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Commission approves grouped budget amendments after debate over projected deficit
Summary
The commission approved five grouped budget amendments adding state SRO grant funds, jail maintenance increases, nearly $1.4 million in highway state aid for bridge work, Board of Education grant allocations, and adjustments to proceeds from surplus sheriff equipment. A commissioner warned the changes push the projected deficit toward $2.9 million; the grouping passed by roll call.
The Smith County Board of Commissioners approved a package of five budget amendments after discussion about their effect on the county's projected deficit.
The sponsor explained the package would: add $75,000 in state School Resource Officer (SRO) grant funding to place an SRO at the alternative school; increase the jail maintenance budget by $25,000 to cover rising costs for the jail and courts facility; add roughly $1.4 million in state aid to Highway/Public Works Fund 131 for Kemp Hollow Lane crossing and Peyton Creek bridge work; move two Board of Education grant awards into the appropriate education budget lines; and reallocate proceeds from surplus sheriff equipment and drug-control funds (proposed transfers of $16,000 to fund 171 and $17,159 to fund 01/2021) while the county develops a permanent policy for capital surplus accounting.
An unidentified commissioner cautioned approving the amendments would increase the year-to-date projected deficit. He cited figures: "Our original budget that this body passed had a budgeted deficit of $2,586,113" and approving the amendments would add about "$338,871.93" for a projected total deficit of "$2,924,984.93," nearly $3 million in the red. The speaker urged consideration of recurring versus one-time expenses and long-term solutions.
Supporters and other commissioners responded that several items are one-time capital or grant-related expenses and that long-term operational deficits must still be addressed—citing insurance increases and the timing of opioid settlement funds as recurring pressures. The commission held a roll-call vote and the grouped amendments were approved.
The county clerk's roll call recorded votes and the Chair announced the motion passed. The commission will leave policy decisions about surplus capital accounting and long-term budget balancing to the budget committee.
