Washington County debates FY22 budget priorities, including courthouse deputies and fee changes
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Summary
At the June 7 meeting the Board discussed moving courthouse security from contracted guards to two sheriff deputies, potential Solid Waste fee increases, Recreation fee waivers using ARP funds, and a CIP of about $696,000; budget amendments were approved and staff will return June 14 with updates.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners spent significant time on June 7 addressing key elements of the recommended fiscal year 2022 budget, including a proposal to shift courthouse security from private contractors to county sheriff deputies, adjustments to user fees and requests to use American Rescue Plan funds for program waivers.
County Manager and County Attorney Curtis Potter told the Board staff had added materials to the budget books to comply with GASBY and that a capital improvement program list included projects prioritized as 1 or 2 totaling approximately $696,000. He also noted a requested $2,200 allocation to Recreation for attendance at state games.
Chair William R. “Bill” Sexton outlined a plan discussed with the Sheriff to move security funding into the Sheriff’s budget to hire two certified deputies to handle courthouse security rather than continue with contracted guards. Potter said the contracted service cost roughly $54,000 in FY20 and “the amount is close to about $60,000” currently; hiring two deputies would raise personnel costs to about $150,000, with additional equipment costs and possibly a vehicle. Potter said ARP funds might cover some costs and offered to incorporate an additional $90,000 into the draft budget for board consideration. Commissioner Julius Walker said, “safety is a priority and feels the County needs to have the best for our citizens and our employees.”
The Board also discussed a proposed Solid Waste fee increase of $25 (from $275 to $300) and reducing the citizen landfill allowance from four tons to one ton. Recreation department leaders requested waiving participant insurance and program fees for the summer because of low enrollment; Commissioners discussed using ARP funds to pay those costs. Potter said paving projects for the DSS and Senior Center parking lots were pulled from the draft budget and proposed an open-house for prospective vendors to clarify county procurement processes.
Finance Officer Missy Dixon reported the county had received some ARP funds. The Board voted unanimously to approve the budget amendments and transfers that were included in the packet. Potter proposed a follow-up meeting on June 14 at 6:00 PM to continue budget discussions and to present any revised figures.
What’s next: staff will return on June 14 with updated budget figures and a formal FY22 budget presentation for the Board’s consideration.