By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Department heads for Benton County were told by the Benton County Board of Supervisors to trim 2.5 percent from their budget request for next year. This was at the supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, April 15, at the service center in Vinton.
The board explained this comes because the county will be $6 million short in revenues vs. expenses. They added that salaries and wages will not be affected, so the reductions have to come in programs and services provided.
No action was taken.
The budget hearing is planned April 22 at 9:30 a.m. Auditor Hayley Rippel said they wanted the budget revisions before the hearing.
Supervisor Tracy Seeman opened the discussion with the department heads. Referring to the budget he said, “We’ve been pushing the pencil here for the last couple weeks trying to figure this all out.” He said it has come to their attention that they will be about $6 million short from revenues coming in, compared to what they could actually spend.
He felt a 2.5 percent reduction was fair for everybody across the board.
Sheriff Dave Upah explained they went through his budget line by line, and “pulled out all of the fluff.” He did not know where the supervisors wanted him to cut $27,000 to $28,000. He added his department will probably give back money in the end. Upah added, “We don’t just have fun money to throw around.” He added, “We’ll do it, but I don’t know how.”
Supervisor Bruce Volz said, “The worst thing is, is after we looked at everybody’s budget, and you all did a very good job of trying to get it as close as you could to the bone, we’re still $6 million over. I mean, we can’t go into a new fiscal year $6 million behind the eight ball. Taxpayers will come in here and they’ll be playing pin the tail on the supervisor. We got to do something to try to bring this down.”
Seeman again said, “We’re just trying to make it fair across the board. That way we’re not picking on one.”
Barb Fetzer of the health department asked the board if they looked at “feel good” money that is spent. Seeman said they cut some of them too. “Obviously, not enough,” Fetzer replied. “Well, not $6 million worth,” Seeman answered. He added they have already been trimmed back.
Seeman added, “I have no crystal ball, but it’s not good this year. Next year is going to be worse.” He said it could mean a cut of 8 to 12 percent next year. Volz added it could mean layoffs and wage freezes.
Fetzer asked who makes the decision on what services will be offered. Supervisor Ron Tippett said this is up to the department heads. Tippett said, “We already know the budget’s tight going forward. We’re hoping we can keep this as small as possible.”
They are also keeping an eye on what’s going on with the state legislature.
Tippett concluded, “So this year was tough. Next year is going to be worse. We’re
just, unfortunately, preparing ourselves for the worst.” Seeman added Benton County doesn’t want to end up in a bind like neighboring counties.
Other business
They approved Resolution #25-24, amending Resolution #15-31, adopting the IRVM (Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management) Plan.
The board acknowledged the resignation of Michelle Sutton from the Benton County Rural Access Hub.
The board acknowledged the resignation of Gary Benson from the treasurer’s office.
The board appointed Glenda Shipley to the EMS Advisory Council to replace Cory Rains while he is on leave.
The board authorized chairman’s signature on Letter of Support for Homebuyer Assistance Program through East Central Iowa Housing and Trust Fund.
Jim Magdefrau 