Washington County adopts FY25 budget; fire department funding separated and approved with purchase stipulations

County Manager and County Attorney Curtis S. Potter presented the FY25 Budget Ordinance and a related modification to the sheriff's budget and fee schedule during the June 3 meeting.

Commissioner John C. Spruill asked that funding for the county’s fire departments be removed from the omnibus budget for a separate vote. Commissioners approved pulling fire funding for separate consideration. Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson moved to approve the Fire Departments’ funding with a one-cent ($.01) increase contingent on purchase requests routing through the Fire Commission and then to the county finance officer; Commissioner Julius Walker Jr. seconded. The motion carried with four aye votes and one recusal recorded.

Following the separate action on fire funding and other amendments, Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the full FY25 Budget Ordinance; the board carried the motion unanimously. The agenda packet included a modification to the Sheriff’s budget and a revised fee schedule tied to the newly adopted Facility Use Policy.

Finance Officer Missy Dixon reported the county received approximately $93,000 and $35,000 from prior Medicaid/Medicare audits; the board approved budget transfers and amendments presented by Dixon. County staff noted they are pursuing a 911 grant and a FEMA grant to cover costs related to EMTOC but additional funds may be required.

The board authorized staff to implement the budget as amended and directed the Fire Commission and county finance officer to follow the new purchase routing procedure for fire-department expenditures.