Finance committee forwards proposed general and specialty funds to finance after line-item changes

The County Finance Committee voted to forward a package of proposed budgets and specialty funds to the finance department for final review after discussing several line-item adjustments, including a new equipment expense line and timing for audit-related payments.

Committee budget staff (referred to in the meeting as "Steph" and "Jason") explained changes across multiple departments. The group agreed to add a new equipment line item and discussed a $21,000 equipment request that would be recorded in account 701002. Staff also noted an audit timing issue: the county must pay half of the upcoming audit fee before auditors arrive, which will shift about $5,000 into the current budget year and require a small increase on that line.

Other adjustments presented included increases to live-scan costs, travel and training lines, and reclassifying a dental contract payment into the general medical services line after the original vendor voided the contract. Inmate supplies, uniforms and radio maintenance were among the sheriff-related lines increased to reflect retirements, new hires and replacements.

Committee members asked for clarification about revenues tied to the jail. Staff reported the county has received significant receipts for housing inmates from other counties and that those receipts fund some extra expenses, while other lines remain supported by the general fund.

After discussion, the committee approved a motion to forward general fund 1, funds 23, 40, 51 and 52, and specialty funds 3, 11, 29, 34, 48 and 53, with income and expenses, to the finance department. The committee also approved payment of bills for several departments later in the meeting.

Ending: The budgets and related payment motions were approved for referral to finance; staff will reconcile timing issues and finalize equipment line coding with finance.