Thomas County adopts 2027 budget after public hearing

The Thomas County commissioners unanimously adopted the county’s 2027 budget Sept. 8 following a public hearing in which no one spoke in opposition.

The budget calls for an estimated property tax rate of 47.629 mills, exceeding the county’s revenue-neutral rate of 46.935 mills by 0.694 mills. A revenue-neutral rate would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as the prior year using the county’s current valuation.

The adopted budget sets total spending authority at $19.78 million and calls for about $7.69 million in property tax revenue. That is an increase of $153,268 from the approximately $7.54 million levied for the current budget year.

The estimated mill levy is also slightly higher than the current rate of 47.443 mills. County officials said the final levy could change when assessed valuations are finalized in November.

Before adopting the budget, commissioners Mike Baughn, Brad Flipse and Brian Luedke voted for Resolution 2026-14, authorizing the county to exceed the revenue-neutral rate.

One resident asked how much additional revenue the proposed levy would generate. Paul Steele also asked officials to read aloud the current annual salaries of the county’s elected officials.

County Clerk’s annual compensation is $83,942.64, consisting of $59,201.52 for her duties as clerk, $13,447.20 for elections and $11,293.92 for transportation-related duties.

Baughn receives $25,835.76 annually as Chairman of the Commission, while Flipse and Luedke each receive $25,310.76. Commissioners waived their matrix-based pay increases for the year.

Other salaries read during the hearing included an estimated $74,035.96 for the county treasurer, $66,478.80 for the register of deeds, $90,000 for the sheriff and $110,000 for the county attorney. Officials said the treasurer’s total can vary because a portion is tied to motor vehicle transactions. The county attorney will not receive a matrix increase.

After the budget vote, Baughn said county officials had worked to contain expenses while continuing to provide county services. He pointed to rising costs for labor, machinery, fuel and utilities and said commissioners regularly question expenditures while reviewing accounts payable.

Baughn also compared the county’s increase with larger mill-levy increases adopted in some surrounding counties, though he noted that county budgets and valuations differ.

In other business, the commission voted 2-1 to increase the undersheriff’s county credit card limit from $2,000 to $5,000. Sheriff Tom Nickols said the higher limit was needed for training expenses and equipment purchases as prices increase. Flipse voted against the request.

Commissioners also approved an agreement allowing Ameriflex to administer the county’s flexible spending accounts through Aflac. The county’s existing provider, HealthEquity, costs about $2,500 annually, while the Ameriflex arrangement is expected to carry no administrative charge to the county. Mariman will prepare the required notice ending the HealthEquity service.

The commission accepted the resignation of Lois Struckmeyer as an alternate member of the High Plains Mental Health Center board, effective Oct. 1.

Commissioners discussed finding a Thomas County representative for the NEK-CAP Inc. board, with Vernon Hurd among those suggested for the position. NEK-CAP is expanding into northwest Kansas and is seeking local representation from the counties it will serve.

The commission also approved revisions to the county transportation department’s drug and alcohol testing policy after County Attorney Chris Rohr reviewed the changes.

Several line-item transfers were approved, including $2,874.79 to correct a clerical error and $2,000 in compensation — $1,000 each for staff in the clerk’s and treasurer’s offices — for work preparing the 2027 budget. The commission also approved an election-related transfer reimbursing employees who assisted on Election Day.

Earlier in the meeting, commissioners approved $271,864.78 in accounts payable. Luedke recognized District Judge Ress for keeping a recent travel meal expense below the allowed amount, calling it considerate of taxpayers.

The county reported receiving June sales tax distributions of $127,594.92 from the half-cent tax and $63,797.46 from the quarter-cent tax.

No comments were offered during the meeting’s general public-comment period. The commission also approved minutes from its Aug. 31 regular meeting and Sept. 3 special meeting before adjourning.