCHhmjLR6AyqWBtHQc~g2JlD6GPgZ~meN~1fOPZ5JLAArAGRr0zK6KTBgaK7QB0k-5lQkp8RP~4UKlg3yGNwr6TSZOAu5~qEtEYqrr-5v3zz0m03Isfw0y-QkVRD8L6Zy-hRr3X8ul0VytEBo~vGVaK2eYd9m43A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leavenworth County, KS","date","2025-02-26T19:33:57.107Z","article","The county's community corrections official reported to the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 25 that juvenile supervision caseloads have roughly doubled since the director’s arrival 4½ years ago, while adult probation caseloads remain between about 130 and 150 individuals. The director said more funding is needed to maintain manageable caseloads and program outcomes.

Jamie (last name not specified), the community corrections/ probation director, said the department requested the same grant amounts as in prior years — $530,843.59 for juvenile services and $445,822.76 for adult supervision — and described program goals that include intake and assessment, supervision, and evidence-based interventions designed to reduce recidivism.

Jamie told commissioners that year-to-year data show more than 90% of adults on probation in Leavenworth County are involved with drug- or alcohol-related offenses either directly or because substance use contributed to other crimes. The director also summarized efforts to expand transitional housing and sober-living options, including interest from faith-based groups, Oxford House affiliates and veteran-focused programs.

On funding, Jamie said Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) staff are reviewing a new allocation formula that would distribute state funding for community corrections using data-driven factors such as caseload, area covered, population and outcomes. Under the proposed formulas Jamie reviewed, Leavenworth County would receive a funding increase that could exceed $280,000, a change the director said would add probation officers and stabilize workloads.

Commissioners praised the department’s work and asked staff to encourage attendance at advisory and partner meetings; one commissioner requested outreach to appointed advisory members who have not been attending regular meetings.

Ending: The board approved submission of the juvenile and adult comprehensive plan applications and the JKEPB grant application; the department will pursue potential additional funding if the KDOC reallocation is adopted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOCC Meeting for February 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Leavenworth County community corrections staff told commissioners juvenile supervision counts have roughly doubled and adult probation caseloads remain higher than comparable counties; department officials said a proposed KDOC funding formula could increase county funding by more than $280,000.","taxTitle","Leavenworth County, Kansas","taxId",53898,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661688,"Leavenworth County appraiser reports 5.84% overall assessed-value increase, sales-ratio compliance pressure in some jurisdictions",0,4163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b&start=4163&end=4163","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b/thumbnail_4163000.jpg","/articles/6661688/Leavenworth-County/Kansas/Leavenworth-County-appraiser-reports-584-overall-assessed-value-increase-sales-ratio-compliance-pressure-in-some-jurisdictions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661688-2b2a56d6489c47972fa54c948f609e24/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448540&Signature=inhabagI6bdvhnzIOfcZgNgYynaZPo7ruJYbANWFwC7xBSP5uSoE2SDMeZrAXJI6eYhFEXjDksjTvuURvIKxEPILTYhUA4cfEoWduaLBLHjK2pOypjKAM95sQlCdtYDY7zPoeor5V8pPALhtvoaEWUH2RUh6TMRxwHSjbfOAOY~hUu1PY8FdkpYx~TUseqcel3SevtC4d6o6VG74riFc7ZzuF~j2EMbjcfyib1UR3BaLvOvb~UrlYtdfvCovias2YkPesIGrjch~1JF2--rd5kazzHBpK9RgijbRzzTlaUHZLIov~TKeHRSRH9MUxZXfgXcXbTQmAyX0oVnn6~IeBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leavenworth County’s appraiser presented the annual valuation update to the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 25, reporting a 5.84% overall increase in assessed value for 2025 and noting local variations in residential and commercial revaluations.

Travis (last name not specified), speaking for the appraiser’s office, said the county will mail valuation notices for 32,861 parcels on Feb. 28 and that property owners have 30 days from the mail date to appeal. He reported total assessed value approaching $1.1 billion and said new construction accounted for roughly 1.5 percentage points of the increase while revaluation of existing properties contributed about 4.34 percentage points.

