North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility Updates Interlocal Agreement

The Saline County Commission has approved an updated interlocal agreement for the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility, allowing Commissioner Grevas to sign on behalf of the county.

County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes presented the agreement at the commission's regular meeting, explaining that the county participates with several other counties in the regional juvenile detention facility located in Junction City.

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They have decided that they would like to update the interlocal agreement that governs the structure of the essentially joint powers authority between the various counties," Smith-Hanes said.

Commissioner Grevas, who serves as Saline County's representative on the facility's governing body, forwarded the proposed agreement to Smith-Hanes and County Counselor Montoya for review. While not all of their suggested changes were incorporated, Smith-Hanes indicated the document was acceptable.

During discussion, Commissioner Shadwick, who previously served on the facility's board, raised questions about financial oversight.

"I've watched a lot of stuff come across the board to be approved for expenditures, and sometimes it's kind of questionable," Shadwick said.

Commissioner Grevas assured the commission that financial reports are presented and approved at each meeting.

"I've asked many questions about expenditures, and I've tried to dig deep into what accounts are coming out of and those kind of things, and I am getting the answers I want," she said.

The interlocal agreement establishes the juvenile detention facility as a separate unit of local government responsible for operating the facility.

The facility's governing body is scheduled to take action on the agreement at their next meeting.