Commission Has Work Sessions on Budget

The Jasper County Commissioners continue to have budget work sessions frequently as they work to establish the 2024 fiscal year budget.

On Tuesday, May 30, a called meeting and budget work session were scheduled, however the Courthouse door was locked at 5:57 p.m. so it is unclear if they met or not. They were to vote on purchasing a new ambulance during the called meeting. It will take 10 months to get the vehicle.

On Monday, May 22, a work session on the bud- get was held, and another one is scheduled for tomorrow, June 2, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Commissioners hope to have a consensus to advertise the budget when they meet for their regular meeting on Monday, June 5 at 6 p.m.

On Friday, May 19, commissioners began with a called meeting at 9 a.m., and when it was complete, they continued meeting to discuss the budget and hear from department heads and elected officials.

During the called meeting, commissioners heard from Public Works Director Michael Walsh, who spoke to them about culverts that are washed out completely, causing the roads to be impassable. He said the scope

of the work was really more than his department could handle, being heavily burdened already with their spring workload.

Commissioner Bruce Henry made a motion to put the work out for bid, and it was seconded by Commissioner Steven Ledford. Chairman Don Jernigan, Vice Chair Sheila Jones, and Commissioner Gerald Stunkel, who dialed in for the meeting, voted in favor.

They also voted to do full depth reclamation on a 600 foot section of Miss Sarah Road, beginning at Hwy. 212 west, and continuing only 600 ft.