Russell County Commissioners Begin 2027 Budget Discussion

Russell County Commissioners met Monday, April 6 at the Russell County Courthouse and discussed the 2027 budget, heard several budget requests and approved the sale of excess property.

County Administrator Stephanie Grisham presented binders to commissioners containing budget requests from county departments. Discussion will be held on department budget requests, different scenarios and ideas for the 2027 budget at two work study sessions on April 16 and 17 from 9 to 11 AM at the courthouse. The public is welcome to attend these sessions and will be given time for comment.

Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program Director Stephanie Niblock and volunteers Jeannie Munsch and Elizabeth Bryan presented their budget requests for 2027. The Foster Grandparent Program asked for $1,000, the same as 2026. Senior Companion Program is asking for $8,600 for 2027, down from 2026.

Melinda Olson, vice chair of the Midway Extension District Board, and Craig Dinkel, Midway Extension District interim director, discussed a proposed office space agreement requesting rent be decreased to $250 per month from the county proposed $500 per month and extending the agreement to three or five years instead of one year. A motion was made and it failed on a 3-2 vote. Later in the meeting, Commissioner Alan Kuntzsch made a motion to charge the Midway Extension District $500 per month in rent. The motion passed 3-2. Discussion also was held on the budget and what is covered by Midway Extension District and what is financed by Kansas State University.

LaDana Seirer with the Luray Senior Center presented an expense sheet for the previous year. She stated they would like to get a license to cook their own food.

Also Monday, Public Works Director Justin Mermis asked for several pieces of equipment be declared excess property and be sold on Purple Wave. Commissioners agreed. Equipment includes a 2011 F250 pickup, two 2008 F250 pickups, a 2015 GMC 2500 pickup, brine mixer, pickup tanks, belly dump, three-point bale fork and an air compressor. Mermis also mentioned metal pile bids will be reviewed May 4, reconstruction of 190th Street has started and a meeting about Hell Creek Bridge at Wilson Lake will be held on April 30.

Also Monday, commissioners agreed to transfer the deed name for the parking lot and doctor's house at Russell Regional Hospital and place under Russell County.

The next regular meeting for the Russell County Commissioners will be on Monday, April 20 beginning at 9 AM in the Commission Chambers at the courthouse in Russell.