The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors’ recent meeting began with several department updates.

Conservation Director Joe Hanner informed that the Conservation Board is interviewing applicants this week for his replacement, as he is retiring this December. He also informed the Board that they recently received a reimbursement of about $39,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for electric upgrades at Nations Bridge Park. Environmental Health Director Jotham Arber told the Board that in addition to the free well water tests offered to residents, in January they will be able to offer money towards treatment needed. Next, the Board then approved a semi-annual general obligation bond wind farm tax increment financing principal and interest payment of about $404,507.

The Board then discussed whether they could withhold appropriating the remaining 25% of the fiscal year 2020 budget. Supervisor JD Kuster asked County Auditor Marci McClellan if the county departments could add that 25% to the 2021 budget, and she replied that it hasn’t been done before and would put the department heads in a “tailspin,” ending in “disaster.” Supervisor Mike Dickson expressed concern whether their general basic fund has enough dollars for the budget, “When I’m sitting here looking at this and we’re at $3.5 million, we only have $1.7, how much of that tax money is going to be coming back into general basic otherwise, we don’t even have the money to appropriate a hundred percent. So it does us no good to appropriate it because the money’s not there.”

McClellan said if the Board withholds the 25%, it could lead to departments like hers and the Treasurer’s Office having to furlough employees. The Board tabled action until next week. Finally, the Board approved the first-tier canvass of the city and school elections held on November 5th.