Columbus County commissioners approve $1.5 million FY24‑25 budget amendment, pause June water disconnects

Heather Woody, Columbus County financial director, asked the board to approve a fiscal year 2024–25 budget amendment that would authorize the use of up to $1,500,000 of fund balance to cover shortfalls and close out capital projects.

"The board is requested to approve an increase ... in the amount of $1,500,000," Woody said, listing the largest expense increases as $443,566 in the department on aging budget to provide senior meals and services, and $248,331 in the sheriff’s office for medical expenses and juvenile detention costs. She said lower-than-expected revenues in the Department of Social Services (DSS) — about $862,000 — also contributed to the shortfall.

Woody told the commissioners the request includes ordinances to close out capital projects, including the historic courthouse renovation, new courthouse construction (with transfer of unused funds back to the general fund), COVID‑19 response projects, three school capital projects now that construction accounts are closed, and the old dock water and sewer project in Water District 5. She said the board would also be asked to open an ordinance for hurricane mutual aid, amend…