HUTCHINSON, Kan. – As expected, the county got the numbers for what the budget entails for next year when it met this morning.

That includes a one mill increase going from 39.527 this year to 40.527 next year. That money will go directly to the bridge fund. A mill based on the currant valuations would equal roughly $563,964. The total budget as proposed at the moment would total $22,855,795. This could change again before it is finalized next month.

Included was a discussion on how they intend to man the new entrance to the Reno County Courthouse once a new entrance is completed some time next year. Commissioner Dan Deming seems to be pushing for using civilian workers as opposed to more expensive Sheriff Deputies.

Also discussed is the contract with Horizon’s Mental Health Center for the Reno County Correctional Facility. They currently have a contract for services in the current jail part time, but want to possibly expand that to full time once the new jail is operational. No decision was made on either of those issues.

The county also took time to discuss whether it wants to proceed with a self insurance plan, although held off making any decision on that particular issue until next week.

The proposed public hearing for the 2016 budget is scheduled for Aug. 11. They will of course go over the budget some more next week.