[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_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",6229490,"mediaKeyId","3461729-ee40626aaf1e8cbe1d7720ed1d38a7a8","parentId",3461729,"title","Treasurer reports strong CD interest income, seeks funding for motor‑vehicle security and ergonomics","audioSeconds",1235,"startMs",4048000,"endMs",5283000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3461729-ee40626aaf1e8cbe1d7720ed1d38a7a8&start=4048&end=5283","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3461729-ee40626aaf1e8cbe1d7720ed1d38a7a8/thumbnail_4048000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6229490/Miami-County/Kansas/Treasurer-reports-strong-CD-interest-income-seeks-funding-for-motorvehicle-security-and-ergonomics","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229490-3ff02e1e1f5cdd0fca4d0c8c471cd3cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775352161&Signature=Sfl1Y4VaotPCfwMYLignSYSiH8ihMNF8tecawinp8MqyyaG0IzLFLRxW61Sui9KX~GIFCefDKhNkMaUbYGb~TH8S~JpdvH5HHmVSG2AuQ-S1KtIeXViDrwhlDEVNMFiRkWYC0UnBIKCAcoaECVFLuB7F2VeGEpC0zpE1DH5NiabDcbRre7Ogsg5HK-CgXrq4nLqSywcsVstn0NH6khDtjqIZyn00c-~Y27oYD~8HDTWQkDFId5F2pSB5WovMsCF0g4qKKQb0fmaifVxlwdsvgXrtrCPoLcUI0-LRpBu0VJDTvAXAo11cFZNAirJWfGHtKV~CIgpjGdqhNi3fL6ssZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Miami County,KS","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","The County Treasurer reported that Miami County currently holds about $40 million in certificates of deposit and expects investment interest to generate roughly $1.5 million by year end. “Most right currently, I have 40,000,000 in CDs,” the treasurer said, adding recent bids averaged roughly 4.0–4.35% on newly issued CDs.

Why it matters: Higher interest income increases general‑fund resources the commission may consider during budget decisions. The treasurer asked for roughly $263,000 in additional department funding largely tied to security improvements, adjustable desks for staff ergonomics and other office equipment. She emphasized the office’s role in collecting revenue and recent success on tax sale collections.

Staffing, traffic and service model: The treasurer described motor vehicle customer patterns and staffing constraints. Motor vehicle appointments recorded 4,533 scheduled appointments and about 4,058 walk‑ins since January, producing workload peaks during tax and license seasons. The treasurer said motor vehicle has eight customer stations and about seven staff who serve driver‑license and motor‑vehicle duties on a typical day; net staffing availability can be lower with vacations and leave.

Security and facility requests: The treasurer asked the commission to fund physical security measures at front counters (safety glass) and to convert some fixed desks to height‑adjustable units to reduce employee back and neck injuries. The FY‑2026 budget includes an increased line for professional services and office equipment tied to those requests. She also noted the risk of losing secure storage space if the old sheriff’s office is demolished and the clerk’s office must rent climate‑controlled space for election equipment.

Revenue and special items: The treasurer reported the county secured over $900,000 from a recent tax sale and earlier collections over $580,000 in back taxes; distribution and accounting steps remain ongoing. She explained that the interest earnings from CDs are recorded to the general fund rather than in department revenue lines for the treasurer’s budget documents.

Open questions and next steps: Commissioners asked for clarification on tradeoffs between tax department renovations and adding desks or safety glass in motor vehicle; the treasurer said both offices need attention but did not propose a phased plan. The commission requested more detailed cost estimates and timing; no formal budget action was taken at the hearing.

