Nonprofit and outside‑agency presentations: fair board, clinics, social services, extension outline budgets and requests

Several outside agencies and county partners briefed the Leavenworth County Commission on program activity and budget requests during the meeting.

Fair Association: Marlo McGee, treasurer for the Leavenworth County Fair Association, told commissioners the fair is in its 99th year and planners expect a centennial next year. The association said it paid roughly $3,500 in 2024 for EMS and sheriff services used during the fair, serves as a voting precinct and hosts many community events. The association reported 2024 fair revenue near $160,000 and expenses about $97,100; county appropriation in 2024 was $50,000 (down from $68,000 in 2023). For 2025 the fair board proposed a $195,000 expense budget and expected income of about $209,000; the fair association requested $12,250 for fair premiums, noting 2024 premiums were $12,223 and the 2024 appropriation for premiums was $9,530. The board also said it took a $50,000 loan to complete a $123,000 electrical infrastructure project and asked commissioners to consider capital assistance for items such as aging HVAC units.

Sparrow Women's Clinic: Patricia Halley, director of Sparrow Women’s Clinic, said clinic utilization had risen more than 200% year‑to‑date and listed services including free first‑trimester ultrasound, STI testing, option counseling, abortion pill reversal therapy, prenatal vitamins and parenting classes. Halley said the clinic participates in the state Pregnancy Compassion Act reimbursement program and receives about $5,000 per month under that program, which helps cover rent and operations. The clinic asked the commission to consider a county grant; Halley said a strategic plan includes creating a local maternity home and that she was requesting $75,000 but would accept any amount.

Riverside Resources: Michelle Hill, executive director of Riverside Resources, asked the commission for $100,000 to expand residential capacity and comply with new state requirements for supported employment and retirement programming for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Hill said Riverside runs three group homes in Leavenworth County, operates a day program, and has no other residential providers in the county. She noted the organization had applied for two KDADS grants and received one, and that any county support would help expand capacity.

K‑State Research & Extension (11 North): Jacob Thomas, chair of the local extension board, presented a 2026 request of $280,036 (approximately a 5% increase) and discussed a longer‑term plan to form a multi‑county extension district (potentially with Wyandotte County) that would create a separate taxing entity and elected board. Thomas said extension staffing is tight (two full‑time agents, one open agent position, one full‑time and one part‑time office professional) and that aging vehicles hamper outreach; he asked the county to allow extension to join the county vehicle‑leasing program. Extension staff highlighted SNAP‑Ed reimbursements, volunteer time (Master Gardeners, 4‑H volunteers), and K‑State specialist supports that provide programming at low or no cost to the county.

Alliance Against Family Violence: Elena Pinshaw, executive director, requested county support to sustain the domestic violence shelter and leadership position. Pinshaw said Alliance served 785 clients in 2024 and that the shelter recorded more than 1,300 bednights; the organization relies on state and federal grant funds that are often restricted and said county funding helps cover administrative costs not eligible in other grants. The director also said the agency serves male survivors on a case‑by‑case basis, often with short‑term hotel stays when shelter space or program constraints require it.

Commissioners did not take immediate funding votes on these presentations during the meeting. Several commissioners thanked presenters and noted outside‑agency funding has been reduced in recent years; county staff and commissioners discussed follow‑up steps, possible tours and information requests, and the limits of county budgets.