Council approves budget measures

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

GREENCASTLE -- Putnam County Auditor Stephanie Campbell presented the county council with a number of budget housekeeping items to tend to at Tuesday's monthly meeting.

Several of the county's budget items for 2011 were only advertised once last summer, rather than the required two. Because of this, the budgets came back without the state's approval.

Due to the error, Campbell has to resubmit the budgets in question, at which time the state will approve them for the year.

As part of this process, the council voted to move certified shares from the general fund to aviation and the health department, two affected departments. Without the moves, the departments would not have operating budgets.

Once the paperwork is resubmitted and gains state approval, the 2011 budget should be back to normal.

The council also approved a reduction of $389,910 in the health insurance line item. The move to the general fund helps the county make its operating budget for the year.

Additionally, the reassessment budget needs to be cut by $8,995. Without the proper information at its disposal at Tuesday's meeting, the council could not make an informed decision on what to cut.

Instead, councilors authorized Campbell to consult with assessor Nancy Dennis on where to make the cuts to her budget.

While the council authorized positions to be filled at the jail, the recorder's office and the microfilm office, the county's hiring freeze was discussed at length.

At the time the council and commissioners agreed on the freeze in May 2009, it was unclear whether it was to include part time positions. While some members of both board believed it did, Campbell said she was told it did not. She instructed other department heads accordingly.

"We ought to revisit this issue and make it as specific as we can make it," council president Darrel Thomas said.

Through their discussion, council members decided they would like to see any full time or part time hire have the approval of both the commissioners and council before starting work.

Councilor Roger Deck added that the interview process could begin before approval, just not final hiring.

"I'd hate for a person to have to go through both (boards) and then start the process," Deck said.

Councilors agreed a joint resolution should be passed with the commissioners. Council attorney Elizabeth South will consult with commissioners' attorney Scott Hoff on drafting the resolution

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