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County Appraiser

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1. How is property valued for tax purposes?

All property is valued every January on the first. Most property is valued based upon its fair market value. Exceptions are land devoted to agricultural use, whose value is based on its income or productivity, commercial and industrial machinery, and equipment valued based on a formula set fourth in Kansas laws.

For more information, contact your County Appraiser or the Kansas Division of Property at (785) 296-2365.

2. What advantage is there to appealing to the Board’s Small Claims Division?

The main two advantages are speed and convenience. The Small Claims Division must hold the hearing within 60 days and issue a decision within 30. The hearing is held in the County where the property is located or held in an adjacent County. The process is informal and confidential; all records are returned to the taxpayer at the conclusion. You may appeal to the Board of Tax Appeals if you are not satisfied with the Small Claims Division’s decision.

3. What are the Burdens of Proof on Appeal?

Small Claims Division - The County must show that its value is correct.

Board of Tax Appeals - The County must show that the value of residential or commercial property is correct. However, if commercial real property is leased, the owner must provide income / expense information (up to three years) or the County’s value is presumed to be correct.

Increases in Value - If real property increases in value from the prior year, the County must first review the record of the property’s last physical inspection and must have documentation supporting the increase. If the value increases following a year when the value was reduced by appeal, then the County Appraiser must also show substantial and compelling reasons for increasing the value.

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County Attorney

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1. What is a bond?

Bond is allowed in most criminal cases, including felonies. The amount of the bond is set by the Judge. Its purpose is to ensure the Defendant's appearance in court. The judge may also set conditions on the bond that the Defendant must comply. In setting the bond amount, the Judge considers a number of factors, including: the seriousness of the offense; the defendant's prior record; and, the likelihood that the defendant will return to court to answer to the charges.

2. What is my role as a victim or witness?

As a witness you have seen, heard or know something about a crime that has been committed. As a victim or witness, it will be necessary for you to attend some court hearings.

You may not think that what you know about the case is very important; however, small pieces of information are often required to determine what really happened.

3. What if someone threatens me?

A. Concerns about your well-being and safety after being victimized or witnessing a crime are normal. If you have any fears or receive any threats concerning your involvement in a case, you should immediately contact law enforcement so that the threats can be documented and appropriate action taken. There are laws to protect you against people who attempt to bribe, intimidate, threaten or harass you.

4. What is a Subpoena?

A subpoena is a court order directing you to appear in court at a particular time and place. It does not mean that you are charged with an offense. Its purpose is to call you to court so that you may tell what you know about a case.

When subpoenaed, you must appear or risk being held in contempt of court and/or fined. Inform you employer that you have been called to testify and you will have to appear. Your employer should not discharge, punish or threaten you for attending a criminal proceeding when you have been subpoenaed. If you are experiencing difficulties with your employer regarding a court appearance, please contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator immediately.

If you change your address or telephone number, immediately notify the Victim/Witness Coordinator of the Finney County Attorney’s Office at (620) 272-3568. They may need to contact you if there is a change in the date or time you are to appear.

5. How many times will I have to appear in Court?

No one can tell you in advance how many times or how long you will have to be in Court. The process takes time. The number of times you may be called to appear in court and the delays you may encounter are the result of our criminal justice process.

6. Will I be notified of court hearings?

As a crime victim, you have the right to be notified and attend public hearings

7. What if the defense attorney contacts me?

You are not required to discuss the case with the defense attorney or their investigator prior to testifying in court. If you choose to do so, always request proper identification and an explanation of the purpose of the interview. If you have any concerns about talking with a defense attorney or their investigator, you are encouraged to contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator.

8. What happens to the defendant if he is found guilty?

If a defendant is convicted of a criminal offense, the judge will determine the appropriate sentence. The judge generally has some discretion in what specific sentence is ordered. This discretion must be exercised in accordance with the sentencing guidelines enacted by the Kansas Legislature. The guidelines allow the judge to impose a sentence between minimum and maximum penalties.

In a felony case, sentencing will occur following the preparation of a pre-sentence investigation report (PSI). A PSI report is prepared by a court services officer who obtains the victim’s statements and gathers information on the defendant’s criminal history. The victim’s statement is your opportunity to tell the judge the injuries you suffered and the crime’s effect on your life and finances. The victim’s statement must be considered by the court when the defendant is sentenced. As a victim, you have the right to be present at sentencing and address the court if the judge allows.

The judge also has the authority to place the defendant on probation. Probation may include supervision by Community Corrections or Court Services. This procedure permits the court to try to fit the particular punishment to the crime and to the defendant.

9. Can the defendant appeal his conviction?

It is possible that the case in which you testify will be appealed if the defendant is convicted. This is a right guaranteed to the defendant. When the case is tried in district court, the convicted defendant may appeal to Court of Appeals or the State Supreme Court. There is no trial or testimony during the appeal. The appeal is ‘on the record’ which means the appellate court will consider the transcript of the proceedings at trial.

