(KAIR)--Atchison County Commission Chair Casey Quinn says the first “Conversations with the County” forum drew a strong turnout and a wide range of feedback from residents.

In a social media post, Quinn said participants at last Thursday’s session raised questions, concerns, and potential solutions for the county to consider moving forward. Quinn noted that some attendees brought ad valorem tax data, and she said the information highlighted the effects of the past several years, including COVID and inflation, and included discussion of how an EMS sales tax could help.

Quinn also said collaboration was a major theme, with discussion centered on ways cities, the county, and townships could pool resources to lower costs for citizens. She said one suggestion raised was exploring a unified government model with cities to better represent the full county and use resources countywide.

Quinn said residents also asked how to get involved, including interest in serving as precinct committee members. She also said the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, or NRP, was discussed, with comments supporting recent changes and emphasizing the program’s role in continued economic development.

Quinn added that community leaders shared ideas for partnerships aimed at addressing mental health and substance abuse, with the goal of reducing long-term costs. She also said some residents voiced frustration over personnel cuts, while also acknowledging the need to reduce spending to lower taxes.

Quinn thanked those who attended and said she wants the community engagement to continue.