The Leavenworth County Commission debated a proposal from the Mid-America Regional Council on Thursday that would provide homeowners in the county an opportunity to receive loans for home improvements.
According to County Administrator Heather Morgan, the program has been offered at a cost of $250 to participating MARC entities. She said the fee will help fund promotional materials for the program.
Under the agreement, Community America Credit Union would provide home equity loans up to $30,000 for houses that have an appraised value less than $200,000 at a fixed rate 1.35 percent below the credit union’s conventional interest rate.
Commissioner J.C. Tellefson said the feedback he has heard about the program through MARC has been positive.
“It sounded like a good program when we authorized it at MARC last year,” he said. “To go back and expand it just seems like a no-brainer.”
But Commission Chairman Clyde Graeber said he was not convinced the county needed the program.
“Why should we go out endorse some out-of-county credit union, to come in and be a competitor with our banks, our savings and loans and our own credit unions who pay taxes within the county and support our operations?”
Commissioner Dean Oroke said he was not worried about the potential competition for local banks.
Tellefson suggested that the commission hear from local financial institutions as to how the availability of loans through MARC would affect local lending practices.
Oroke said he was hesitant to put the county’s name on the program.
“When you the county as a public agency put your endorsement on anything like this you’re basically saying everything is squeaky clean and good,” he said.
Also in the meeting:
* STAFF TRAINING — The commission approved funding for a consultant to be hired for conflict management training for county employees. Morgan said the consultant comes from a list of MARC’s preferred consultants and will cost $1,200. The funds will come out of the Courthouse General Fund, she said.
* TRUSTEE — Morgan said the High Prairie Township trustee who received the most write-in votes in the General Election has declined the position, and that the county commission is looking for applicants to fill the position.
Applicants must be registered voters and reside in High Prairie Township.
* USEABLE MATERIALS — The commission approved a new useable materials policy for the county solid waste department.
Under the new policy, any household chemicals must be sealed, unopened and in their original container to be taken from the Leavenworth County Transfer Station.
Other materials that may be removed are firewood; waste tires, though any tires that are mounted on metal rims cannot be removed from the rims at the station; and household chemicals including cleaners, paints, stains, sealers, fertilizers and pesticides. Residents must fill out forms before any materials are taken from the site.
* PAYOUTS — The commission denied a measure to not pay out for employees’ discretionary days upon separation of service, 2-1, with Graeber opposed.
* MOTORGRADER — The commission approved a bid of $239,997 from Dean Machinery for the purchase of a new motorgrader. Mike Spickelmier, county engineer and director of county public works, said the department will also receive a $119,000 buyback on another motorgrader.
Leavenworth, Kan. —
