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

Geary County commissioners approved a $25,000 appropriation from the county—s Special Alcohol Fund to help the sheriff—s office send youth to an overnight camp that includes alcohol-education and prevention programming.

Tammy Robinson, Geary County finance director, told commissioners the sheriff—s community involvement team submitted the request along with bank statements and other supporting documents and that the county asked them to complete the same annual forms required of other outside entities requesting funds. "They did also give us bank statements and such," Robinson said, adding that commissioners had been given the opportunity to review the materials.

The county—s usual appropriation schedule is split between January and July, but Robinson said the camp requires funds earlier. "At this time, we would have—we'll be fine. I know we missed January. It's not February," she said, and added the camp requires a down payment to Rock Springs and that final verification happens when camp ends on June 3. Robinson told the commission that providing the full $25,000 in the next accounts-payable cycle (she said the check would be cut Feb. 18) would ensure the money is available before camp begins.

During discussion, one commissioner expressed unfamiliarity with the allowable uses of the Special Alcohol Fund and asked whether the camp fit the fund's purpose. Robinson replied that the fund is used for education and prevention as well as treatment-related programs in the county'"We do use it for that. I think it's for the bridal a, which is the treatment," she said, and later compared the camp to DARE-style prevention programming.

Robinson also told commissioners the county treats the sheriff's team like other outside appropriations and requested an itemized bill from Rock Springs after camp; she said unused money typically rolls over to the next year.

A motion to approve the appropriation was made and seconded. The commission voted by voice; the transcript records a voice vote and the chair calling for those in favor to say "aye," and the motion passed.

The finance office will cut the check in the county's next AP cycle and verify final costs after camp concludes. Robinson said she could provide an itemized invoice from Rock Springs to the commission following the camp.

Clarifying details provided during the discussion included the county's normal split-payment schedule for outside appropriations (half in January, half in July), a camp end date of June 3 for verification, and the county's AP cycle suggestion that a check could be cut Feb. 18 so funds would be available prior to camp start.

The discussion and vote occurred during the regular meeting when the sheriff—s office request was on the agenda; no legislative or statutory citation was offered during the exchange.