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The Calhoun Commission is meeting at 9 a.m. today to approve the levy rate for the 2007-08 county budget.
There is no increase in taxes.
The commission is taking an important step this year to put-away some money in a "rainy day fund" to be used in a financial crunch if such would occur.
"Calhoun's budget has always been really tight, and with unfunded mandates or unexpected expenses, it can be thrown into turmoil over just a few thousand dollars," said commission president Bob Weaver.
Weaver said "The commissioners feel responsible to prevent this from happening," alluding to a situation a few years ago that thrust the county into a financial crisis.
Commissioner Kevin Helmick said the Sheriff placing money in interest bearing accounts has "really paid off."
The commission has budgeted money for the Calhoun Sheriff's Department to upgrade salaries for two deputies.
The salaries have been at poverty scale.
About $23,000 has been budgeted for each deputy. They will be required to attend the State Police Academy and be certified.
"The salaries are comparable to neighboring counties, and should help retain trained deputies and improve law enforcement in the county," said Commissioner Rick Sampson.
ACTION AT MONDAY'S MEETING
- Shari Johnson advised commissioners that a special meeting is scheduled for April 22nd to discuss an overview of the proposed Calhoun Alternative Sentencing Solution, indicating prosecutor Shelly DeMarino believes the project should move ahead.
- A number of items covered by County Clerk Richard Kirby related to the primary election, including the commission testing the electronic voting machines this Thursday at 10 a.m.
- A number of grants reviewed, including a Small Cities Block Grant for the Rt. 16-Russett public water project. Tim Meeks of the MOVRC said it appears bid requests for the extensive project would likely go out this fall.
- Other grants or projects currently on the map: courthouse facilities, courthouse steps replacement, historic preservation grant for Circuit Clerk, court security grant, trail grant for Upper West Fork Park.
- Poll worker training is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the courthouse.
- Early voting starts April 23rd, with the last day to register April 22nd.
- Brenda Ball was appointed as the Republican poll worker for early voting in the County Clerk's office.
- The commission allocated $2,300 to the Wood Festival Committee for health department upgrades at Wayne Underwood Field, including materials to remodel the snack bar, using volunteer labor. Some money will be used to take care of water distribution problems.
- Calhoun's new Office of Emergency Services Director Kathy Wood presented a brief report, stating her agenda to become involved in state and regional OES activities.
- Commissioner Helmick said CRI is continuing to financially regroup, and is seeking regional board members.
- The Commission went into executive session to discuss a county personnel matter, with no specific action taken.
- A resolution declaring Fair Housing Month was passed.
- A resolution declaring Calhoun as having a Certified Development Community Program was passed at the request of Diane Ludwig of the LKADC.
- Sheriff Carl Ballengee resigned from the E-911 Advisory Board.
- 911 Director Gary Buchanan gave a report regarding addressing and mapping, saying it was "ahead of schedule."
- The commission approved minutes for February 3, 10, 14, 19 and 23.
- The next regular meeting is set for May 12.
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