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Board of Cosmetology cites software, rent and staffing pressures in budget request
Summary
KBOC presented requests for IT and operational increases across FY2025–FY2027, including a one-time proposed outside audit, rent increases related to an office move, and contractual spending; the agency and its executive director explained a recent licensing-system contract and space pressures.
The Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC) presented the House Committee on General Government Budget with budget requests spanning fiscal years 2025–2027 that included IT and contractual services increases, a one-time request for an outside audit and anticipated rent costs associated with a pending office move.
"The Board of Cosmetology accepts the responsibility to provide licenses, access, and information necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the consuming public," Jacob Crespi, legislative fellow with KLRD, said as he opened the analysis. Crespi told the committee the legislature approved $1.3 million for FY2025; the board requested nearly $1.6 million, a roughly 20% increase driven by supplements and projected increases in salaries, contractual services and rent.
Crespi summarized deleted supplemental and enhancement requests (items removed under a global LBC recommendation) that had included roughly $100,000 for IT expenditures and contracts; $46,000 tied to an office transfer; a $50,000 outside audit; $12,000 for communications services; $24,000 for increased building space rental in FY2025 and recurring rent requests in FY2026–FY2027; and various operational increases for attorneys, contractors and other service fees.
Ben Foster, KBOC executive director, told the committee the agency learned in the last year that it must relocate because the Jayhawk building space is being renovated and the theater project needs their space. "We have been told at the end of September we have to move," Foster said. He described negotiations with the Department of Administration and said the board identified private space on 8th and Topeka at $14.99 per square foot but that ultimate placement is a DOA decision. Foster said KBOC budgeted an additional $41,800 for higher rent if placed in the Landon building at state rates.
Foster also discussed the agency's new licensing system, purchased before his arrival, and ongoing contract and maintenance issues with the vendor (the transcript referenced a vendor name and inconsistent contract terms). He said the vendor has at times billed maintenance at $165 per hour or proposed a maintenance fee in the tens of thousands per year, which has strained the board's budget. Foster said the agency has not raised fees for more than a decade and has sought statutory authority to separate written- and practical-exam fees so the practicals are funded directly; that statutory change has not yet passed the Legislature.
Committee members asked for detail on the $24,000 FY2025 rent request and the recurring rent increases. Crespi said the $24,000 relates to an anticipated office transfer late in FY2025; the panel also asked for five-year fine and fee histories. Foster said the agency had located what it believed to be lower-cost private space and is working with DOA and the property owner (a church) to secure it. He also confirmed the board requested $33,000 to tap into a statewide licensing platform established under Senate Bill 66; DOA indicated it would pay that $33,000 so the board may not need to expend it.
Committee members did not take a final appropriation vote during the transcripted segment; Ben Foster said the agency will provide further details on fines, the licensing vendor contract and rent options.
