| The Calhoun County Commission prepared a "budget in the black" for 2005-06 yesterday, during a second and final budget session.
Commission President Larry McCallister said "It has not been without pain," alluding to the laying off of at least four county employees, reducing benefits and cutting some line items.
The discretionary budget, that part of the budget which can be adjusted, stands at $1,020,137.00.
The rest of the county budget pertains to fixed items, grants and pass-throughs.
"We can made budget adjustments up or down next fiscal year, depending on income," said McCallister.
The commission made several recommendations to elected officials that could prove cost effective.
"It has been a trying time, getting through the money problems," said McCallister. "We will continue working on them."
The Commission is continuing work on grant money to complete a walking trail at Wayne Underwood Field, a Courthouse Improvement Grant for heating and cooling of the old jail building, and a proposed grant for courthouse security.
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