Carroll County Council members began the task of paring down 2009 budget requests Monday morning. Department heads stood at the podium and explained why increases were needed in their budgets. Some departments requested significant increases, some nominal and in the case of three departments, reductions in appropriations from the general fund were presented. Questions were asked and answered. Clarifications and comments were made.

Negotiations happened with some departments. For instance the health department requested an increase of more than $8,000 over the 2008 appropriation. However, after it was explained to County Health Officer Dr. Jordan Dutter that the county general fund could not tolerate budget increases, he negotiated. He stood at the podium with sanitation worker Kris Jones and pared funding request down to what amounted to less money in 2009 than was appropriated in 2008.

Council member Steve Ashby explained each department had to "do due diligence" with their budgets. He explained the health department's request significantly exceeded revenue.

"We don't have it," he said.

Loren Hylton, explaining the commissioners' budget request, said the county was expected to experience a "sizeable increase" in insurance costs. Auditor Beth Myers said claims in December 2007 and January 2008 "were sky high."

Commissioners requested a three percent raise for each county employee for 2009, except for highway supervisor Ron Francis. They recommended Francis receive nearly a 16 percent increase in his salary. Hylton said Francis saved the county significant money and with the new personnel policies, which are nearing completion, he would no longer be compensated for overtime.

"Ron will lose compensation when there is no overtime," Hylton explained. "He has done an excellent job. Ron has been instrumental to us here in Carroll County."

"We're going to have to pay up to keep good personnel," George Mears added.

It was noted the clerical position at the highway department works the hours courthouse employees work and not scheduled hours for the highway department.

Carroll Manor Superintendent Martha Lewis, whose budget reflected more than a $55,000 increase, reported the home's resident county is down to 14 full-time residents. She said staff self-reduced salaries earlier in the year. She further reported, due to negative publicity in the Comet, the home lost seven people from Tippecanoe County who were planning to move there.

Council president Nancy Cripe noted more recent negative publicity reported in the Journal and Courier when the assistant superintendent was quoted several times.

Council member Ann Brown said that if the Manor only had 14 residents, the cost per day had to increase to $63/day to support the budget.

"If this is what you need, the daily rate's going to go up," council member Ron Slavens said.

Lewis was given several suggestions about how to communicate with the community and the media in a positive manner to enhance population.

Approximately 11 more departments presented budgets and answered questions Monday. Council members made no decisions and will hear from another 11 beginning 8 a.m. Friday.