Elbert County commissioners approve $200,000 in supplemental appropriations for hail repairs and SNAP pass-through

The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved supplemental appropriations Tuesday, adding $55,000 to the Law Enforcement Assistance Fund to cover hail-related vehicle repairs and $145,000 to the Human Services Fund to pass through SNAP benefits, officials said.

Tiffany Hermas, Elbert County finance director, presented the request during a special meeting called to order at 10 a.m. Hermas told commissioners the $55,000 would offset hail-repair costs in Fund 40 and the $145,000 would fund a state pass-through for SNAP/EBT in Fund 50. "We are looking for $55,000 for that fund," Hermas said, and added, "we are asking for an additional $145,000 to fund the state pass through." She said both appropriations are offset by reimbursements or pass-through revenue and therefore do not create a net cost to the county.

A commissioner asked about insurance deductibles for hail claims; Hermas said deductibles vary by vehicle but estimated "about $1,500 per vehicle" and offered to confirm the exact figure with staff member Ethan. Commissioners also sought timing information for reimbursements; Hermas said state pass-through payments do not hit county accounts and that hail-claim reimbursements already had been received. She said the appropriations will help finalize the county's 2025 audit.

With no members of the public offering comment, a commissioner moved to adopt the resolution approving the supplemental appropriations "as presented." The motion was seconded and passed on unanimous voice votes from Commissioners McDaniel, Schroeder and Buck. The board then closed the public hearing and immediately adjourned the special meeting.

The appropriation adds $55,000 to Fund 40 for hail-related repairs and $145,000 to Fund 50 for SNAP pass-throughs; the board's action will be reflected in the county's 2025 budget records and audit.