Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Requests topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Finney County hears funding requests from local nonprofits and service providers
Summary
Nonprofits and service agencies asked Finney County commissioners for 2027 support, with requests including $220,000 for the historical society, $325,000 for economic development, $166,000 for early-intervention services and roughly $400,000 for senior services; commissioners pressed on capital needs, maintenance contracts and return on investment.
Finney County commissioners heard presentations from more than a dozen local nonprofits and service providers during a budget‑planning session that centered on requests for 2027 funding and updates on programs that serve residents across the region.
The Finney County Historical Society and Museum requested level funding of $220,000, saying county support covers about 56% of its operating budget and enables preservation, exhibits and school programs. Steve Quickenbush, the presenter for the historical society, told commissioners the museum served nearly 19,500 people last year and conserves more than 25,700 artifacts and records related to Finney County’s early history.
Economic‑development leaders asked for increased investment as well: the Finney County Economic Development Corporation asked the county for $325,000 as part of a multi‑jurisdiction request, and its presentation credited local development efforts with significant growth in real‑property valuation since 2011. The economic development presenter said the county’s investment has been leveraged to secure state and federal projects but confirmed the FCEDC’s request seeks a modest increase to sustain staffing and recruitment work.
Early‑intervention and child‑services organizations outlined program needs. Russell Child Development Center said it had a $2.5 million program budget and is requesting $166,000 from Finney County for its Part C early‑intervention services; Bethany Possek, a speech‑language pathologist, emphasized the agency’s work to place augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in children’s hands sooner. The Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center reported 2,767 services for 414 children in Finney County last year and described a capital campaign that completed a medical exam room in January.
The Finney County Committee on Aging asked for just over $400,000 to cover transit and senior‑center operations and to address recruitment and retention for CDL drivers and other staff. The Fair Board, which reported 2025 operations exceeding $200,000, asked the commission to consider a higher allocation to maintain rising youth premium and operational costs; the board cited roughly $40,000 in annually required 4‑H/FFA premiums and awards.
Other requests included Southwest Developmental Services’ CDDO funding request (listed in materials as $201,428), Spirit of the Plains CASA’s $15,000 ask and the library’s operating request of about $1,200,000, which included roughly 10% earmarked for capital improvements unless the county assumes building ownership. Several presenters said reduced outside contracts or reallocated state funding have tightened local budgets: FCEDC noted a $35,000 reduction tied to a partner contract change, and CVB presenters framed their budget as dependent on projected guest‑tax receipts.
Commissioners pressed presenters on capital plans and maintenance responsibilities, particularly for the library and museum. Veronica Guse, chair of the library board, said a clearer maintenance agreement with the county could reduce the library’s need to hold a separate capital reserve while continuing to request operating support.
The session closed after an overview from Compass Behavioral Health and other service providers; the commission took one motion to adjourn at the end of the agenda.
