The Bourbon County Special Commission Meeting held on September 26, 2025, focused primarily on budget adjustments and staffing allocations within the county. The discussions revealed a consensus among commissioners regarding the need to streamline spending and address what was described as "budget creep."
Commissioner comments highlighted a perception that the county's financial issues stem from excessive spending rather than a lack of revenue. The meeting underscored a commitment to reducing the budget, with specific proposals to revert staffing levels in certain offices to previous years' figures. Notably, there was a suggestion to cut the number of full-time equivalent positions in the deeds office from three to two and a half, aligning with practices in neighboring Allen County.
The commissioners expressed a desire to finalize budget adjustments by October 1, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in the proposed changes. A discussion about employee benefits also took place, with some commissioners advocating for a review of these costs before making final decisions.
As the meeting progressed, a consensus was reached among the commissioners to move forward with the proposed adjustments, although there was a call for caution regarding potential changes to benefits. The meeting concluded with a recess to allow for further consultation on the budget, ensuring that all necessary information would be available before finalizing the decisions.
Overall, the meeting reflected a proactive approach to managing the county's finances, with a focus on efficiency and accountability in budgeting practices. The next steps will involve finalizing the budget adjustments and addressing any outstanding concerns regarding employee benefits.