Saturday, August 4, 2007

County Budget Process Winding Down

   The Lawrence County Government is drawing closer to having a financial plan put into place for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.

   Members of the Lawrence County Budget Committee met Thursday, trimming some $116,000 from the proposed budget.

   Part of the cuts resulted when committee members opted to cut two new positions from the county employee rolls. The positions were a part-time Codes Department employee and an additional position in the Housekeeping Department. In addition, committee members decided that reductions should be made in contributions to non-profit organizations.

   Prior to the meeting, the committee had faced the task of cutting, or identifying funding for, some $280,000. With the $116,000 cuts identified, the committee indicated the remaining $164,000 will be funded from the county’s fund balance.

   Under the county’s proposed financial plan, employees of the Lawrence County Ambulance Service will receive a 5% pay increase, to be funded through an increase in mileage rates charged. Also, funding is included for ten new employees to man the temporary jail.

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