10. What happens after the defendant is in prison?

You should contact the victim services of the Kansas Department of Corrections at (785) 296-8128 to obtain information and to notify them of your address, telephone number, the case number, the county where the defendant was convicted, and the defendant’s name so you may receive notifications of any parole hearings or notifications of pending release.

11. Are juvenile court proceedings and records confidential?

All juvenile offender proceedings are open to the public unless the court finds that it is in the best interest of a juvenile under the age of sixteen (16) to close the proceedings. All juvenile files are open unless the court finds that it is the best interest to close the file of a juvenile under the age of fourteen (14). On sex offense cases, information identifying victims shall not be disclosed to the public. Social history and information on the juvenile offender remains confidential.

12. When will my property be returned to me?

The court or law enforcement officials hold property until it is no longer needed as evidence. At that time, it will be returned to you. If more than one person claims an interest in the property, the court must decide to whom the property should be returned.

There are times where an item of evidence can be photographed and released to the owner, however, that is up to the law enforcement agency.

13. Will I be reimbursed by the defendant for my loss?

A victim may be reimbursed for damages or losses suffered as a result of a crime the defendant committed. Restitution is an order of the court which instructs the defendant to compensate the victim. If a defendant is sentenced to prison, the Department of Corrections may require payment of restitution as a condition of post release supervision. To assist the court in determining the amount of restitution, keep any receipts, bills, or estimates regarding the loss. Promptly complete and return the restitution statement to the County Attorney’s Office.

If a defendant is ordered to pay restitution, the payments will be sent to the Clerk of the District Court. The Clerk of the District Court will then distribute the funds as they receive them.

Nonpayment of restitution alone is not a reason to revoke a defendant’s probation if the defendant is found unable to pay. The defendant must make a good faith effort to pay.

A victim can obtain a civil judgment against a defendant pursuant to K.S.A. 60-4301, by obtaining a certified copy of the Journal Entry of Sentencing and the Order to Pay Restitution and filing them with the Clerk of the District Court.

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Fairgrounds

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1. How do I make arrangements to stall a horse over night at the fairgrounds?

Please just give us a call any time. After hours, all calls go to our machine. Please leave your information and we will contact you the next business day.
Ph: (620) 272-3488
Fx: (620) 272-3845
Toll Free: (888) 876-3844

2. What number do I call to book an event at the Fairgrounds?

Local Ph: (620)272-3488
Fx: (620) 272-3845
Toll Free: (888) 876-3844

3. What number do I call to reserve an RV hook up at the Fairgrounds?

Ph: (620) 272-3488
Fx: (620) 272-3845
Toll Free: (888) 876-3844

4. How do I get tickets for events at the Fairgrounds?

Please view our Calendar of Events. All ticketed events have ticket-outlet information with their listings. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (620) 272-3844.

5. What are the dates of the Finney County Fair?

July 29, 2010-August 1, 2010.

6. How many people can be seated in your Grandstand Stadium?

We can seat 4,200 people in our stadium.

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Finney County Jail

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1. How do I find out who is in jail and what they are charged with?

For information on who is in the Jail and what they are charged with , call (620) 272-3756. The Deputy who answers the telephone will be able to give bond amounts and basic information on the person and how to gain their release. Once a person is accepted into the Jail the person, now prisoner, has to be booked, fingerprinted and photographed. A prisoner can not be released until these things occur. The amount of time that is required varies with the number of persons arrested and the cooperation of the prisoner.

2. How do I bail someone out of jail?

Bonds—If a person held in the Jail requires a bail bondsman to post bond, it is the responsibility of the prisoner, family or friends to select the person or company to write the bond. Jail staff are not allowed to recommend any person or company. Bondsman can be found in the yellow pages of the phone book.

Cash bonds—Cash bonds are accepted for the full amount of the bond. Certified cashier’s checks, money orders and cash, for the exact amount, are acceptable for the full amount of the bond. Cashier’s checks and money orders must be payable to the Finney County Sheriff’s Office. The cash posted may be subject to court costs and fines at the discretion of the courts.

3. When can I visit an inmate?

Sunday-Friday, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, with the following exceptions:

POD A
No visits Mon. & Thurs.

POD B
No visits Tues. & Fri.

POD C
No visits Sun. & Wed.

D, E, F, G, H
No visits Sun. & Wed.

*The last visit begins at 10:00 pm

Each prisoner is allowed three visits per week and a limit of two visitors during each visit. The amount of time for a visit is determined by the prisoner’s housing assignment. You must be on the prisoner’s visitation list in order to visit. Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted to visit and children are not allowed in the Jail’s lobby area. Each visitor must have a picture ID. If a visitor is disruptive, under the influence of alcohol/drugs, not properly dressed or if the prisoner becomes disruptive, visitation may be stopped or refused by staff. There are no special, face to face or contact visits allowed. All visits are through the closed circuit TV system and are subject to monitoring.

