Trash Talk Continues in Atchison County
11/27/2012

(KAIR) -- The trash talk continued Monday afternoon in the regular meeting of the Atchison County Commissioners.

Almost two hours of discussion ensued with returning and new concerned business owners expressing their opinions on the new solid waste fee on their property tax statements.

It began with small business owner Derek Franklin having questions about the monies the county received from the state.

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Franklin then discussed a couple of hypothetical scenarios with the sales tax collections.

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The discussion then halted for a few minutes as United Way Executive Director Terry Knopke came and informed Commissioners and attendees the progress of their annual campaign.

She reported that they have fundraised 104 thousand dollars so far but have a target goal of 194 thousand dollars.

Franklin then noted the hit these kinds of organizations may take as a result of the solid waste fee on charitable small businesses.

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Photography business owner Mike Stec then spoke, wondering why there wasn’t consultation or re-examining of an already formed solid waste committee, made up of six or eight members that usually meet once a year.

Stec brought in a state statute of what Commissioners have the authority to do in forming one.

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Stec then said what duties the committee is charged with in addition to making a master plan.

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Commissioner Mike Bodenhausen says moving forward in future years, the current solid waste fee may fluctuate.

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Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking then discussed some projections on if there wasn’t a solid waste fee.

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Bodenhausen then responded, believing sales tax collection estimates won’t be as high as projected.

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Jonathan Mize, with Blish-Mize, later said the current assessments will be different that what was originally mailed.

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Discussion on any possible amendments to the fee structure have been put on hold due to the absence of Commission Chairman Jeff Schuele on Monday and Wednesday due to attending a conference, as well as not having a Wednesday Commissioner meeting due to the lack of a quorum.

Commissioners hope to resume talks on any potential repeals or amendments before the tax due date of December 20th.


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