Residential values rose 5.3% overall; new construction accounted for 1.41 percentage points of that increase and revaluation of existing residential property for 3.95 percentage points. Commercial valuations saw a larger year-over-year change, with an 11.14% total increase (1.95 percentage points attributed to new construction and 9.19 points to revaluation), the appraiser said.

On the sales ratio study used by the state Property Valuation Division, the appraiser reported a countywide median ratio of approximately 91.8%, which he described as “on the bottom edge of compliance” under guidance that expects median ratios to fall near 90–110% (the office described the target as about 90–110% with a narrower compliance band in practice). He broke out medians for local jurisdictions: Leavenworth City and Lansing were near 90%, Tonganoxie about 92%, and the rural area below 90%; Base (Baser) was higher, near 96.6%.

Commissioners asked about drivers of price changes. The appraiser said agricultural cropland values decreased on average about 1.5% per acre, while tame grass and pasture rose about 5% and native grass about 2% compared with prior-year inputs, and that the eight-year average used for ag values smooths volatility over time. New single-family construction rose 23% from 2023 to 2024 and total single-family sales increased 4% year over year.

Ending: The appraiser’s office filed for but did not use an extension with the state, mailed valuation notices ahead of the statutory March 1 date because March 1 fell on a Saturday, and reminded the public of the 30-day appeal period that begins on the mailing date.","The county appraiser told commissioners the county’s total assessed value rose 5.84% for 2025, with residential increases averaging 5.3% and commercial valuations up 11.14%. The county-wide sales ratio median was 91.8%, near the state guideline threshold.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661694,"Commissioner Culberson to testify on Senate Bill 108 proposing 1% income tax option to offset property tax",564,956000,1520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b&start=956&end=1520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b/thumbnail_956000.jpg","/articles/6661694/Leavenworth-County/Kansas/Commissioner-Culberson-to-testify-on-Senate-Bill-108-proposing-1-income-tax-option-to-offset-property-tax","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661694-2ce58d7390cfe16b20a6f4446d00b20b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448540&Signature=jEFTgeH4adj46jH0Yb76BRegpsium711TIe-ydDFn6lL3JJUHJ4rQRkbWOWgfzARWAPkWlcM1QPJATUPJLWEcpdjDOLP3GASZESPUrpAu5-BNcY~yz-mxUnOg~wQ9TuFTIyJ6I58zGtWx7lcq4n5dMA9IDlTldEFZozDDw7-YqeE5BeiLN8Rkkf0fx3eMRVmOYD~xw1Me4~Sn5qwqr2teBhCLaPrw-ynfUp78meOAfnCJSBF4nAxF15cJ8qKnK7wnTY02MLBp4tB9-yb~O5v2TTH~Nhd~tAKNDW4hZrpaFd7mYDM51QORHxIrSviQhvs9k4ahIvX6JEVu8s4YinITA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Jeff Culberson told colleagues on Feb. 25 he plans to testify the following morning in Topeka in support of Senate Bill 108, a bill he described as a county-level option that would allow voters to approve a 1% earnings tax dedicated to reducing county ad valorem property taxes.

Culberson said the proposal is a revision of an earlier House Bill 79 and would let counties place a ballot question asking workers who draw paychecks in the county to pay an additional 1% earnings tax that would be credited to county budgets and used to reduce property tax. “We're asking for 1% income tax to be applied directly toward property tax,” Culberson said during the meeting.

He told commissioners the bill includes language that would prevent counties from keeping the revenue unless it is actually used to reduce property tax; he also said the measure would require periodic voter approval (every five years, he said was included in the draft he reviewed). Culberson said the bill would be a local option and that counties would not receive revenue unless voters authorize it.

Commissioners asked for specifics about likely property-tax reductions. Culberson provided illustrative figures from prior analyses: he said the average household pays about $3,000 a year in property tax and about $800 a year in income tax, and that adding 1 percentage point to earnings tax would increase income-tax payments roughly $80 annually for an average household while substantially reducing the county portion of property tax. He said the measure would be voter-approved at the county level so only property taxpayers would vote on implementation.

Other commissioners raised concerns about possible future expansions of the tax and asked for statutory safeguards. Culberson said language was added so that if the county does not use the authorized earnings tax revenue specifically to relieve property taxes, the county could not collect it. He also said some jurisdictions include sunset or referendum provisions to give voters periodic review.

