Few Interested in Budget

The few people attending the public hearing on Jasper County’s budget last week learned that the rate had been decreased by about one-half mill, based on the change in curbside service.

Currently, the county collects bills for curbside, and the county contracts with Advanced Disposal Services to pick it up. Beginning January 1, ADS will be in charge of billing and picking up.
{{more}}

Therefore, the $45,000 that had been budgeted for that office could be taken out of the budget. In addition, ADS is going to pay Jasper County $1.44 per can for each can they pick up. That revenue is projected to be more than $86,000.

A few people expressed concerns about various items. One man questioned how much the commissioners make and what “perks” they get.

One person asked about the reservoir project that Jasper County is considering sharing with Newton County, asking if any money is budgeted in next year’s budget for that.


Commission Chairman Russell Bennett answered there is no line item for a reservoir the budget.
Residents will have two more chances to speak out on the county budget before it is “set in stone.” The first is today, Dec. 11, at 9 a.m., and the second is today, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m.