COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The latest draft of the proposed Branch County 2024 General Fund budget shows a deficit of about $800,000.
County Administrator Bud Norman presented the fourth draft of the proposed budget to County Commissioners on Thursday during their work session.
As of now, money from the county’s $5-point-7 million fund balance which includes ARPA funds would be used to cover the deficit.
Commissioners discussed various budgetary items on Thursday but took no action. Commission Chair Tim Stoll felt budget requests from the Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s offices should stay but everything else was fair game.
Commissioner Jon Houtz felt they should stop dipping into the fund balance.
It was noted during the conversation that taxes may increase up to five percent next year.
Julie Pioch from M.S.U. Extension told Commissioners they are not requesting an additional staff member but they want to maintain a full time 4-H coordinator which is funded by a grant that runs out next June.
Commissioners are expected to make decisions on what will get approved during their next work session on December 6. The budget is scheduled to be formally adopted during the Commissioners final regular meeting of the year on December 19.
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