Parks and Rec Merger Results in $77K Overpayment

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The Shawnee County Commission on Thursday will consider returning more than $77,500 to the city of Topeka.

The funds are an overpayment from the parks and recreation merger, according to the agenda item. The money was encumbered from 2011 for park fixtures purchased in May 2012, but the amounts weren't subtracted from the 2012 payment, financial administrator Betty Greiner said.

"They just paid us in error," she said of the city of Topeka. "It should have been subtracted from what they sent us."

The city overpaid the county $77,573 for park fixtures in five of the county's parkland districts, the agenda item states. Funds for parkland districts should be spent for acquisition or improvements within those districts, Greiner explained.

The county's and city's external auditors - Cochran, Head and Vick - as well as the parks and recreation department, counselor's office and finance administration department, agree the funds should be returned, the agenda item states.

Commissioners will consider the refund during their 9 a.m. meeting Thursday in their chambers in Room B-11 of the county courthouse, 200 S.E. 7th.

Commissioners also will consider approving:

- The purchase of two new tractors/mowers for $193,626.48 to Heritage Tractor for the public works department.

- Hiring a physician for the California Clinic, 2025 S.E. California Ave., with an annual salary of $157,500 and a total compensation of $208,647.

- Awarding a $152,166.52 bid to Klaver Construction Co. Inc. for a project connecting the N.W. 46th Street over a tributary to Cross Creek Bridge.