Warren County Fiscal Court approves $81M budget including road repairs and fire department funding

The Warren County Fiscal Court convened on May 23, 2025, to discuss and approve several key financial allocations and projects aimed at enhancing community services and infrastructure. The meeting highlighted significant funding decisions, including grants and purchases that will impact emergency management, public safety, and road maintenance.

One of the notable approvals was a determination amount of $15,000 allocated to the Save Our Kids Coalition for reimbursement of the ASAP coordinator, funded through the ASAP grant. Additionally, the court approved an $18,550 expenditure for a Kubota utility vehicle for Basil Griffin Park, replacing an older vehicle.

The court also authorized $39,065 for paving the Ephraim White Park Maintenance Road and $23,980 for the purchase of four AquaEye sonar devices for emergency management, funded by a SAR grant. Another significant approval was for $665,123 to Atlantic Emergency Solutions for a new fire engine, replacing one that was totaled in an accident. This purchase was made possible through insurance funds.

In terms of budgetary matters, the court reviewed a proposed budget of $81,322,933 for the fiscal year 2025-2026, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. Key highlights of the budget include $3.5 million for remodeling Sugar Maple Square, $2.5 million for road resurfacing, and $1 million for the Betterworth Road project, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion near a new school.

The meeting also addressed the need for ongoing support for the county's fire department, with a budget of $3.75 million that includes staffing and equipment upgrades. Furthermore, the court discussed a jail shortfall of nearly $3.8 million due to reduced state revenue and rising operational costs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the court's commitment to improving infrastructure and public safety in Warren County, with a focus on responsible budgeting and strategic investments in community resources. The next steps will involve implementing the approved projects and monitoring the budget's impact on county services.