Heartlandbeat.com August 2012 Editorial by Bill Bamesberger York County Commissioner District 3
It has been 21 months ago that I took the oath of office to become a York County Commissioner. I have attended 40 plus regular meetings and many special meetings. I am a liaison to the board by serving on other committees such as road, buildings and grounds, Blue Valley Community Action, Region V, Veterans Board, Security Committee, Union negotiations, BNSF Railroad and the Budget Committee.
I have the pleasure of working with a county board that is concerned about what is best for York County. Kurt Bulgrin is our Chairman, Pat Bredenkamp is our Vice Chairman, and other members are Paul Buller, Tom Shellington and myself. We work together well. We don’t always agree but we agree to disagree. We have always been able to leave a meeting and carry on with a good relationship.
York County employs from 100-105 employees at all times to carry on the day to day operation of the county. I am proud to say that we have very dedicated and hard working personnel that have pride in their respective positions.
Some of the highlights during the past year and a half has been the appointing of a new County Attorney, appointing a new Highway Superintendent and a new Maintenance Supervisor at the courthouse.
This is the second year that I have had the opportunity of working with Pat Bredenkamp in formulating the York County budget. We meet with every elected official and each department head. They each present to us their department’s budget. We put all requests together and work out the formula to create the next year’s budget based on valuations and the lid computation factors. $15-$16 million dollars pass through the treasurers office annually. It takes about $5-$6 million dollars in property tax revenues yearly to meet all budget requirements. This includes bonded indebtedness needs and general fund needs. Other sources of funds come from highway allocation funds, grants, fees and other miscellaneous sources.
Some of the major courthouse improvement projects that have been implemented and completed in the last 20 plus months have been a new complete boiler system, partial roof replacement and a complete new water softener system throughout the building. Soft water installation is a big plus as we will be able to save vast amounts of funds that it takes now to repair all plumbing and fixtures throughout the facility. Fortunately, you can upgrade your heating system with our seamless and efficient boiler replacement services.
In July we issued $6 million dollars in bonds for York County Roads Department which will be paid over an eight year payback with highway allocation funds. Numerous projects will be able to be completed with these bond funds such as the replacement of 12-15 bridges, numerous box culverts, road overlays, armor coating and other road maintenance projects.
It is my plan and desire to continue serving as the 3rd District representative on the York County Board of Commissioners. It is my goal to be a good steward of tax funds and other monies in a way that will enhance all facets of operation. Also I will continually strive to make York County progressive and attractive.
Bill Bamesberger
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