Webster County finance director trims mileage, consultant spending and flags salary context

Crystal Lloyd, Webster County’s budget and finance director, reviewed proposed changes to her office’s budget and explained the rationale behind several line-item adjustments.

Lloyd told colleagues she reduced the mileage allocation to 500 miles for the coming year, saying, “I did drop mileage down to 500,” because she has used only about half the previous allocation this year. She also proposed lowering consultant planning from $15,000 to $10,000, while noting there is about $500 in consultant costs already incurred that still need to be recorded.

On equipment, Lloyd said a new printer has already been purchased and she does not anticipate further office equipment spending; she added that some equipment costs are covered in another budget she referred to as "Andy’s budget." She said she increased miscellaneous expenses slightly to allow for small needs and requested a shade or door covering to reduce interruptions at her office, located at the top of a stairwell.

Lloyd also offered context about pay, saying, “When I was hired, I was hired at 75,000,” and adding that prior budget and finance directors without a county degree sometimes received higher pay. Lloyd framed the remark as a personal note to be considered in compensation discussions.

Colleagues asked practical questions about travel logistics and hotel stays; Lloyd said she could ride with other staff if driving were restricted. Several unidentified colleagues thanked Lloyd for her work preparing budget materials and assisting department heads, praising her support of public health preparations and training.

There were no motions or formal votes recorded on these items during the session. The meeting concluded with a brief closing comment that no further items remained on the agenda.