Getting a head start on the 2008 budget
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Carroll County Council members began a 2007 budget review process to discuss 2008 budget preparation at a special Thursday morning meeting. With that meeting began a contentious and uncomfortable process to right what appears to be a critical county financial situation.

Council members reviewed each department's 2007 appropriations and expenses to date with the knowledge that, for the past three years, the county allocated more money than it collected in revenue. That difference exceeded $2 million in 2006 and council members expressed an unwillingness to continue the trend.

Council president Rob Baker began the meeting saying, "If they can turn things around on a state basis, surely we can turn things around on the county level."

"You've got to get your arms around how bad this thing is," Steve Ashby said. "There are going to have to be some big changes to turn it around."

"I question if the commissioners really understand how serious this is," he added.

With an eye toward differentiating between which services and activities were essential and which were not to county government, council members discussed areas where spending could possibly be reduced as they reviewed each department's budget.

Ann Brown suggested the council evaluate added improvements and services in recent years, such as additional emergency medical services, the county home renovation and additional personnel throughout county government, to determine overspending trends in each department.

"Those are places we made changes and maybe we couldn't afford to do those things," she said.

Jerry Hendress noted the need to evaluate compensatory time, parttime help and the determination of whether a service was essential or not for county government while looking at expenditures.

"They'd better be deemed essential or we don't need them," he said. "Whatever it is, it has to be essential!"

"It all comes down to what services can we afford to keep with 'X' amount of dollars," Carl Abbott said. "But we all have to work together...the community, the commissioners and the department heads." A constant theme as each department was examined was that department's essential personnel needs versus the number currently supported by the budget.

"I think we're going to have to cut people," Ron Slavens stated.

There was disagreement about some expenses, such as whether or not to supply fuel and maintenance for deputies when county cars are driven for personal use.

"When they're not on duty, the car should be parked," Abbott said.

"I don't see anything wrong with them taking a county car to Lafayette," Baker countered.

"Is that something we're willing to keep funding when we're in this kind of a crunch?" Abbott asked.

Baker stated Sheriff Tony Burns made the correct decision to eliminate Tahoes from the fleet. "We are saving a small fortune on gas alone because of that move," Baker stated.

A discussion arose about the need to centralize purchases to take advantage of bulk discounts and to consolidate office equipment maintenance agreements. Some departments, such as the clerk, surveyor and recorder, have special funds that are supervised internally in the department and not controlled by the council.

No allegation of wrongdoing was voiced, however council consensus was the use of those independent funds can be a hindrance for centralized purchasing services.

The high cost of providing health insurance for county employees became a focal point. Auditor Beth Myers was directed to solicit information concerning healthcare savings plans for discussion at council meetings in the near future.

"We want to work on this issue now, before we get into budget hearings," Baker said.

Myers was further directed to obtain quotes for mowing and snow removal at the jail, Carroll Manor, courthouse, Deer Creek and French Post parks and the transfer station.

A move away from paying $14,500/year rent for the extension office was voiced.

"We pay an awful lot of rent for that office," Hendress said.

Brown said the county pays more when evening meetings are held because employees who work the meetings receive compensatory time and the courthouse is lighted and cooled/heated longer into the night.

"Nobody comes, but we pay," she said.

Slavens suggested eliminating animal control altogether.

"Spending $80,000 on chasing dogs when we are going broke - I think it's ridiculous," he said.

It was suggested that substituting two part-time workers for one full-time worker with benefits in the museum and other departments would cut costs significantly.

Ashby noted the county assumed approximately a $200,000 additional expenditure by establishing an EMS garage near Yeoman. He said the EMS budget allocation jumped from approximately $800,000 to $1.251 million as a result of recently added emergency medical services.

"We're in trouble and this is one thing that got us there," he said.

Ashby advised that White County supports only one EMS garage for the entire county while Carroll County hosts four garages with 6.25 people per garage.

"Is this prudent, is this reasonable?" he asked.

"What level of service can we afford?" Brown added.

Carroll Manor services and costs were scrutinized for need and value.

"Expenses are going to have to go down here," Brown said. She questioned the need of two staff members driving to Lafayette together for supplies for 20 to 25 residents.

"There is room for tightening," Abbott said, noting the $455,000 budget for the facility.

It was decided by a unanimous vote that Nancy Cripe would petition commissioners at the June 18 evening meeting to sell Deer Creek Park.

A question about whether or not the county was obligated by law to provide E-911 service was discussed.

"At what level do we want to provide the service?" Brown asked.

"Who would want to move to a county that did not provide the service?" asked Cripe.

Baker told the Comet in a Friday interview, this was the first time the council looked at income and expenditures midyear.

Two residents attended the Thursday morning meeting to listen to what council members had to say.

Former auditor Donna Romein said she attended to hear about the county's finances.

"I'm impressed with the council," she said after the meeting. "I think they're doing a great job - they've got a tough job ahead of them though."

"I suggest they talk to each department head individually to get their opinion about spending," she added.

"My main interest in coming to the meeting was for the museum," Preservation Society member Bonnie Maxwell said. "I know there needs to be changes and expenditures county-wide. And there's been a lot about the museum in the news lately."

"What I really wanted was to get an overall feel for how we're dealing and looking at things. It was worth it. It was worth my time. More people should attend so we are better informed. No one seems to attend unless there is some "hot button" issue," she concluded.

The next council meeting will be June 27 at 8 a.m.

Comet intern Jenna Beuhler

contributed to this article.