August 22, 2011
08/23/11 Members of the Marshall County Council spent most of Monday review and discussing the 2012 budget requests of $10,896,782 while the anticipated revenue is $10,750,000.
The County Commissioners made several recommendations under personnel including a 2% pay increase for all employees, department heads and elected officials. They also recommended moving the Veterans Service Officer from part-time to full-time and allowing the highway department to add a joint driver/sign person. The commissioners also recommended allowing the Prosecutor to add one additional deputy prosecutor with funding to be provided by 4D or the pre trail diversion funds and for the Sheriff to add one additional road patrol officer. The final personnel recommendation was to move the receptionist from Court Services back into the Superior Court #2 budget.
The Commissioners suggested some general recommendations for the 2012 budget including reducing the Sheriff’s vehicle line item from $125,000 down to $75,000 since they will be replacing the second squad car this year that was totaled in an accident. They feel that replacement of the doors and windows in the County Building is necessary and believe they will see an immediate reduction in heating and cooling bills. The Commissioners would like to see the County IT Department continue evaluating and recommend all computer replacements and upgrades.
The Commissioners encouraged department heads to sue special funds they might have available to support portions of their general fund budgets. And finally, they asked the Council not to reduce the budget below $10.6 million in order to preserve the maximum levy. Commissioner Overmyer noted, “We will need the maximum from property taxes.”
During the budget hearings it was suggested that the Council reduce $147,000 out of the 2012 budget requests. After a full day’s work and looking at all funds but three there were estimated cut of $82,000.
The Marshall County Council will continue Budget Hearings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the second floor meeting room of the County Building. The meeting is open to the public.