The Clark County Fiscal Court on an April meeting approved a set of budget and cash transfers intended to cover shortfalls in several departments after members warned that repeated transfers are unsustainable.

Judge and county finance staff presented three budget transfers and three cash transfers for approval. After discussion about how some expenses had been paid from ARPA-related accounts and whether appropriations had been moved correctly, members voted to approve the transfers. The court chair and finance staff said the transfers were needed to ensure payroll and vendor payments could be made before the next meeting.

Why it matters: Several magistrates and the judge expressed frustration that transfers have become routine. One commissioner said the transfers reflected “increasing appropriations” and warned that without firmer budgeting the county will continue to face cash-flow pressures and recurring midyear adjustments.

The court’s discussion covered: whether ARPA funds had been used or merely reclassified, how EMS and broadband line items should be funded, and whether contingency funds could be used directly for some payments. Finance staff explained that some amounts were already moved in cash and that the transfers were bookkeeping and appropriation moves needed to avoid missed payroll or vendor payments.

Officials also debated whether specific restricted accounts could be used. A question surfaced about a small LEPC account (Local Emergency Planning Committee) with roughly $500; staff and magistrates agreed LEPC monies are restricted to LEPC uses and cannot be moved to general operations. That point prompted a separate motion on a cash-transfer item tied to that account.

Court action: The court approved the three budget transfers and then approved the three cash transfers presented on the agenda. Members recorded aye votes and the motions carried.

Context and next steps: Multiple magistrates urged departments to live within their budgets and to avoid last-minute appropriations moves, saying the board will press for tighter controls in the next budgeting cycle. Finance staff said some transfers addressed timing differences that, if uncorrected, would cause immediate cash-flow problems.

Votes at the meeting also covered the bills list and supplemental bills; those were approved separately during the consent portion of the agenda.