The 2019 operating budget for Barton County was approved by Barton County Commissioners Monday morning.

County Administrator Phil Hathcock noted a slight decrease in the mill levy because of a valuation increase. The mill levy is going from 43.657 in 2018 to 43.592 for the proposed budget of 2019. Hathcock noted lowering the mill levy further would cut expenditures into the foreseeable future or until the legislative tax lid is lifted.

Commission Chair Jennifer Schartz felt like the Commission and County staff did a good job budgeting for 2019, but there are always areas where they wish they could fund more.

Jennifer Schartz Audio

The 2019 budget includes a valuation increase of $9,803,841. The budget includes mandatory cost increases including $100,000 in the employer portion of KPERS, $45,000 for health insurance costs, and a 45-cent per hour raise for county employees.

Hathcock was notified the case and trial of the now four suspects with a connection to the death of a Wichita couple at the Barton County Fair on July 13 could cost the county.

Phil Hathcock Audio

Public Safety and Public Works, essentially the county’s roads, make up 60 percent of the planned expenditures from levied funds in 2019. Hathcock noted only 20 – 26 percent of citizens’ tax dollars support the Barton County government, depending on where you live.

The total mill levy will generate $11,610,008 in property tax.