Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc. is amongst another group that is feeling the severe pinch of the state’s budget cuts.

At the Geary County Commission meeting Monday afternoon, a representative on behalf of the developmental center proposed a request for a 2% budget increase.

Big Lakes Developmental Center is a private, non-profit organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Riley, Geary, Clay and Pottawatomie counties.

The organization has two centers – one Adult Training Center in Manhattan, KS and another in Clay Center.

“We have a total of 43 people from Geary County being served [over there] and [about] 14 of those ride a bus from Junction City [over there] daily,” said Florence Whitebread, Geary County Commissioner.

Whitebread says the developmental center contracts with different agencies in Riley county and surrounding areas to help those in their programs work jobs and earn money.

“It gives them ways to earn a little bit of money and feel like they’re a part of the community; I think it’s a necessary thing and I feel bad the way the state is really cutting these most vulnerable people and the services to them,” said Whitebread.

Unfortunately, the center is at capacity and has been forced to cut off admissions because without the additional funding, they are unable to take on any new clients.