Budget workshops begin for county supervisors

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors heard the first round of budget requests at its budget workshop on Friday. All those who spoke to the board gave recommendations on budget for their respective areas, with the board making a final decision after reviewing all requests.

Laurie Jackson with Geographic Information Systems started the workshop maintaining a similar budget at $102,300 and saying there were not many changes.

“There are no major projects for next year,” Jackson said.

Veterans Affairs, represented by Chris Chariter planned a similar budget at $180,250, up less than $1,000 from last year. The Retried Senior Volunteer Program also maintained the same request as last year, coming in at $7,500.

Domestic violence services increased its request by $500 from last year, now at $2,500. The service has seen many changes the past few years and is working to maintain free services to victims/survivors of domestic abuse.

“One hundred percent of your funds come from grants, private donations and local governments. In an effort to provide the best possible outcomes for victims, we are seeking funding from each of the 12 counties we serve,” Executive Director Lorraine Uehling-Techel said.

Larry Ryan from planning and zoning requested a 2.3 percent increase, mostly to cover salary and insurance increases, with his line item numbers decreasing. His total budgeted amount came in at $127,047.

The Jasper County Fair Board representatives requested $15,000, the same amount it received last year and hope to use the money to replace a roof on a livestock barn and replace the pens in the hog barns. It was reported that the money received last year went towards projects including the replacement of a livestock barn roof and repainting of the pavilion.

Dennis Simon, representing Human Resources and Safety, had a budget totaling $132,438. He said there is drop in his budget because of decreases in insurance and certain line items. For Safety, a request was made for $3,000 for items including CPR/First Aid training and supplies, AEDs, batteries and safety online training.

A budget was not given for Home Health Care, Environmental Health and the Board of Health because of the current transition that has the county taking over public health as of Feb. 1. Following the hiring of a new administrator, the department’s hope is to stabilize and construct a budget.

Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante brought a budget of $1.45 million for the next year. Of that amount, portions will be refunded by grants and additional funding sources the county has received for current and past projects.

“There are so many grants that come in and out. You are always hopeful that the money comes in the same year that you spend it,” Van Zante said.

The final budget discussed was maintenance and capital projects with Jasper County Director of Maintenance Adam Sparks. The total budget submitted was just more than $1 million, but remains very fluid because of the unpredictable nature of the department.

The board will hear from additional programs on Monday as well as at its regular Tuesday meeting.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com