The Seward County Commission held a work session on June 18, 2025, focusing on budgetary considerations and employee benefits, particularly regarding the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). The discussion highlighted the financial implications of rehiring retired employees under KPERS, specifically addressing the county's responsibility for additional costs associated with these employees.

Currently, the county has two rehired employees, one from the county attorney's office and another from the landfill. The county is required to pay a regular percentage of their salaries, which is set to increase to 9.71% next year. For salaries exceeding $40,000, the county incurs a penalty of 30% on the gross amount, which was described as an expense rather than a benefit. This penalty has raised concerns about its impact on departmental budgets.

Commissioners debated whether to allocate these additional costs to the respective departments or to manage them within the general fund. The discussion emphasized the need for clear accounting practices to ensure transparency in budget management. It was suggested that splitting the costs between departments could provide better insight into departmental expenses.

In addition to KPERS discussions, the meeting covered various budget requests, including $775,000 for Social Security and $180,000 for Medicare. The commission also reviewed requests for employee recognition and other operational expenses, totaling approximately $37,500 for commission projects.

The conversation also touched on the potential hiring of a finance coordinator or assistant county administrator to improve administrative efficiency. This position could help streamline budget management and allow current administrators to focus on broader responsibilities.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of careful budget planning and the need for accountability in managing county resources, particularly as they relate to employee benefits and departmental expenses. The commission will continue to refine its budget proposals as it prepares for the upcoming fiscal year.