Lauderdale County Commission adopts 2025–26 budget, approves $1.29 million criminal justice grant and court relocation bill

Lauderdale County commissioners approved the 2025–2026 budget package and several related measures at a regular meeting June 9 at the County Courthouse in Ripley.

The commission approved a Criminal Justice Program grant in the amount of $1,293,921 and adopted Appropriations Resolution 6-25-1, which implements the county’s 2025–2026 budgets. The commission also approved the tax levy (Resolution 6-25-2) and multiple fund amendments covering the general fund and several special funds.

Commissioner Danny Hartsfield moved to approve House Bill No. 1423, a measure described at the meeting as an amendment to the Private Acts governing Lauderdale County to relocate the Probate and Juvenile Court to the Justice Complex; Commissioner Susan Worlds seconded the motion. The roll call vote recorded 21 commissioners in favor and three opposed: Commissioner Joe Carmack, Commissioner Sherry Jones and Commissioner Joe Pursell. The motion passed.

Other budget actions approved by roll call included the county’s water system budget and the Ambulance Authority budget. Commissioner Jeff Henson moved the water and ambulance budgets; motions were seconded and passed by roll call. The commission also approved school budget amendments and budget amendments for Fund 101 (General Fund), Fund 122 and Fund 207.

Commissioners additionally approved appropriations to nonprofit organizations by Resolution 6-25-3; the record shows one abstention by Commissioner Susan Worlds. Routine business included approval of the Building Permits Report and election of several notaries public. Sheriff Brian Kelley called the meeting to order; County Mayor Maurice Gaines and County Clerk Lea Turnbow were recorded as present.

The commission adjourned at 6:54 p.m. after completing the scheduled business.