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Ellis County to return unused septic grant funds after accounting error; budget authority affected
Summary
Staff said a 2024 LAP septic grant for $50,000 funded two replacements and spent roughly $25,000; the remaining funds were inadvertently recorded in the county general fund rather than a separate grant fund, requiring return of excess funds to KDHE and temporarily reducing the department's budget authority.
Justin Craig, environmental services director, told the commission the county's 2024 LAP septic grant for $50,000 funded two failing septic replacements and used just under $25,000. KDHE has requested return of the unspent portion.
Craig said the remaining funds were posted into the county's general fund at the end of 2024 rather than into a separate grant fund, meaning the department's budget authority for the program will show as $50,000 short this year even though the cash exists in reserves. County staff described the correct practice for future grants (create a separate grant fund or LEPP fund so unused dollars can be returned without affecting operating budget authority).
Why it matters: the bookkeeping error requires returning funds to KDHE and highlights the need for a discrete grant accounting practice so future grant carryovers do not inadvertently reduce departmental spending authority.
Provenance: discussion ran from SEG 596 to SEG 658.
