By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A $47.5 million operating budget for fiscal 2008-09, including a 5 percent cost of living adjustment for elected officials and employees, has been approved by the Morgan County Commission. The new budget will become effective Oct. 1.
Anticipated revenues are approximately $47.5 million, an increase of $1.5 million from the prior year. Projected expenses stand at $47 million, leaving a balance of $570,000.
In addition to a 5 percent COLA, the budget includes a 3 percent merit pay adjustment for eligible employees and a $500,000 appropriation for the construction of a juvenile detention facility.
Operational expenses in the new fiscal year took their biggest hits from higher salaries and increased fuel costs. Otherwise, departmental budgets were kept in line with prior year expenditures.
The requirement for fuel in the Sheriff’s Department increased from $149,251 to $277,868 and in MCATS from $40,000 to $247,991.
Hartselle’s airport was included in the county’s budget for the first time. It will receive $15,000 for general maintenance and upkeep. The William Bradford Huie Library will receive $10,000, the same amount it received in 2007-08.
District No. 4 Commissioner Stacy George pushed hard for the $500,000 appropriation to help build a juvenile detention facility.
“I thought the budget process went well and I attribute that in large part to the total cooperation we had from everyone involved,” Glasscock said. “Chief Administrative Officer Syble Atkins and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Carol Long played major roles in the process.”