Douglas County, Kansas
Douglas County is one of 105 counties in Kansas. According to the 2010 census, its population is 110,826.[1] The county seat and largest city in the county is Lawrence, Kansas.[2]
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Contents |
[edit] Website evaluation
- Main article: Evaluation of Kansas county websites
Last rated on Jan. 17, 2012
[edit] The good
- County commissioners are listed with contact information.[3]
- Meeting agendas are posted,[4] as well as minutes.[5]
- Administrative officials are listed with contact information.[6]
- Budgets and local tax rates are posted.[7]
- Property taxes are payable online.[8]
- Audits are posted.[9]
- Information for vendors is provided.[10]
- A public records request form is provided.[11]
- Building permits and zoning information are posted.[12]
[edit] The bad
- County contracts are not posted.
- No information is posted on Taxpayer-funded lobbying.
[edit] Contact Information
Douglas County
1100 Massachusetts St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (785) 832-5268
Fax: (785) 832-5148
[edit] County Officials
[edit] County commission
| Name | District | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Gaughan | 1st | Commissioner |
| Nancy Thellman | 2nd | Commissioner |
| Jim Flory | 3rd | Commission Chairman |
[edit] County administrator
The Douglas County administrator is Craig Weinaug. He has held that position since 1992.[13]
[edit] Budget
| Source | Revenue | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Taxes | $51,294,422 | 76.55% |
| Fund Balance | $7,848,626 | 11,71% |
| Fees | $4,685,180 | 6.99% |
| Fund Transfers | $2,486,500 | 3.71% |
| Reimbursements | $241,704 | 0.36% |
| Investment Income | $270,667 | 0.40% |
| Miscellaneous | $180,321 | 0.27% |
| Total Revenue | $67,007,420 | 100% |
| Fund | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $37,129,590 | $36,051,257 | $36,132,179 |
| Ambulance | $3,661,528 | $3,447,682 | $3,481,342 |
| Bond & Interest | $901,385 | $812,736 | $849,355 |
| Employee Benefits | $8,697,853 | $8,247,694 | $7,328,607 |
| Road & Bridge | $6,043,934 | $6,239,973 | $5,641,000 |
| Special Building | $345,000 | $300,000 | $300,000 |
| Special Liability | $149,800 | $189,381 | $324,396 |
| Youth Services | $1,589,585 | $1,600,617 | $1,503,000 |
| Total Levied Funds | $58,518,675 | $56,889,340 | $55,559,879 |
| Total Budget | $66,632,420 | $65,360,208 | $62,872,320 |
| Total Less Interfund Transfers | $58,486,054 | $56,793,258 | $54,532,093 |
[edit] Retirement benefits
[edit] Pension
Douglas County employees are on a defined-benefit pension plan.[15]
[edit] Other post-employment benefits
The county has accrued $63.5 million in unfunded liabilities for other post-employment benefits (OPEBs).[15]
[edit] Taxes
[edit] Property tax
The county's mill levy for 2010 was 35.748, the highest in at least a decade. The state mill levy was 1.500. Municipalities, school districts, and certain services have additional levies.[16]
| Year | Mill Levy |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35.748 |
| 2009 | 32.803 |
| 2008 | 32.820 |
| 2007 | 29.995 |
| 2006 | 30.013 |
| 2005 | 30.099 |
| 2004 | 29.856 |
| 2003 | 29.859 |
| 2002 | 27.816 |
| 2001 | 27.885 |
[edit] Mortgage registration tax
Douglas County also has a mortgage registration tax. Its revenue peaked in 2003 at $3 million and has since declined.[14]
[edit] County projects
The county is purchasing properties in order to build a new homeless shelter.[17]
Douglas County has installed new heating and air conditioning in certain county buildings. Energy efficiency savings are estimated at $50,000 per year.[18]
[edit] External links
- Douglas County official website
- Douglas County employee payroll, Kansas Watchdog
- University of Kansas
- Douglas County Information
- Douglas County on Epodunk
[edit] References
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau "QuickFacts," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "About Us," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Douglas County "County Commission," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Commission Agendas," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Commission Minutes Archive," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Administration," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Budget Division," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Online Values & Taxes," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Forms and Documents," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Purchasing Division," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Records Request," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "Zoning & Codes," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ Douglas County "County Administrator," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Douglas County "2011 Budget," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Douglas County "2010 Financial Statement," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Douglas County "Mill Levies," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ LJWorld "Douglas County Commission to consider deal to acquire property near new homeless shelter from towing company," Accessed November 20, 2011
- ↑ LJWorld "Douglas County investing in long-term sustainability," Accessed November 20, 2011
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