Bourbon County commissioners authorize publication of proposed flat-mill-levy budget after debate over sheriff funding

Bourbon County commissioners advanced a proposed budget to a public hearing after staff presented line-item adjustments intended to keep the mill levy flat.

County staff member Susan described multiple changes recommended by Brandon to balance the general fund: eliminating a $5,000 increase for Southeast Kansas Health, removing a $1,350 increase for elderly services, using opioid funds to cover a $5,963 line, reducing election funding by $5,000 and adjusting employee benefits by roughly $68,000. Staff also proposed moving about $100,000 from the corrections budget into the sheriff—s wages line to accommodate requested raises.

Commissioners asked whether the sheriff had been consulted; staff said the shift was a recommendation and that in prior years corrections had carried unspent balances (about $28,000 in 2021, $35,000 in 2022, and $41,000 in 2023). One commissioner said they would not vote for a budget that cut the sheriff—s department; others said the sheriff—s office would receive more overall than in prior years after the transfer.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to authorize staff to publish the proposed budget and set a public hearing. The motion was seconded and passed on a 2-to-1 vote. Commissioners set a public hearing date to allow the public to review and comment before final approval.

Commissioners also reviewed departmental carryovers and confirmed that longevity pay for 2025 had been built into individual funds. No budget was adopted at the meeting; the vote authorized publication of the proposed budget for public notice and the hearing process.