Committee approves sheriff and workhouse budgets, flags ambulance and ADA costs

The Claiborne County Public Budget Committee approved several departmental and fund budgets during March 4 reviews and recorded actions to reduce the frequency of some advisory committee meetings.

The committee approved the Sheriff Department draft budget of $3,259,602, which includes grant‑funded items and budgeted funding for one additional deputy (about $41,000). The vote to approve the sheriff budget was unanimous. The Workhouse draft budget of $4,006,934, noting new ELCG grant funding and continuation of the EBJPP inmate program, was also approved unanimously.

Committee members approved small fund drafts and boards: Board of Equalization ($7,025) and Beer Board ($2,500) were approved as presented. The Budget and Finance Committee draft ($35,232) was approved as amended after a motion by Dustin Wilson to cut medical insurance coverage; the roll call on that amendment was recorded as unanimous in the minutes.

The County Commission draft ($199,426) drew discussion about increasing audit and TCCA dues; members approved motions to reduce Senior Citizens Committee meetings (first to quarterly then amended to twice a year) and to reduce Buildings & Grounds committee meetings from six to four.

During both meetings county officials raised operational concerns with clear budget implications: county staff flagged that an ambulance escrow will be exhausted at the end of June 2024 and estimated FY2025 ambulance services at $365,000, meaning the General Fund will likely need to cover ongoing ambulance costs. Officials also said county buildings will require ADA compliance work by 2028 and that the county intends to advertise a bid package for ADA improvements. Mr. Brooks said he will include the ambulance contract in the next county court packet for review.

The committee approved the Drug Control Fund draft of $61,200 and adjourned the March 4 meeting at 8:01 p.m.