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Commission keeps TRICO funding at prior level, delays decision on SEK Mental Health; schedules budget workshop
Summary
The board voted to maintain TRICO funding at last year’s level while deferring a decision on Southeast Kansas Mental Health until staff and the agency provide additional information; commissioners scheduled a budget workshop and requested follow-up documentation from several small-budget applicants.
The Linn County Board of Commissioners on July 7 voted to leave the county’s contribution to TRICO at the same level as the prior year while postponing a decision on funding for Southeast Kansas (SEK) Mental Health until staff and agency representatives provide additional information.
Commissioners voted to keep TRICO’s request at the same figure the county provided in 2024 ($49,003.85), citing the county’s prior allocation methodology and the need for staff to verify usage and benefit to Linn County residents. The motion to hold TRICO at last year’s level was moved and seconded and recorded as carried.
Commissioners debated SEK Mental Health’s request and asked for more detail on how county dollars would be used locally, particularly the agency’s plan for an outreach or “ACT”-style team and services tied to homelessness, jail reentry and transportation. County staff asked SEK representatives to provide a clearer plan and said the county may attach reporting requirements if it grants funding. Commissioners also requested a breakdown showing how much the county currently pays for newspaper legal/publication and whether moving some notices to an online procurement portal would produce budget savings.
Other small-budget items discussed: the Linn County Soil Conservation District presented its annual request and programming summary; the district requested $43,000 and described cost-share projects, educational events and farmer-focused programs. Commissioners signaled general support and did not object to including the district request for further consideration during budget work sessions. Lake Region (regional services and recycling partnerships) told staff it will appear in person at next week’s meeting to explain services and a board-seat replacement.
The board scheduled a budget workshop for Friday, July 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to continue work on the fiscal year budget and directed staff to assemble detailed line-item comparisons (including local publication costs vs. online portal posting; TRICO and SEK line-item allocations; and a review of any voted mills tied to fairs and historical society funding).
Ending: Commissioners asked county staff to follow up with applicants for written details and to return with documentation at the next workshop so the board can finalize budget decisions ahead of the statutory deadline.
