Van Buren County's Quorum Court made significant strides in budget management during its December 21, 2023, meeting, approving two key ordinances aimed at addressing comp time payouts for employees in the detention center and sheriff's department.

The court unanimously passed an ordinance to transfer $19,212.46 into the detention center's budget. This funding is crucial for covering accrued comp time that employees must be paid out before the year's end. The ordinance involved reallocating funds from various line items, ensuring that the detention center can meet its payroll obligations without delay.

Following this, the court also addressed a similar issue for the sheriff's department, approving a transfer of $9,174.25 to cover comp time payouts. This ordinance was also passed unanimously after a thorough discussion about the availability of funds, which clarified that the necessary resources were indeed available despite initial concerns about budget shortfalls.

Both ordinances were expedited through a suspension of the rules, allowing for all three readings to occur in one meeting. This procedural efficiency reflects the court's commitment to timely financial management, ensuring that employees receive their due compensation before the new year.

The decisions made during this meeting highlight the Quorum Court's proactive approach to budgetary challenges and its dedication to supporting county employees. As the year closes, these actions will help maintain morale and operational stability within the county's law enforcement and detention services.