Commissioners Discuss 2022 Budget
After an hour and a half handling county business Monday evening, the commissioners turned their attention to the proposed 2022 budget.
They reviewed revenues in a recent work session, and Monday began examining individual budgets. One place that budget requests went up significantly was the courts. County Manager Mike Benton explained why Superior Court was increased…mostly fees that the county is required to pay.
The Magistrate Court request is up 11.1 percent, and the commissioners discussed the reasons. His line item for office supplies was increased from a couple hundred to $2,500, and he said that he is not getting the support from Superior Court he did previously. That was not the only increase.
District 4 Commissioner Gerald Stunkel said he thought they should get the Chief Magistrate in there to justify his request. He indicated the Chief Magistrate is not willing to work within his budget, and said, “If he’s not going to live within the law, how can he enforce it?”
The commissioners looked at several budgets, including fire/rescue and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is only budgeting an increase for increased fuel costs in the regular budget. The county continues to purchase four vehicles a year for that department in an effort to keep decent cars in rotation, and likely will in 2022.
Fire/rescue is asking for a new tanker and a new ambulance. Chief Chris Finch explained the hours and mileage on the vehicles, and the age of the entire fleet of fire tankers. He was asking for some $319,000 for a new tanker, but said he had since found one for about $260,000. So, the commissioners reduced that line item. The new ambulance is budgeted at $180,000.
The recreation department was asking for a new mower, as the one it is using is quite old, and is having issues. Commissioner Stunkel made a motion to go ahead and purchase a new mower out of this year’s fund balance.
In addition, the coroner was asking for a newer transport van, as he is currently using a 1986 model. He found a used one for $16,350, including lettering, and Commissioner Stunkel made the motion to move forward on purchasing the van.
Another item that requires more research is cleaning services for the health department. That department is requesting some $10,200 for cleaning.
The 911 budget is up as an audit is under way, and the cost is anticipated to be some $30,000. There may be funds in the 911 budget to cover some of that, said Mr. Benton, but until the audit is done, they don’t know.
The commissioners will hear from CPA Mark Hardison about the county’s 2020 audit at a meeting next Monday, May 10. In addition, a called meeting, and probably more budget work, is set for Monday, May 17.
