Bye, bye Elk County... you've been consolidated

[Patriot]

Could Elk County, as we know it, be going away?  If Senate Bill 204 becomes law, we could be headed in that direction.

The bill would create a 12-member county unification study commission to develop a final plan that would consolidate 105 Kansas counties into 23.  With final recommendations to be sent to the Governor & Legislature by January 1, 2013.

Elk would be consolidated thus:  Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk and Sumner counties  (S.B. 204, Section 2 (a) 22.

Introduced by the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the Bill was referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs on Jan 15, 2011.

Full text of SB 204, as introduced:  http://kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12/year1/measures/documents/sb204_00_0000.pdf

[W. Gray]

From Janet Harrington, July 1, 2011, County Consolidation, Politics, thread:

"the Bill is SB 204 and it went to the Committee of Federal and State Affairs. I can't track it from there. Think it died."

[srkruzich]

Ouch they would be relocating the county seats to the center of these counties. That would mean at least a 2 hour drive one way for those that live at the edge.

[Patriot]

From Janet Harrington, July 1, 2011, County Consolidation, Politics, thread:

"the Bill is SB 204 and it went to the Committee of Federal and State Affairs. I can't track it from there. Think it died."

Yes, and the update reminds us that the bill is still on the calendar in committee.  Would be nice if it were dead... perhaps it will expire at the end of this session.

[readyaimduck]

this is only a study  <<squawk>>  it is only a study.

I, feasibly think the theory is worth looking into, however as a county employee it would suck in practice.
Why?   ESCPECIALLY in the rural counties.

(I never answered why)....go figure.  I, too think it will die on the table.
ready

[readyaimduck]

ok, here is part of the 'why' it should die:
All facets of the courthouse as it stands, needs an open and direct communication as well as cooperation in order for all of the areas to be in sync.

Most counties across the state have a difficult time with this just within their own county!
Bring in 5 different counties with their own belief systems, and there will chaos!  not to mention, where will the 'official' District hous be held  (this will be as volital as the Mulvane/Wellington Casino request!!!!!)

Communication will be via emails/conference calls/ etc.   Good luck with that.
I am highly technical, however I am not so sure that is the way to go.  Seems more like a business setting rather then the one-to-one taxpayer relationship that it has taken 20 years to mend or agree to disagree.
ready