County wades into budget deliberations

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 7/2/20

Wood County commissioners began annual budget workshops last week for the 2021 fiscal year. The early sessions are used to sort through each department and get a general idea of each one’s …

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County wades into budget deliberations

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Wood County commissioners began annual budget workshops last week for the 2021 fiscal year. The early sessions are used to sort through each department and get a general idea of each one’s financial need for the upcoming year. 

The commissioners and County Judge Lucy Hebron will begin to go deeper into the budget process as they bring in department heads over the next few weeks to explain the needs for their departments and employees.

Emergency Management Coordinator and County Fire Marshal Tully Davidson was the first department head to meet with commissioners on Thursday afternoon. The Tuesday and Wednesday workshops went through most of the departments to get a general feel for what will be needed in the new budget.

Commissioners did speak on the opioid settlement which will bring money into the county. An amount of money on the settlement going to Wood County is not yet known.

Commissioners did talk about the animal control problems in the county.

“That’s an area we certainly need to look at,” Hebron said. They discussed the possibility of a countywide task force to address the animal control situation. There are no countywide leash laws. It was brought up the county airport might be a possible location for a facility. 

A new vehicle for Constable Precinct 4 was discussed.

“They have a Dodge truck in Precinct 4 and it’s the oldest in the fleet right now. There is no constable right now. The new constable will either be a write-in candidate or we will appoint one,” Prec. 4 Commissioner Russell Acker said.

Commissioners continued to roll through several departments who at this time don’t see any major changes.

“On the historical commission, we got their work rather late due to the passing away of Lou Mallory,” Hebron noted. 

Auditor Terri Sellars said, “I will say that is a special fund. The county supplies $5,000 every year. They get money from book sales, which is very minimal, and then the $5,000 from the county. Sometimes they need computer equipment, but that is usually a one-time thing.” 

Other departments discussed were Child Welfare, Wood County Airport and Veteran’s Services. The Veteran’s Services program is seeking a slight increase of just $100.

Each of the commissioners have basically held steady on their budget requests. The District Clerk’s office is seeking a salary increase request. Salary increases throughout the departments were discussed.

In Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 (Judge Tony Gilbreath) there was no change in services and supplies but salary increases for office personnel were sought. In Precinct 2 Judge Janae Holland is not seeking budget increases while JP 3 Jerry Parker is also seeking salary increases. JP 4 Cindy Weems sees no changes in her budget.

The county auditor is seeking no changes and the county treasurer is looking at decreases in supplies and services. Courthouse security is looking at salary increases for the officers.

The Emergency Management and Fire Protection is seeking a raise in travel and dues from $12,000 to $15,000.

A new truck was being sought for the environmental officer, but commissioners maintained the current truck had been recently outfitted for the officer and there was no need for a new truck.

Commissioners will pick back up working on the budget when they return to work after the July 4 holiday. They will be going into further detail with all department heads as they work their way to a new budget for next year.