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Seward County treasurer reports $28 million in funds; commissioners hear tax-sale update and debate budget priorities
Summary
The county treasurer presented the October 2025 report showing roughly $28,000,001 in cash and bank balances, staff updated the board on upcoming tax sales, and commissioners discussed contingency budget cuts and the failed half-cent sales tax ahead of 2026 planning.
The county treasurer presented the October 2025 fund-status report and explained the reconciliation that results in a reported grand total of $28,000,001.23 across checking, securities and subaccounts. She walked commissioners through the report format and answered questions about investments, checking balances and the handling of bad checks. "The treasurer's office has to balance to the penny every day," she said, adding the report shows funds as of Oct. 31, 2025.
Staff also briefed the board on two upcoming tax sales: a December 12 judicial sale for real-estate parcels (20 parcels pre-approved locally for the upcoming sale at district court) and a later judicial sale being processed by outside counsel that could include 32 parcels with an anticipated filing shortly after journal-entry circulation to counsel. Staff clarified redemption rules and that separate personal-property collection cases are handled by a different law firm.
Commissioners discussed the failed half-cent sales-tax referendum, turnout and next steps for a road-repair plan. One commissioner framed the vote as an opportunity to continue outreach and noted limited voter participation in the county. Several commissioners emphasized preparing budget contingency plans for 2026, including reviewing major expenditures such as a planned $600,000 Road & Bridge transfer and insurance renewals. Staff said sealed bids for property and casualty insurance would be presented Dec. 1.
The commission also accepted a $5,000 donation to establish a separate tourism and redevelopment fund connected to a trail program after questions about oversight and a disbursement plan; that motion passed 3-2. Commissioners directed staff to provide more detail on earmarked funds such as the Kaylin settlement and to continue discussing cost-savings measures with department heads.
The board scheduled further budget work sessions and asked department heads to identify options that could reduce costs while preserving essential services.
