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Monroe County approves multiple budget amendments, moves $1.33 million in ARP funds to finish in-progress projects
Summary
The Monroe County Commission approved a package of budget amendments and transfers including a $1,334,581.25 move from ARP fund balance to cover overages on in-progress projects, plus smaller amendments for maintenance, sheriff overtime, and grants.
The Monroe County Commission approved a series of budget amendments and appropriations Tuesday that move money within department budgets and reallocate $1,334,581.25 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund balance to complete projects already underway.
The actions approved included a $113,500 amendment for county maintenance repairs; a $2,065.89 transfer to the Solid Waste budget to cover year-end payroll accruals; $951.75 to cover restitution damages in the sheriff’s general fund; $111,139 to supplement a CDBG waterline extension project; and $28,000 to cover sheriff overtime required when deputies worked in neighboring counties. The commission also approved smaller grant alignments — including a $21,953 adjustment for the health department and a $6,184.76 violent-crimes grant amendment for the sheriff — and an $8,000 transfer for coroner autopsy costs.
Commissioners described the ARP transfer ($1,334,581.25) as money already in fund balance being used to cover cost overruns on projects already started — convenience center work and certain waterline projects — not new initiatives. “This is all ARP,” the mayor said while explaining that ARP money currently sits in fund balance and the transfer allows those projects to be completed.
Supporters said the transfers prevent partially completed projects from stalling. Questions from commissioners focused on project status and fund accounting; staff and the East Tennessee Development District clarified that the CDBG-related paperwork is part of standard grant reporting and change-order documentation.
The package of amendments and transfers was moved, seconded, and approved by roll call where recorded. The mayor also used the budget discussion to thank commissioners and staff for the process, and to note the proposal carries no tax increase for residents in the current cycle.
The commission also approved separate items to increase revenue for the county rodeo ($31,890), move $800 within the archives budget to cover part-time hours, and authorize $406,200 from fund balance to cover jail payroll accruals and outside inmate medical claims.
Next steps: approved transfers will be reflected in the county’s fiscal-year-end accounting and grant paperwork will be submitted to state and regional grant administrators as required.
