Local News
Commissioners to discuss next year's budget again
Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today
Published: September 3, 2012
SEBRING - Highlands County commissioners will be asked to forgive an old debt, buy more right of way for Sebring Parkway Phase II, give money to charity, lay down rules for volunteers and take one more look at the coming year's budget.Published: September 3, 2012
The commissioners are scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at 600 S. Commerce.
In 2004, according to information from Administrative Services Director Jed Secory, employee Melinda Jividen was overpaid $694.93 while on leave without pay. Also, Secory said, Jonny Tanner never received a $72.29 direct deposit to his Wachovia Bank account. The board is being asked to write off both receivables.
County Engineer Ramon Gavarrete wants $60,000 to buy a lot at 2400 S. Highlands Ave., one door south of Yarbrough Tire. Another $45,476 is to be spent on the seller's appraisal, planning, engineering and attorney fees, a title search and on-site improvements.
Sebring Parkway Phase II, when it's completed, will end at Highlands Regional Medical Center.
Commissioners have considered eliminating charitable contributions for all agencies except the safe house for domestic violence victims.
Decreasing funds from the county's current level of support, $29,250, to the proposed $10,000 will decrease the required local matching funds from 38 percent to 13 percent, Executive Director Ingrasherese Gardner of Nu-Hope Elder Care Services said in a letter to the county.
"If this match is decreased and phased out, this will result in an overall decrease of federal grants and an inability to provide these services," Gardner wrote.
The budget office is proposing a smaller fund balance and smaller reserves, while the sheriff is proposing a $160,000 larger budget next year than this year, and the clerk of courts wants a $37,000 increase.
The supervisor of elections is proposing a $241,000 decrease, since 2013 is an off-year. The property appraiser and tax collector are budgeting small decreases.
gpinnell@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5828