Audio of the Meeting

County Council Agenda February 19, 2024

 County Council Meeting Notes, Feb 19, 2024. 

Highlights:

• • The Sheriff presented an updated request to increase salaries – around 150K. A similar request was made on behalf of all county employees to increase pay that is competitive with surrounding counties.
  • “Pennies from Heaven.” Jim Kemp reinforced that the county would have had a $1.4 million dollar deficit last year and we were lucky to find excess funds in accounts we did not know about. Kemp also reinforced that we must take a hard look at employee benefit costs.
  • Council passed a resolution (policy) to identify goals for savings: $2.5 Million Rainy Day Fund, and planned savings for unexpected Health Insurance costs.

Revenue.   Possible options for raising revenue included charging other counties to house prisoners in our jail and timber sales.  The state has suspended timber harvesting in Yellowwood due to local opposition. 

Grants.  Options for obtaining money from regional economic development interests was discussed. This would be a longer-term source of funds.

Legal Council. Susan Bevers provided helpful insight on meeting protocols and canceling policies that are not being enforced – such as deadlines for departments requesting salary and grade increases.  On financial situation, she offered that we may be 8-10 years away from meeting our financial goals. 

General Obligation Bond. Admin Costs. Around 80K on a 3 million dollar loan. 

Supporting Information: Feb 15, 2024 – BCD Joint Session Council and Commissioners