Commissioners debate cuts to appropriations for mental‑health and community providers amid budget flat‑budget guidance

During discussion of the 2027 appropriations, County Clerk Tammi Cox raised the uncertain statutory obligation for county payment of mental‑health services. Commissioners reviewed nonprofit financial disclosure (Form 990) data while weighing requests.

Commissioner Carla Grund cited the county’s median household income of $74,000 and questioned awarding requested amounts to organizations that reported sizable net income and high executive compensation on their 2024 Form 990s. The minutes record Grund noting OCCK reported $1.8 million in net income in 2024 and listed five highest paid officers with pay between $281,000 and $155,000; she said she was "comfortable with $10,000" instead of the requested $21,800. Grund also cited Central Kansas Mental Health Center’s reported $3.3 million net income and two employees listed with salaries of $267,000 and $169,000 and $16.8 million in cash and investments; she proposed reducing that appropriation to $15,000 from a requested $35,885.

Commissioner Scott Mortimer warned he was concerned providers might stop offering services if county funding were cut. No final appropriation amounts were adopted at the meeting; commissioners discussed keeping some appropriations flat (Choose Ottawa County $65,000; Conservation District $25,000; Fair Board $22,500) and asked staff to continue reviewing budgets. The county will revisit recommended amounts in subsequent budget sessions.