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Curry County budget committee: overall finances stable but jail staffing, levy could force adjustments
Summary
At a March 12, 2025 Curry County Budget Committee meeting, committee reviewers said county finances are broadly on track but persistent jail overtime and staffing shortfalls in the sheriff's office, timing of revenues and a pending property tax levy could require reallocations and supplemental budget moves.
At a March 12, 2025 Curry County Budget Committee meeting, committee members said a department-by-department review shows the county generally operating within budget but flagged persistent overtime and staffing pressure in the sheriff's office and timing-related revenue shortfalls that could force reallocation if the county's May levy does not pass.
Budget committee member Ted presented a synopsis of the department reviews compiled with Treasurer Nick Vicino and staff member Rabia and said Moss Adams, the county's auditor, has provided consultant lists to assist with the next budget cycle. Ted told the committee most department variances were housekeeping items such as mis-posted general ledger charges; several larger issues remain under review.
The committee highlighted the sheriff's office as the most significant operational pressure: deputies have been reassigned to jail duties, driving up overtime in the jail while patrol has extra funds but fewer officers on the road. Ted said he and staff spoke with the sheriff and with Jeremy Kron the previous day to discuss options and possible reallocation within the sheriff's fund.
Ted said the group expects to begin the formal budget process in about three weeks and to proceed with a working draft in April, then adjust after the May levy decision. He emphasized the committee will not finalize approvals until after the levy but that doing the bulk of budget work in April will make later adjustments easier.
The committee reviewed several other county-wide budget items that affected near-term flexibility. Ted identified two indirect-service cost allocations that will be corrected: a $322,000 insurance premium currently charged to the accounting department and about $339,000 in legal-defense charges appearing as indirect services in county council accounts. He said the county will reallocate those charges and has a meeting scheduled with CIS, the county's insurer, to discuss representation and expenses.
Payroll cost drivers were also discussed. Committee members noted the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) rate increase of about 5.4% and a cost-of-living adjustment around 4% that together will increase personnel expense pressure in coming budgets. The group agreed to include those factors in expense forecasting.
Timing of revenue was a recurring theme: Ted said several departments show revenue shortfalls at the 75% point of the fiscal year because some revenues historically arrive in the final quarter. The committee asked staff to prepare a carryover forecast based on the last few years to inform the April draft.
Other near-term liabilities include an outstanding hospital charge in the sheriff's office that Ted said is about $62,000 and will need to be absorbed if payment is required this fiscal year. Ted and other members also discussed the value of a rainy-day fund to manage such unpredictable charges.
Next steps: staff will produce revenue carryover forecasts and implement several technical ledger corrections. Committee members said they will continue budget drafting in April and make any necessary adjustments after the levy outcome in May.
