Franklin County budget approved at $6.56 million

The 2018-2019 Franklin County budget is set at $6.56 million after a decision by the county Budget Committee to override commissioners’ suggestion that $10,000 be added for communications.

The Budget Committee voted 8-0 Monday to approve a $6,561,620 budget, which represents a 5 percent increase over the current $6.21 million budget, according to Vickie Braley, Franklin County finance manager.

The Franklin County Budget Committee overrode suggestion from the Franklin County commissioners — from left, Terry Brann, Charles Webster and Clyde Barker — to add $10,000 for communications to the budget. Sun Journal file photo by Donna M. Perry

The committee originally approved the budget May 31, but commissioners then voted to add an additional $10,000 for equipment reserves in the Communications Department.

Budget discussions this year also included debate about funding for program grants, money the county gives to nonprofits in the area that run social services such as transportation, heating assistance and resources for the elderly and disabled.

Two of the three commissioners sought to cut back on program grants by about $20,000 from the amount the Budget Committee asked for, but the committee ultimately decided to keep the funding at $61,200, a cut of about $5,000 from the current year.

Commissioners Charlie Webster and Terry Brann have said they are aiming to eliminate county funding for program grants by 2019-2020.

Rachel Ohm — 612-2368

[email protected]

Twitter: @rachel_ohm

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