V. Hugh Lewis II/ Jefferson Jimplecute
Marion County Commissioners continued their work on the 2024 Budget last Friday and will resume work on Monday.
The last proposed general fund budget had a deficit of $142,263 with all the office changes necessary due to inflation, a new sheriff’s vehicle, and general maintenance. Additional departmental requests had not been added prior to the meeting.
The deficit projection is normal at ths stage as final tax roll information has not been completed and usually offsets at least a significant portion of the deficit.
The County will see a savings in retirement rates, as they have been slighly overfunding.
Salaries are hoped to be increased by 5% next year, and that’s the percentage Commissioners are working with at this time. That can change, however, once final revenue numbers are determined.
The largest salary increase could go to JP2 Jeff Greer, due to the SB22 grant offered to small counties to increase salaries of law enforcement. The grant also specifies minimum salaries which the grant is used to fund.
Elections Coordinator Karen Jones’ request for a $10,000 stipend to help offset the expected elections work next year was reduced to $4,500 to be more in line with other stipends.
Extension Agent Doug Wier had his request for a part time administrative assistant denied as well.
Additional discussions will continue this month with the county hoping to complete the budget by mid-August.
The Jimplecute will be live for the workshops.