COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners wrapped up their work for 2018 Tuesday as they formally adopted the county’s 2019 general fund budget of over $13.5 million.
Commissioners have gone back and forth over the last month on whether or not to grant a request from the Sheriff’s Office for an additional road patrol deputy and four new vehicles. But with an important bond sale early in 2019 which will be used to help finance the new Branch County Jail, commissioners Tuesday decided not to tap into the fund balance to pay for the deputy and four additional vehicles in order maintain the county’s bond rating of double A minus.
The discussion during last Thursday’s work session indicated commissioners want to add a deputy once the bonds are secured for the jail project.
