Jefferson County Council approves multiple transfers and appropriations, schedules 2026 budget hearing

The Jefferson County Council approved a series of budget transfers and appropriations and set a public hearing and second reading date for the 2026 county budget at its recent meeting.

Council members voted to move $6,500 from janitorial supplies to a part-time help line so the county can use an in-house part-time employee for courthouse cleaning rather than contract cleaners. The council approved an $8,205.56 transfer from equipment purchases to computer maintenance to cover costs tied to a lightning claim and deductible. An appropriation of $4,000 from an animal-shelter donation fund was approved to allow purchases of general shelter supplies. Council members also approved a $179,000 appropriation from ARPA funds "to pay for the [tax system] conversion," as described in the meeting, and an $80,000 appropriation to begin renovations to convert the county jail for juvenile use. Finally, the council moved and approved Resolution 2025-014 totaling…