Commission Reviews Budget; Discusses Water Authority Payments

Jasper County Board of Commissioners conducted a budget meeting Tuesday evening to review the proposed budget for the FY2014.

The meeting, which followed a work session, was attended by a packed auditorium of spectators. Commissioners, under the direction of former and current interim County Manager Lorri Smith, reviewed specific line items in the proposed budget in an effort to balance the bottom line.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) anticipated revenues were given serious attention. Mrs. Smith informed commissioners that a rate increase for EMS services would need to be addressed particularly with regard to ambulance services. Comparison studies with surrounding counties reflect that local rates are nearly 50 percent less. The EMS rate increase will be the first order of business prior to approving the proposed budget during the June 3 regular meeting.

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With regard to the EMS, the commission requested that the department hire full-time and part-time staff where needed in an effort the reduce exorbitant overtime fees. By filling current staffing issues the department’s operating budget could be reduced by $50,000, according to the interim county manager.

Other reductions from the proposed operating budget included funding the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority at half of their submitted requests and delineating $20,000 from the finance line item.

As discussion of the proposed budget came to a close, the commissioners were searching for $43,000 to balance the budget.

Depending on the outcome with the landfill removal project, the commissioners were confident a balanced budget will be reached by the next regular meeting.

A work session to further discuss the budget and healthcare was scheduled for Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m.