WILMINGTON — At a Monday appointment with county commissioners, the Clinton County Treasurer’s Office brought in a 2018 General Fund non-personnel budget that meets the commissioners’ request that departments make a 10 percent cut in non-personnel spending.
The treasurer’s office non-personnel budget this year totals $46,668 whereas its non-personnel budget requests for 2018 were $42,025. That is 0.099 less — which, when rounded out, is right at the 10 percent reduction figure.
The treasurer’s office non-personnel line items penciled in for reductions are: postage, materials and supplies, Internet and cable, travel, bank and finance charges, printing, equipment rental and lease, furniture and fixtures, and software.
The county treasurer’s office is the second Clinton County government department to hold a 2018 departmental budget meeting with commissioners.
The Clinton County Board of Elections met with commissioners last week when the elections office presented a proposed departmental budget with approximately a 7 percent reduction from its current total budget.
All county government offices were asked last month to cut non-personnel spending by 10 percent for their next budgets, and to keep the expense of wages the same as this year.
Commissioners at that time said the budget cut is needed because of a big increase in health insurance and a $1 million request to deal with a local jump in foster care placements due to the opioid crisis. As reported previously, the Child Protection Unit of Clinton County Job and Family Services needs additional funds to provide children — whose parents cannot care for them — a foster home or specialized residential treatment that are mandated by law.
Another factor coming into play for budgeting, according to Clinton County Commissioners President Kerry R. Steed, is last year’s removal of a 0.5 percent county sales tax and the loss of the revenue it generated.
Also on Monday, commissioners held two executive sessions for the purpose of discussing economic development including tax and other incentives for a local company or companies. The first executive session involved the commissioners, while the second one also included the county’s legal counsel.
In addition, commissioners approved two re-roofing contracts with Duro-Last: the Annex Building on South Nelson Avenue for $92,701; and the sheriff’s office for $95,161.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.