Ending: Culberson said he will testify on the bill; commissioners did not vote on any official county endorsement at the meeting but asked to review the bill language. Culberson committed to provide the relevant statutory language to colleagues after the hearing.","Commissioner Jeff Culberson said he will testify before the legislature in favor of Senate Bill 108, a county-option measure that would allow voters to approve a 1% earnings tax to be dedicated to reducing county property tax, and answered commissioners' questions about safeguards included in the draft bill.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661698,"High Prairie Township resident urges board to allow township fire department amid voter petition effort",4048,82000,4130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b&start=82&end=4130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b/thumbnail_82000.jpg","/articles/6661698/Leavenworth-County/Kansas/High-Prairie-Township-resident-urges-board-to-allow-township-fire-department-amid-voter-petition-effort","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661698-3bb4d79854df74614760faf3163978a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448540&Signature=IUJEo3DNQZ6W4iIp18Tf9vB2~TB8mnrlv1QZrB1HUpTnc246KP5CmMjuhaIK59PaTr8WDYj~pMFGtr3KSdDMbQLQA-keGCYc3bUJygdpoj6r2myaD2dDkqFpwMiAKfbdYfI4ittOukGCEt-8lgY2me6HU8gHXdTIUV4D~SJJXeaagqgPEFmCa3kfnY~psGwqrzKG8vKj42nn9kIpd1stmwjPKvjUUhgyGyb4P9YkU2aVTZMBcwfDtG6XzTX7FSxVG5GxCM2cYRUbaSJENXroOS8QMoHmwhHp~Wva9OoA17yNolMYV0QKL9obo9qTagjMw1jf1ewN306c4fvrExBeUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A High Prairie Township resident told the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 25 that residents are actively collecting signatures for a petition to move fire protection out of Fire District No. 1 and into a locally controlled High Prairie Township fire department.

Tamara (last name not specified), who identified herself as a resident and petitioner, said she and volunteers have gone door to door across the township and that most homeowners they contacted support the petition. “When people hear what we're doing, 95% of the time the answer is, 'yes, I wanna sign this petition,'” she told the commissioners.

Tamara described the township as roughly six miles by seven miles and said geography makes locally based protection important; she urged commissioners and staff to visit the High Prairie Township station at 180 Seventh Street to inspect staffing and equipment. She said the petition mechanism was the only path advised by the board’s December meeting to provide the township with an independent fire department.

Commissioners discussed their role in ensuring fire protection. Commissioner Mike Stevens said the county’s objective has been to make sure fire protection is maintained and emphasized the county’s responsibility to provide or ensure coverage, while saying the county is not intending to expand similar arrangements elsewhere. County staff previously explained the county entered a contract with Lansing to ensure immediate fire protection while longer-term governance and service questions are resolved.

The board later took a separate vote to authorize the county counselor’s office to process outstanding Fire District No. 1 invoices; staff said funds available in the district account cover an estimated $9,905 of unpaid bills related to the district’s wrap-up.

Ending: Petition activity and questions about the long-term governance of township-level fire protection are pending; petitioners said they plan to file voter petitions seeking 51% signatures from registered township voters and encouraged commissioners to observe door-to-door outreach or ride along with signature gatherers.","A High Prairie Township resident told the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners that volunteers have gathered signatures for a petition to remove the township from Fire District No. 1 and establish local township fire protection, saying door-to-door outreach shows strong support for the move.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661702,"Leavenworth County commissioners approve continuance, grant disaster relief abatements and authorize fire district payments",1856,2189000,4045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b&start=2189&end=4045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406429-f99d8ae61ce99caf22ddcf83d9a9668b/thumbnail_2189000.jpg","/articles/6661702/Leavenworth-County/Kansas/Leavenworth-County-commissioners-approve-continuance-grant-disaster-relief-abatements-and-authorize-fire-district-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661702-63a8cb2ce520de8b8ba8c8f3ad30e438/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448540&Signature=AqOBOogAeiSzL~sFEvc~wIubzwzsVc3U5yaIjZtnglQXLWSo-4lmXhe3n67tnhqEJWOU1XAO70MG45zXaV3faCqHmtlvTRE8Kka9ctC8aprhSeFuE~OPnZ4qu8xh9k5kiqxaYGaydd~UalFv-hajNcGTUDnQL4pPlDh91kyReqqpbkhifDbkHq01SIpocgBam3vQ~G9QfqnqeMRF7BMiwjNIn9q566-wieKGzuy8S1GXLrwDWie~nC5yWSpRMB49OROBcthNFGGN5KJFzYTq0QwZ0X-qMTjA9Lq~w7Uo9Sa33cw9ZIfi6kEMkTjkJIjl21cWu0btHDa3cKUTtRLxww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leavenworth County commissioners on Feb. 25 voted on a package of administrative and statutory items, including a continuance request from the City of Tonganoxie, authorization to process Fire District No. 1 claims, approval of juvenile and adult correction grant applications, and disaster-relief tax abatements for properties damaged by fire in 2024.

