The Marion County Board Tuesday night approved a tentative budget for the coming fiscal year beginning December 1st that projects the county will finish the year in the black. Before a few changes made at the meeting, the budget was projected to have a $406,000 surplus with anticipated revenues of $9,464,713. The budget doesn’t yet include money for raises from several union negotiations that could be wrapped up before the budget is approved later this month.
This is the first time the board used an outside firm, Bellweather, to complete the budget process for them. An official of the company was complimentary of the cooperation from county officeholders in putting together their budget.
The budget will now be on display at the county clerk’s office for public inspection until a special meeting that has been called for 7 pm on November 23rd. In addition to approving the budget, the board is expected to approve labor agreements, a health insurance policy for county employees, and purchase a new used vehicle for the animal control officer.
The board was told they have now been awarded $590,000 in CURES money from the federal government to help pay bills related to COVID-19. The county officeholders have been paid back for any money they spent on supplies. The rest will go in the general fund and used to pay for salaries at the sheriff’s department.
The board heard proposals from two insurance agents Tuesday night on health plans they could offer. The proposals from Dimond Brothers and Chaney and Karch both have options that are less expensive than a renewal presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield administered through Dimond Brothers.
The board reappointed Wayne Putman and Cathy Stuehmeier for another four-year term on the 708 Mental Health Board. They also reappointed Terry Mulvany, Lonnie McDaneld, Sean Reynolds, and Donnie Brooks to the Marion County 911 Board.
The probation department was given permission to decorate the foyer of the courthouse in December for 3D Awareness Month. The display will honor those who have lost their lives during the year to drunk, drug, or driving incidents.