4. How do I add money to an inmates' commissary account?

Money and personal items for prisoners—Money, cash, money order or cashier’s check, may be put on a prisoner’s account by bringing it in person to the Sheriff’s Office during normal business hours or it may be mailed to the prisoner. Money must be in possession of the Sheriff’s Office by the close of business on Friday in order to be applied to the prisoners account for commissary day. No personal property items such as underwear or shoes will be accepted, since these items are provided to the prisoner or can be purchased through commissary.

5. How do I get information on impounded vehicles?

Please contact the arresting agency for information on how and where to pickup an impounded vehicle. The Finney County Sheriff’s Office Records Division can be reached at (620) 272-3700.

6. What is the Finney County Jail's policy on inmate telephone use?

All out-going telephone calls by prisoners will be made collect. Three-way calls are not permitted and if discovered the telephone number will be blocked. The service provider for prisoner phones is SECURIS TECHNOLOGIES (formerly Evercom). If you find there is a problem with your billing, have questions or complaints SECURIS TECHNOLOGIES phone number is: 1-800-844-6591.

7. How do I send mail to an inmate?

Prisoner mail— All mail should be addressed as follows:

(Prisoners Name)
C/O Finney County Jail
304 N. Ninth St.
Garden City, KS 67846

All personal mail is subject to inspection. No packages or books will be accepted.

8. How does an inmate release money or property?

Release of property— Personal property will only be released once. The prisoner must contact jail staff and a form will be created. The person picking up the property must have a picture ID. It is the prisoner’s decision if and to whom his/her property will be released. Personal property of a prisoner sentenced to prison or left behind will be destroyed if not picked up within 30 days.

Release of prisoner money— Prisoners may release money one time while they are incarcerated. The person picking up the check must have a picture ID. Checks not picked up or cashed will be handled according to state law and after a certain time will be turned over to the state treasurers office as unclaimed property.

9. What is the Finney County Jail's medical policy?

Medical/Dental Co-Pay Program— Each prisoner will be provided medical care from the time of admission throughout their incarceration. Prisoners who are seen by medical staff may be charged a co-pay fee for various services and prescriptions. No prisoner will be denied medical care because of an inability to pay. Outstanding medical bills incurred by prisoners will be turned over to a collection agency in accordance to state law for collection.

10. How do I get information about an inmate's past incarcerations?

Once an inmate is released from the Jail, no information will be released by Jail staff. Requests for information can be made through the Finney County Sheriff’s Office Records Division.

11. How do I get clothes to an inmate for jury trial?

Clothing for jury trials will be accepted one day before the beginning of the trial. Persons bringing the clothing to the Jail must pick up the clothing at the end of the trial.

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Human Resources

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1. Do you have any job openings?

When we have a job opening, the job is advertised in the Garden City Telegram (Saturday edition) and then placed on the Kansas HR Partners website.

2. Are drug tests mandatory?

Yes, county policy requires the passage of a drug test prior to being employed. The test takes place after being offered a job. Some positions require physical and psychological testing.

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Public Works

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1. How do I get an entrance / culvert?

A request for an entrance / culvert can be made by emailing the Work Request, Suggestions, or Comments or by calling the Public Works Office at (620) 272-3564. Please mark the desired location of the entrance / culvert and leave a name and phone number of a contact person.

Public Services will furnish and install the first entrance culvert to any tract of property adjacent to a County road. The standard length of the first culvert shall be 30 feet in length and the diameter of the pipe will be sized by the office of the County Engineer. The property owner shall be responsible for paying for any culvert length over the standard 30 feet and any additional entrance culverts to serve the same tract of property. Any additional entrances or length of culverts requested shall be installed by Finney County and the anticipated cost of which shall be made in advance by the owner prior to any installation.

2. Do I need a permit to do work in the County road rights of way?

Yes. By order of Resolution No. 18-2004, Finney County requires a Utility Permit for any work within the road rights of way. The Utility Permit can be obtained from the Finney County Public Works office located at:
101 W. Maple
Garden City, Kansas 67846.

3. Can I get a Slow Children Playing or a Children Playing sign in front of my house?

An often-heard neighborhood request is the posting of generalized warning signs with “SLOW – CHILDREN PLAYING” or other similar messages. Parental concerns for the safety of children in the street near homes, and the misplaced but widespread public faith in traffic signs to provide protection often prompt these requests.


