Allen County Commissioners blended routine procedures with a shift in funding priorities at their meeting Tuesday night.
After approving revenue hearings for rural fire and sewer districts, commissioners unanimously adopted the county’s 2026 budget — a plan that trims the mill levy but includes a significant reduction in funding for mental health services.
Commissioners approved six resolutions that allow Allen County, Rural Fire District numbers 2, 3, and 4, and Sewer Districts No. 1 and No. 2 to exceed the revenue neutral rate, which limits spending to last year’s funding levels.
COMMISSION Chairman Jerry Daniels then opened the 2026 Budget Hearing.
One of the most striking changes in the proposed budget was a $159,960 decrease for mental health services, stemming from the commission’s decision to reduce funding for the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) from $167,000 to just $1 for the upcoming fiscal year.
The drastic cut aligns with recent actions by other counties in SEKMHC’s six-county service area, all of which have reduced or withdrawn financial support.
The move follows heightened scrutiny of the center’s executive compensation packages, particularly the salary and benefits of CEO Nathan Fawson, who in 2023 received $436,133 in salary and an additional $191,941 in benefits, according to IRS filings. Other executives at the center received individual compensation packages ranging from $276,555 to $444,282.
Daniels noted the proposed budget includes a reduction in the county’s mill levy. The mill rate 10 years ago sat at 65.85. The commission has reduced that down each year; the current mill rate is 59.595. The proposed 2026 mill rate is 59.523.
Commissioner David Lee moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented, with Commissioner John Brocker seconding the motion. The budget passed unanimously.
IN OTHER NEWS, southwest Allen County resident Joab Barr urged commissioners to address what he called both safety hazards and poor repair practices on county roads.
Barr said some routes in the county are becoming dangerous.
“West of Humboldt on Georgia Road, the eastbound lane has huge potholes. North of Humboldt on 600 Road, the last couple miles before 54 Highway, same problem,” Barr told commissioners.
“And south of Petrolia, I drive that the most. That road floods across the whole thing. It’s never had anything done besides a cold patch put in it.”
Beyond safety, Barr criticized the county’s road repair methods, particularly cold patching.
He said crews often apply patch material when potholes are still wet, meaning repairs don’t last. “They’re not being hit with a torch or whatnot to kind of dry them out, get that asphalt somewhat tacky so the cold patch will stick,” he said.
Barr also questioned the county’s practice of relying on everyday traffic to compact rebuilt road bases instead of using equipment like vibrating rollers or sheepsfoot compactors.
