Matt Atteberry, executive director for Labette Center for Mental Health Services, was given the reassurance at Monday’s county commission meeting that the center’s budget probably won’t be cut this year.
Atteberry told the board that how state funds were cut $160,000 the last two years for mental health services. The center has 48 full time employees, 14 part-time; 44 of them live in Parsons and the remaining live in Labette County. The center has served 1777 clients in 2008, consisting of 908 male and 869 female and the average age is 25-44 year olds.
Chairman Lonie Addis commented that Labette County is a support of mental health and they would look at his budget fairly.
IN OTHER ACTION at Monday’s meeting:
• Approved throttle control to boom spray for the Ford pickup recently purchased from Larry Allen Ford, used in the county noxious weed department at a cost of $1,500 to $1,800.
• Approved the county appropriation budget of $165,450 for the county extension council. It is the same amount as last year. Kylie Ludwig from the extension office was present for the signatures required.
• Board discussed oil and gas distribution and severed minerals with county treasurer, Crystal Addis and county appraiser David Loiselle.
• Opened bids on motor grader. Sandy Krider, road and bridge supervisor and Calvin Mathis will review the five bids and report back at a later date to the commission. Representatives from four of the companies were present for the opening: Martin Tractor Co., Chanute; GW VanKeppel Co., Kansas City; Murphy Tractor & Equipment, Wichita; and Victor L. Phillips Co., Joplin, Mo.
• Commissioners looked at a bridge over Labette Creek east of 10th Street in Parsons. A recent estimate of repair is more than $100,000. A work session followed the meeting.