COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners was told by County Administrator Bud Norman Thursday that the proposed $13.8 million budget for 2017 was within $24,000 of being balanced.
It was anticipated that $200,000 in cuts would still have to be made at this point.
The fourth draft of the budget was presented to commissioners Thursday.
Norman said a request for six additional Sheriff’s Department deputies was among the items that have been trimmed.
With the county facing higher insurance costs due in part to the Affordable Care Act, commissioners favored a Hard Cap insurance plan for 2017 over an 80/20 plan for employees. The Hard Cap plan would basically have less out of pocket expenses for employees.
Final action is scheduled to be taken by commissioners December 20, 2016.
