Commission supports sales-tax ballot bill

Douglas County commissioners aren’t sure if they want to ask voters to approve a sales-tax increase this fall but they do want permission to conduct an election, just in case.

Commissioners voted Monday to support a bill pending in the Kansas Legislature that would allow them put a proposed 1/4-cent boost in sales taxes up for a public vote.

The tax increase is being discussed by ECO2, a committee formed by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to develop a plan for buying and maintaining industrial and open space in the county.

Commissioners Charles Jones and Bob Johnson supported the idea of backing the bill. But Jere McElhaney, commission chairman, said he couldn’t support the bill because he doesn’t want to entertain the possibility of a tax increase.

“I don’t really even want to go down that avenue,” he said.

The bill, HB 2828, is to be considered Wednesday by the House Taxation Committee.

Leaky roof proves costly for county

A leaky roof at the Douglas County Youth Services detention center in North Lawrence will end up costing “tens of thousands” of dollars to fix, said Jere McElhaney, chairman of the county commission.

Commissioners on Monday authorized McElhaney to coordinate completion of the repair job, to replace flashing on the flat roof of the building on Industrial Lane. The leaks are threatening to damage interior walls, electrical systems and various components for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

“It’s bad news, but we have no choice,” McElhaney said.

McElhaney attributed the leaks to the center’s circular design, which he described as difficult to seal. McElhaney even suggested, with a chuckle, that the county never again approve a contract for a round public building.

Added Commissioner Charles Jones: “Maybe we can put that into law.”

No timeline for the project was set.

New districts approved

County commissioners approved boundary changes for each of their three commission districts Monday, reflecting population shifts uncovered by the 2000 census.

The new district boundaries will be in effect in time for the Aug. 6 primary. Of the three districts, only one the 1st, currently represented by Charles Jones is up for election.

The 1st District, which covers much of Lawrence, picked up precincts covering much of Kansas University’s main campus, residence halls and an area west of Massachusetts Street between 13th and 19th streets. The precincts had been in the 3rd District, represented by Jere McElhaney.