Local Leadership. Statewide Strength.

May 2022 County Comment Now Online!

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Cybersecurity Tools for Kansas Counties

• A Word From Our President

• Kansas Counties, Affiliate & Associate Organizations: KAC Resources Available For You

• A Look at Fentanyl in Kansas: Northeast Kansas One Pill Can Kill Initiative

• 2022 Legislative Happenings

• COVID is Not Going Away

• Road Notes: Safe Driving on Unpaved Roads

• KU Public Management Center Feature: Management Minute

• Connecting Kansas Counties

• Grant Writing Workshop

• Employment Opportunities

Kansas Counties to Celebrate Kansas County Government Month - April 2022

Topeka, Kan. – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed an Official Proclamation on April 1, 2022, declaring the month of April as Kansas County Government Month, a month-long statewide celebration to recognize the importance of the work that county government provides in serving their communities and residents.

The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC), in partnership with all 105 Kansas Counties, will celebrate Kansas County Government Month (KCGM) during the month of April, to showcase how counties achieve healthy, safe, and vibrant communities for Kansans. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Kansas Counties Thrive” which demonstrates how counties work to improve the quality of life for all Kansans each and every day.

KAC is kicking off the month-long celebration in conjunction with National County Government Month (NCGM), an annual campaign hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo). Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged the 3,069 counties across the country to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of county government.

“Kansas Counties employ nearly 30,200 employees serving nearly three million Kansans. These county government employees are instrumental in providing effective products and services daily to help keep Kansans healthy, safe, and informed,” stated Bruce Chladny, KAC Executive Director. “I encourage all Kansans to participate in Kansas County Government Month outreach events to learn how Kansas counties assist you and your loved ones each and every day.”

Kansas Counties invest nearly 3.9 billion dollars* annually in services with a focus on justice and public safety, health and human services, transportation, utilities, and administration. Kansas Counties are funded through county-generated revenue (91 percent) plus 370 million dollars of intergovernmental sources including other local, state and federal funds (9 percent ).*

“In Ottawa County, we are proud of the programs and services we provide to our residents on an ongoing basis,” shared Kenny Baccus, KAC President and Ottawa County Noxious Weed Director. “Just like many Kansas Counties, our county employee’s efforts and teamwork with other governing bodies help mold our county into a great place to call home, work and raise our families. We want to take this opportunity to recognize the actions and duties of our 80 county employees, as well as all county government employees across Kansas, throughout April.”

KCGM statewide activities include social media presence throughout the entire month to highlight effective county programs, introduce county employees, and raise public awareness and an understanding about the various services and products provided across Kansas counties. To follow Kansas County Government Month activities, events and informational posts from all across our Kansas Counties throughout April, be sure to visit KAC’s Facebook page and Twitter feed (search hashtag #KSCountiesThrive).

*Source: NACo Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau - Census of Individual Governments: Finance, 2017

On Friday, April 1, 2022, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed an official proclamation declaring April 2022 as Kansas County Government Month. Joining Gov. Kelly for the signing were: (left to right) Kenny Baccus, KAC President/Ottawa County Noxious Weed Director; Dr. Dee McKee, KAC Vice President/Pottawatomie County Commissioner; Bruce Chladny, KAC Executive Director; Kansas Governor Laura Kelly; Aarons Mays, KAC Board Member/Shawnee County Commissioner; Max Dibble, KAC Secretary/Phillips County Commissioner; Jay Hall, KAC Deputy Director & General Counsel; and Kimberly Qualls, KAC Education and Communications Director.