Ending: The treasurer’s presentation closed with requests for follow‑up estimates and direction to coordinate with facilities and finance on storage, security and desk reconfiguration plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Miami County Afternoon Budget Workshop - May 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The County Treasurer reported the county holds about $40 million in CDs and expects roughly $1.5 million in interest this year, and requested funding for motor‑vehicle counter safety glass and adjustable desks.","taxTitle","Miami County, Kansas","taxId",5704,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229499,"Commissioners weigh city cost‑share to restore economic development staff amid push for commercial growth",1926,81000,2007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3461729-ee40626aaf1e8cbe1d7720ed1d38a7a8&start=81&end=2007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3461729-ee40626aaf1e8cbe1d7720ed1d38a7a8/thumbnail_81000.jpg","/articles/6229499/Miami-County/Kansas/Commissioners-weigh-city-costshare-to-restore-economic-development-staff-amid-push-for-commercial-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229499-9cfe0857df509aaa802a631543a00b63/orig.mp4?Expires=1775352161&Signature=jx4wFsbLdCyhfn8bEuWMp7~~jehINGzmwQXG9lWHpqCkX3eQvUHShPSaaqT7SKjqoUjpeb15R3NS5YByvNIG0VPoLhzGYIkjRcyNbJfGEk3V8rKAaM9xflrSl8zLpdk7uXt7PTLl5N91SR5QUcGBKak7sN9P0uFI6Lh6~vQcUL~QYKtgQ~aaq7Pb5oAPR~e4pzUa2pgWcD~~3vXEnfVGF7tbkok87c2SAdUe1hJ~Ro6LT16s0eqe8jVkM8hn6BdweMvux~wnxD7an4ZSa0z57cWplCcVqh4z~vWlZ1QP5kvBPfAiW9e~jnlrVMTC5pwkRdXDJzxAU499ewEoNLEobg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John McCrae, economic development, told the Miami County Board of Commissioners the office’s proposed budget for next year is largely unchanged from this year but consolidates some funds to prepare for World Cup–related marketing and potential professional services needs. “The proposed budget that you have for next year is very similar to the 1 that we currently are under, with the exception of me consolidating some of the funds in a couple of the core areas,” McCrae said.

The discussion centered on whether the county should restore a part‑time economic development position and whether cities should help pay for it. Commissioner Paul (name not provided) proposed asking the county’s three core cities — Paola, Lewisburg and Osawatomie — for $15,000 each annually, Spring Hill for $7,500 and Fontana for $3,000 to help fund the position and offset county costs. He characterized the ask as a way to give cities “skin in the game” and to make additional staff time available for city‑facing economic development work.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the request as an operational change intended to increase the county’s capacity to pursue grants, assist local businesses and complete site certification that supports marketing land for investment. Commissioners repeatedly returned to longer‑term infrastructure constraints — sewer, utilities and zoning — as the fundamental barriers to attracting commercial development that would raise the county’s commercial property tax base.

McCrae and other participants described recent achievements and ongoing efforts. McCrae summarized a tourism grant done in partnership with the Department of Commerce to test digital advertising and tracking, and said broadband remains a priority but has been dependent on state and federal funding announcements expected in the summer. He pointed to partnerships on housing and a federal home loan bank award that, he said, leveraged nearly $3,000,000 in outside funds while operating on a roughly $150,000–$175,000 budget.

Several commissioners and participants pushed back that economic development must address foundational constraints before additional programming will produce higher commercial tax revenue. Commissioner Paul said Miami County’s commercial property currently represents about 8.41% of property tax revenue and argued the county needs to increase commercial value through land availability, utility access and incentives. “We need to zone, make zoning around the cities so commercial peaks — larger lots, 10 or 20 acres,” Paul said.

Supporters of restoring staff time stressed the practical, day‑to‑day value the county office provides to small business owners and banks that refer entrepreneurs. Blake Hyde, president and CEO of First Option Bank, told the commission, “I send a lot of people to Janet. She’ll put you in touch with the right sources for what it is you wanna do.” Hyde said bankers and other local advisers rely on the county office as a single point of contact across municipalities.

Accounting and cost‑share details: McCrae explained an auditor’s accounting change reclassified certain city reimbursements from revenue lines into membership expenses (cost share is now credited against membership expense rather than shown separately as income). McCrae said most of the department’s non‑staff discretionary spending is under $30,000 (for things such as mileage and visitor guides).

Open questions and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to prepare a proposal to take to the cities for a contribution; no formal vote or appropriation was taken at the hearing. Several commissioners expressed reluctance to restore a position without city contributions. McCrae said staff will continue work on site certification and broadband as funding permits.

