Franklin County adopts routine year‑end transfers, considers payment processor change and KDHE septic grant

The Franklin County Commission on Dec. 18 adopted the routine year‑end transfers included in the 2024 budget, voted to approve a pending change in the county’s payment processor subject to administrative review, and received staff updates on a KDHE septic repair grant and a cost‑share reimbursement for the Old 50 Highway project.

Finance staff explained that year‑end transfers are standard practice and authorized staff to prepare transfers up to the budgeted limits; commissioners adopted the enabling resolution unanimously. Treasurer/administration staff recommended switching the county’s point‑of‑sale and terminal processing to Certified Payments, citing a reduction in percentage fees from 2.95% to 2.4% and a lower minimum transaction fee ($2 vs. a planned $3.99). The commission voted to approve the processor change pending County Administrator Brown’s legal and administrative review.

In staff reports, the county sanitarian noted an available KDHE grant for septic‑system repairs; staff applied for $100,000 for next year and reported a $50,000 allocation might be obtainable if paperwork is submitted before Dec. 31. Public works staff also said a cost‑share reimbursement for the Old 50 Highway is ready and needs the chair’s signature; the reimbursement amount was read aloud in the meeting but the phrasing in the record appeared garbled and staff indicated they would submit the paperwork today.

Commissioners emphasized that the proposed payment‑processor change is intended to reduce costs to residents who pay county fees and expand accepted payment options (tap, chip, Apple Pay, Google Pay). The year‑end transfers will be executed after final year‑end accounting and auditor review.