Although some other States have posted such signs widely in residential areas, no factual evidence has been presented to document their success in reducing pedestrian accidents, operating speeds, or legal liability. Studies have shown that many types of signs attempting to warn of normal conditions in residential areas have failed to achieve the desired safety benefits. If signs encourage parents and children to believe they have an added degree of protection, which the signs do not and cannot provide, a great disservice results.


Because of these serious considerations, Federal standards discourage the use of “Children Playing” signs. In fact, these signs have been removed from the standard signs in the FHWA’s MUTCD 2000 edition. Specific warnings for schools, playgrounds, parks, and other recreational facilities are available for use where clearly justified.


Children should not be encouraged to play within the street travelways. The sign has long been rejected since it is a direct and open suggestion that this behavior is acceptable.

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Register of Deeds

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1. What is the Register of Deeds Office?

What is the Register of Deeds Office?
The Register of Deeds office is the county office where all transactions involving real estate are recorded; i.e.: deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, assignments, oil & gas leases, tax liens, etc. This office also files financing statements on personal property. These records are open to the public. Military discharges are also filed here.

2. What is a deed?

A deed is a document that transfers real estate from one party to another.

3. How do I change the name on my deed?

Once a document has been filed in this office, the document itself will not be changed – in order to transfer the property you will have to have a new deed prepared. To avoid future legal problems, we recommend that you have an abstractor or an attorney do this for you.

4. Will the Register of Deeds office prepare my deed?

No, you will have to have an abstractor or an attorney prepare it.

5. What happens if I lose my deed?

Nothing, providing it was filed in this office – for a nominal fee you will always be able to receive a copy of your deed.

6. Do I receive a new deed after paying off my house?

No. A deed, once filed, remains unchanged - however, our records will show that your mortgage has been paid.

7. What are the requirements for filing a document?

A document has to have a legal description, original signatures and be notarized. The proper filing fees have to be paid. A deed has to be accompanied by a Kansas Sales Validation Questionnaire – a form that assists the County Appraiser in assessing the property.

8. Can I find birth, death and marriage records in the register of deeds office?

Sorry – these records are filed with the Division of Vital Statistics in Topeka, Kansas. We do have forms that you can fill out to obtain certified copies of these records – or you can visit their website and download the forms. Their phone number is 785-296-1400. http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/vital/

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STD Illnesses

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1. What are the signs and symptoms of genital HPV infection?

Most people who have a genital HPV infection do not know they are infected. The virus lives in the skin or mucous membranes and usually doesn't cause any symptoms. Some people get visible genital warts, or have pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, vulva, anus, or penis. Very rarely, HPV infection results in anal or genital cancers.

2. What do genital warts look like?

Genital warts usually appear as soft, moist, pink, or flesh-colored swellings, usually in the genital area. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower shaped. They can appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh. After sexual contact with an infected person, warts may appear within weeks or months, or not at all.

3. How are genital warts diagnosed?

Genital warts are diagnosed by visual inspection. Visible genital warts can be removed by medications the patient applies, or by treatments performed by a health care provider. Some individuals choose to forego treatment to see if the warts will disappear on their own. No treatment regimen for genital warts is better than another, and no one treatment regimen is ideal for all cases.

4. How do I know if I have genital HPV infection?

Most women are diagnosed with HPV on the basis of abnormal Pap tests. A Pap test is the primary cancer-screening tool for cervical cancer or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, many of which are related to HPV. Also, a specific test is available to detect HPV DNA in women. The test may be used in women with mild Pap test abnormalities, or in women 30 years of age at the time of Pap testing. The results of HPV DNA testing can help health care providers decide if further tests or treatment are necessary.


No HPV tests are available for men.

5. Is there a cure for HPV?

There is no cure for HPV infection, although in most women the infection goes away on its own. The treatments provided are directed to the changes in the skin or mucous membrane caused by HPV infection, such as warts and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.

6. What is the connection between HPV and cervical cancer?

All types of HPV can cause mild Pap test abnormalities which do not have serious consequences. Approximately 10 of the 30 identified genital HPV types can lead, in rare cases, to development of cervical cancer. Research has shown that for most women (90 percent), cervical HPV infection becomes undetectable within two years. Although only a small proportion of women have a persistent infection, it's the persistent infections with high-risk types of HPV that carry the risk factor for cervical cancer.

7. How can people reduce their risk of HPV infection?

The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual.


For those who choose to be sexually active, a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is the strategy most likely to prevent future genital HPV infections. However, it is difficult to determine whether a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected.


For those choosing to be sexually active and who are not in long-term mutually monogamous relationships, reducing the number of sexual partners and choosing a partner less likely to be infected may reduce the risk of genital HPV infection. Partners less likely to be infected include those who have had no or few prior sex partners.


HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, and HPV-associated disease.

8. Where can I find more information on HPV?

You may either contact the Kansas City, MO Health Department at (816) 513-6008 and ask for Communicable Disease Prevention, or you may visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.