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COUNTY COMMENT %u2022 April 2025 4continuedBy Bruce Chladny, KAC Executive DirectorCELEBRATING NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT MONTH: HONORING THOSE WHO PROVIDE THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES OF KANSAS COUNTIESAs we celebrate Kansas County Government Month, in conjunction with the NACo%u2019s National County Government Month campaign, now is the perfect time to reflect on the vital role that counties across Kansas play in our communities. County governments are the backbone of local services, working tirelessly to meet the needs of your citizens. You all, our members, are dedicated county professionals, who serve on the front lines, ensuring the continued success and well-being of your communities. I am honored to take this opportunity to recognize and thank each of you for your hard work and commitment.Kansas counties provide a wide array of essential services, mandated by state statutes, that are critical to the everyday lives of Kansans. Early in the new year, we began work on collecting data about the cost of these eighteen essential services that ensure the health, safety, and prosperity of our communities. Click hereto view the survey page, where you can see if your county submitted data and the results of the data that we did collect. It is not too late to submit your county%u2019s numbers! The following list is a brief overview of those essential services that we are collecting information for:1. Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Counties provide law enforcement through sheriffs%u2019 offices, ensuring the safety and security of residents.2. Jail Operations. Counties operate detention facilities for individuals arrested or incarcerated, ensuring proper custody and rehabilitation.3. Judicial Services. Counties manage courts and ensure access to justice, including the operation of district and probate courts.4. Criminal Prosecution. The County is responsible for the finance of criminal prosecution (County and District Attorneys).5. Public Health Services. County health departments oversee public health initiatives, disease prevention, and emergency health services.6. Mental Health Services.Although many counties contract this service out, mental health services are an important part of keeping a community healthy and strong. 7. Coroner Services. Counties must provide coroner services to certify and investigate deaths within the county.8. Emergency Management. Counties manage local emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, ensuring public safety during crises.9. Road Maintenance and Infrastructure.Counties maintain the vast network of local roads, bridges, and infrastructure that connect our communities.10. Noxious Weed Eradication. Counties ensure that our vast agricultural crops grow unimpeded by controlling noxious weeds that compete for water and nutrients in the soil. 11. Flood Control. Counties must address flood control issues.12. Property Registration and Recordkeeping. Under the authority of the Register of Deeds, all property parcel ownership is recorded and maintained. 13. Real Property Valuation. County Appraisers work under the authority of the state to fairly and equitably assess the value of all real property in the county. 14. Real Property Tax Collection. County governments are responsible for assessing property taxes and ensuring equitable tax collection systems.15. Personal Property Tax Administration.County governments ensure personal property is accounted for and taxed appropriately per state laws. 16. Elections Administration. Counties administer local, state, and national elections, ensuring fair and accurate voting processes.