Commission approves series of budget tweaks, grants and appropriations, including $81,509 for the animal shelter

Benton County commissioners on Jan. 21 approved a package of budget amendments and appropriations covering schools, law enforcement, the animal shelter and other county accounts.

The commission combined Resolutions 20200121-05 through 20200121-13 into a single motion and approved the combined package by voice vote. The changes include: a $13,000 intra-school budget transfer for personnel codes; a $40,000 transfer to purchase Chromebooks for students; a $1,900 breakfast-participation grant for school food services; sheriff's budget adjustments totaling roughly $1,994.01 and $7,624.36 in drug-fund receipts allocated across law-enforcement accounts; $19,500 from a UTRUST grant for schools; animal shelter revenues of $12,220 budgeted to cover current deficits and future vet expenses; and a $202.60 addition to the Senior Citizens food account from donations and rentals.

Separately, commissioners approved Resolution 20200121-14 to appropriate $81,509.42 from the Gladys Tuturea Estate sub-fund into the animal shelter budget (split into $79,074.47 and $2,434.95 line items); that measure passed on a roll call reported as 16 Ayes and 1 Pass. The commission also approved a $500 appropriation from the Courtroom Security Reserve to purchase signs and a $1,000 appropriation from the Unassigned Fund Balance for annual ATLAS maintenance tied to school data equipment.

Why it matters: The combined approvals move already-allocated or donated funds into active expenditure accounts and address shortfalls (animal shelter veterinary services, school equipment and jury fees). One resolution (20200121-17) appropriated $10,000 from the Unassigned Fund Balance to cover increased jury and witness fees anticipated through June.

Next steps: Department heads will implement line-item changes and carry out purchases and services under the adjusted budgets. The county clerk certified the meeting minutes and appropriations.