Committee members plan comparative budget to justify hiring a coordinator; estimate ~ $150,000

S2 told the committee they are preparing an 11x17 comparative budget to show commissioners why the county needs a coordinator and to quantify potential efficiencies gained by consolidated purchasing and administration. S2 said the work will require meeting with each chief to finalize lines and will be submitted to HMS to forward to the county commission as an explanatory packet.

S2 estimated the coordinator would cost in the neighborhood of $150,000 (figure discussed conversationally and not adopted as a fixed contract amount). "We need to be responsible and spend a $150,000 or whatever it's gonna take to hire this person," S2 said, while acknowledging the commission may resist the expense. Committee members encouraged S2 to complete the comparative budget within two weeks for the next meeting so the committee can use it in the case to commissioners.