COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The second draft of Branch County’s proposed 2021 budget that was presented by County Administrator Bud Norman to the Branch County Board of Commissioners during their work session last Thursday showed a deficit of $2,5 million which was down from the $2,7 million figure that was presented in the first draft.
Norman reported that additional expenses that need to be considered are Reclassifications; requests from the Sheriff’s Department; Public Health; the DHS Parking Lot; Union settlement results and pension costs.
Insurance costs for 2021 are not known yet.
Norman pointed out that Capital Outlays; Contingencies; Fund Balance and Workforce Hours are areas that could be reduced and that some decisions will need to be made in the third draft.
It’s not known yet how much will have to be taken from the county’s Fund Balance. While it’s recommended that the Fund Balance be between 17 and 22 percent, Norman anticipates it could be at 16% in 2021.
Meanwhile, the Commissioners approved a bid from Parrish Excavating for the water and sewer project at the Teen Share buildings. The total amount submitted was over $60,000. There will be additional costs for permits so Commissioners approved $70,000 for the project. Original estimates were between $80,000 and $120,000.
Commissioners also approved salary increases for Board members starting in January 2021. The chair would get $9,000 a year while other board members would received $8,000. Per Diems would stay the same. Commissioners also approved a 2.6 percent wage increase in 2021 for Elected Officials as well as for Non-Union and Management Personnel.
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