Geary County commissioners approve $25,000 from Special Alcohol Fund for sheriff’s youth camp

Geary County commissioners voted to provide $25,000 from the county Special Alcohol Fund to the sheriff’s office community involvement team to support an overnight youth camp, after staff and commissioners discussed how the appropriation fits the fund’s educational and prevention purposes.

The request was presented by Tammy Robinson, Geary County finance director, who told commissioners the sheriff’s office representatives had submitted the required documents and bank statements and that commissioners had been offered the opportunity to review those materials. “In the interest of time, because we have, the sheriff's office community involvement team representatives have come over. They had sent over their request,” Robinson said.

Robinson and commissioners discussed allowable uses of the Special Alcohol Fund, which the county uses for alcohol- and drug-related education and prevention. Commissioner Kathy raised questions about whether the camp met the fund’s criteria, saying she was “a little confused” and wanted to confirm the program’s focus on prevention and education. Robinson replied that the camp is educational and preventive in nature and noted that the county has used the fund for similar programs in the past, including radio advertising and DARE-like activities.

After clarifying logistics, a commissioner moved to provide the requested funding and a second was recorded. The board voted by voice; commissioners said “aye” and the motion was approved. The motion as recorded in the meeting transcript was: “Present her that money to them for the camp.” The transcript does not record a roll-call tally or individual named votes.

Commissioners asked about timing and cashflow: Robinson said the county’s normal appropriation schedule is half in January and half in July but that, because the camp requires a down payment to Rock Springs, the sheriff’s team needed the full $25,000 before the camp begins. Robinson said the camp ends June 3, and the county’s next accounts-payable cycle would cut the check on Feb. 18, which would meet the vendor’s timeline. Robinson also said that if classes cancel, unused funds roll over to the next year and that the county will request an itemized bill from Rock Springs after camp.

The board’s action included a requirement that the sheriff’s team complete the same annual appropriation documents as other outside entities and provide supporting documentation; Robinson said the sheriff’s office had already supplied bank statements and other materials for review. The transcript records commissioners thanking the presenters and approving the payment by voice vote.

Separately, a motion was later made to schedule a Saturday session regarding non-elected personnel matters (HR, finance and legal). That motion was moved in the meeting but a second and final outcome are not recorded in the transcript excerpt.

The board did not identify any other conditions attached to the appropriation during the recorded portion of the meeting.