Harrison County commissioners approve line-item transfer, bills, payroll, travel policy and budget amendment

Harrison County commissioners approved a slate of routine financial and administrative measures Thursday after the county auditor presented the November 2024 unaudited financial report.

The auditor reported a fund balance of $23,931,778 and told the court the general fund had collected $1,301,382 as of November 2024 compared with $1,996,677 the prior year, a decline the auditor attributed largely to timing differences and reduced investment returns. The auditor also said the county has issued $5,482,198 in payments year-to-date and that two funds showing negative balances will be corrected when expected grant revenue is recorded.

Motion votes: the court approved a $35,990.45 line-item transfer (motion by Commissioner Ebarb, second by Commissioner Timmons), payment of regular bills (motion by Commissioner Hatfield, second by Commissioner Timmons), and payroll for Dec. 29, 2024 (motion by Christian Timmons, second by Christian Hatfield); all motions passed 4–0.

The court also approved revisions to the travel policy to clarify that the "most direct route" is determined by mileage and to update purchasing contact information. The auditor noted the IRS mileage reimbursement rate increased from $0.67 to $0.70 and said staff will notify users by email rather than amend the policy text each year.

Finally, commissioners approved a budget amendment to recognize insurance proceeds and related repair expenses from a Feb. 11 hailstorm; the auditor said several vehicle repairs remain and additional amendments are possible.

All financial motions recorded at the meeting passed unanimously. The court did not set policy changes beyond the travel policy wording and will incorporate the approved amendments into future accounting reports.