Geary County commissioners approve notice to amend budget to account for community corrections reimbursement

Geary County commissioners voted to publish a notice to amend the county budget and set a public hearing for Dec. 8 after Finance Director Tammy Robinson told the board the state requires that community corrections reimbursement funds be separated from juvenile and adult funds.

Robinson said the state provided no clear guidance on how to handle the separate reimbursement fund and recommended the county amend its budget as a precaution to avoid inadvertent violations. "This isn't an addition to any of their property taxes," Robinson said, adding the amendment would authorize spending only on revenue the county had received but not previously budgeted.

Commissioners discussed the confusion created by state instructions and agreed to raise the issue with legislators at an upcoming working lunch and to prepare written materials for lawmakers. Commissioner 2 (unnamed) said the state had "really, really messed with" community corrections staff by giving little direction; Robinson said she had discussed the matter with community corrections staff (Chris Anne) and peers to confirm the approach.

Commissioner 1 (unnamed) moved to amend the budget, specifying that the amendment be delivered to the paper by the 20th for publication and that a public hearing be held on Dec. 8 at 11:00 a.m. A second was recorded; commissioners present responded "aye" and the chair declared the motion carried.

The amendment will be published as required by budget law (statute cited in the meeting packet, not specifically named during discussion) and brought back for the scheduled hearing. Robinson emphasized the amendment is meant to preserve transparency and compliance, not to increase tax rates.

Next steps: the county will publish the notice for the amendment on or before the 20th and hold the public hearing on Dec. 8 at 11:00 a.m. for final consideration.