Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners warn of tightening reserves and potential cuts without new revenue
Summary
During the Oct. 8 meeting commissioners described daily budget reviews of invoices and warned the county is approaching a fiscal "backstop" that could force service reductions if additional revenue or legislative changes do not appear. They urged continued scrutiny of spending and outreach to state legislators.
Commissioner Shell used the Oct. 8 meeting to give a fiscal status update, saying county leadership now meets daily at 9 a.m. with the fiscal department and the chief clerk to review invoices of $50 and above and staffing decisions.
"What we're doing, currently is every day at 09:00, the commissioners, the board of commissioners with the fiscal department and our chief clerk, do talk about all invoices, as we said, $50, and above and also, new hires," Shell said. He said departments have been asked to limit requests and that the county is working to identify a "backstop" amount — the point at which reserves would be exhausted and more severe measures would be necessary.
Shell said the county has reserves but warned they could be exhausted soon without new revenue. He urged county residents and officials to speak with Crawford County legislators about the county’s fiscal position. "We will find that backstop and it is coming. And that backstop does require us to do some pretty hefty things, reduce services and make cuts," he said.
Commissioner Sealy reminded voters that the courthouse will be closed Nov. 4 for the election and encouraged those seeking absentee or mail-in ballots to use the election office hours. Separately, commissioners issued a countywide burning advisory because of dry conditions and recent brush fires.
The board did not vote on new budget items at the meeting but emphasized heightened daily oversight and upcoming budget meetings across departments.