Ending: Commissioners closed the item with direction to pursue a conversation with the cities about voluntary contributions tied to resumed staffing; there was no formal motion or vote recorded.","John McCrae, economic development, told the Miami County Board of Commissioners the office’s proposed budget for next year is largely unchanged but consolidates funds to prepare for World Cup marketing and possible professional services.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229495,"County clerk outlines election certification, equipment risks and storage costs during budget hearing",1618,2378000,3996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3461729-ee40626aaf1e8cbe1d7720ed1d38a7a8&start=2378&end=3996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3461729-ee40626aaf1e8cbe1d7720ed1d38a7a8/thumbnail_2378000.jpg","/articles/6229495/Miami-County/Kansas/County-clerk-outlines-election-certification-equipment-risks-and-storage-costs-during-budget-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229495-114e097f3fd00c79ceb603729898f6f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775352161&Signature=Pf7V1KFeU9HedFr28IY7uZCPOsnetbTzbweXSFY8y5gC-sKlHdpptSnezJzFDW95IGqQMHvL9kiLjk-94Rss-L-XHorcexOGs3LBVoR~fxvxLfR2c7c4ja3FyAEunBaojFRAU0mQaMMXJd0Su9QLokIK0X6uv7GZx0L812itxaOEhrgvEicIpZvDQNPutXElDCfj1b4VX8mKwHfZuL1Dv9yldWy2cLyhinsaAUnAYbCrJcOVdo6qR-EdOczQbZegJMtc2ke921aC~l0p~-YTi~VJX1IPVWfvGXsBEfr4Q4X4Jksh2HsRf3FFOjRjEZ6Sb~9NHQTRuYMWrtxy1VLwig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laura, the county clerk, told commissioners the clerk’s office is pursuing election official certification for staff and described several budget lines that were adjusted to reflect state requirements and anticipated costs. “We officially certified 2 of our staff this year with the secretary of state's office,” Laura said, noting the clerk expects a multi‑year certification program to continue as more election officials are new.

Why it matters: The clerk flagged aging voting equipment and possible federal or state standards changes that could impose significant costs on the county. The office asked the commission to consider a capital improvement plan (CIP) to accumulate funds for future election equipment replacement and to avoid scrambling for large sums if federal standards or vendor support change.

Equipment and vendor issues: Laura said Miami County is one of three U.S. counties still using an express vote ballot marker whose manufacturer is no longer producing parts; she warned parts support could end about 2028. “They are no longer producing parts or equipment for that. They are gonna service those machines as long as they can, but by 2028, we might need to be having more conversation about this,” Laura said. The clerk estimated commodities for express vote and polling pads at roughly $100,000 in the coming budget year and said a $50,000 quote was expected imminently for some equipment.

Reserve funds and storage: The clerk reported the county already has about $200,000 set aside for election equipment and proposed adding ongoing CIP contributions to smooth future replacement costs. Commissioners raised concerns about secure storage for election equipment currently kept in the old sheriff’s office across the street; the clerk budgeted $16,000 in storage this year and requested $20,000 for next year in case the county must rent alternate secure, climate‑controlled space.

Polling‑place costs and logistics: Commissioners noted one polling site (American Legion) had increased its rental demand to $1,500 and that polling locations generally ranged from about $25–$75, depending on facility. Laura said the office is looking for ADA‑compliant alternatives and will negotiate with providers.

Other budget items: The clerk said postage for R&R notices will be covered by the state in 2026 but likely not thereafter, and that contractual costs from the county’s ES&S vendor may rise because the vendor’s statewide pricing model is under renegotiation. Laura also proposed uniforms or clear identification for election workers to aid security and emergency response; she suggested T‑shirts as a low‑cost option to make workers identifiable.

Open questions and next steps: Commissioners asked the clerk to return with quotes and options for storage, a clearer accounting of prior equipment spending, and a CIP plan. There was no formal vote or appropriation during the hearing.

Ending: The commission accepted the clerk’s presentation for study and requested additional cost detail and possible contract impacts before final budget decisions.","Miami County’s clerk described staffing certification efforts, rising contractual costs for election software and equipment, and possible future replacement of aging ballot‑marking equipment; commissioners discussed storage, polling‑place rental increases and whether to create a CIP for election technology.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Treasurer reports strong CD interest income, seeks funding for motor‑vehicle security and ergonomics

Commissioners weigh city cost‑share to restore economic development staff amid push for commercial growth

County clerk outlines election certification, equipment risks and storage costs during budget hearing