Cheatham County moves funds for libraries, public safety and highway capital; sheriff to get new software

Cheatham County commissioners approved a package of budget amendments on April 21 that redirect funds to several county departments and authorize the use of revenue from equipment sales to pay for highway capital outlays.

The Budget Committee’s recommendation, approved 12–0, included transfers into the County General Fund for South Cheatham Library ($8,500), Cheatham County Library ($12,500), Sheriff's Department equipment and software ($105,000 from fund balance for a new records/management software), Ambulance/EMS training supplement ($24,000) and smaller transfers for building and codes and jail equipment. The Highway Fund received a $92,670 capital outlay allocation funded from revenue collected at an equipment auction.

The sheriff’s software purchase was described in the meeting packet as an initial procurement of $105,000, with first-year maintenance estimated at $32,000 annually thereafter; commissioners approved that transfer from fund balance to avoid a separate material request in the next fiscal year.

Separately, the commission approved the surplus and disposal/scrapping of a Canon ImageRUNNER 3235 (18 years old) and authorized proceeds from future sales of surplus items to be deposited to the County General Fund. The surplus motion passed by roll call vote 12–0.

Why it matters: The software and equipment allocations affect how the sheriff’s department and jail will manage records, and the EMS and library transfers are intended to maintain services. The highway capital allotment funds vehicle purchases tied to an auction sale.

Attribution and procedure: The list of amendments was presented by Director of Accounts Sandrine Batts and moved by Commissioner Bill Powers; the full package was approved by roll call vote 12–0.