The actions were routine but consequential for county operations and residents affected by fire or by county probation services. The items, which passed unanimously, included both authorizations for staff to act administratively and formal board orders that change tax treatment for specified parcels.

The board agreed to continue a scheduled rehearing of statutory annexation findings tied to the City of Tonganoxie’s Resolution O22401. Commissioners accepted the city’s written request to move the rehearing to March 26, 2025, because the city council rescheduled its internal meeting and would not have representation at the original hearing.

The board also authorized the county counselor's office to process claims and expenditures on behalf of Fire District No. 1 “in compliance with the county's procurement policy,” to pay outstanding invoices tied to the district’s wrap-up. County staff reported approximately $9,905 in unpaid bills for the district and said sufficient funds exist in the district account to cover them.

On public-safety grants and corrections funding, the board approved the FY2026 juvenile comprehensive plan application and the FY2026 adult comprehensive plan application, and it approved filing for the FY2026–2027 JKEPB grant. Those approvals allow county probation and juvenile services to continue receiving state-administered grant funds that support supervision, intake and related services.

Finally, the board adopted Board Order 2025-1, granting disaster-relief tax abatement or tax credit for three parcels substantially destroyed by fire in 2024. Staff cited KSA provisions that allow abatement for properties destroyed prior to Aug. 15 and a tax credit for properties destroyed after that date.

All motions on the consent and formal action agendas carried by voice vote with all commissioners recorded as “Aye.” The board recessed later for an executive session to consult with counsel; it returned to open session at 10:30 a.m. with no reportable action.

Votes at a glance:
- Continuance of rehearing on City of Tonganoxie Resolution O22401 to 03/26/2025 — motion passed unanimously.
- Authorize county counselor’s office to process Fire District No. 1 claims (approx. $9,905) — motion passed unanimously.
- Approve FY2026 juvenile comprehensive plan application (grant request $530,843.59) — motion passed unanimously.
- Approve FY2026 adult comprehensive plan application (grant request $445,822.76) — motion passed unanimously.
- Approve FY2026–2027 JKEPB grant application — motion passed unanimously.
- Adopt Board Order 2025-1: disaster relief tax abatement/credit for three fire-destroyed parcels (tax IDs referenced in board packet) — motion passed unanimously.

The board scheduled follow-up items, including placing the continuance request in the March 26 agenda packet and bringing related financial documents to commissioners for review.

Ending: The board adjourned after brief commissioner reports and administrative reminders; multiple items approved at this meeting will return for implementation or additional review in coming weeks.","At its Feb. 25 meeting the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to continue a Tonganoxie annexation rehearing, authorize county processing of Fire District No. 1 bills, approve multiple juvenile and adult grant applications, and grant tax relief for three properties damaged by fire in 2024.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Community corrections director reports rising caseloads, potential funding boost from KDOC reallocation

Leavenworth County appraiser reports 5.84% overall assessed-value increase, sales-ratio compliance pressure in some jurisdictions

Commissioner Culberson to testify on Senate Bill 108 proposing 1% income tax option to offset property tax

High Prairie Township resident urges board to allow township fire department amid voter petition effort

Leavenworth County commissioners approve continuance, grant disaster relief abatements and authorize fire district payments