2021-11-23 Budget UpdateBudget Update
November 23, 2021
2:01 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Becky Butler, Assessor Dianne Dorey, Austin
Majors, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Lee Napier, Tiffanie Morgan, County Manager Erik Martin,
Katie Conradi
Guests: Eric Rosane, Frank Corbin, Jake McCurry, Nancy Keaton
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Assessor’s Office
Assessor Dianne Dorey said she is looking to add an office manager position to oversee office staff and
update and maintain training manuals.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the office manager position for the Assessor’s Office.
Commissioner Pollock seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Lewis County Seniors
Becky Butler asked the commissioners to review a proposed agreement with the Lewis County Seniors.
She said the seniors group has requested funding for an audit.
The commissioners agreed to provide the Lewis County Seniors a total of up to $100,000 in 2022, with
$50,000 provided up front and the additional $50,000 to be considered mid-year if requested.
Becky said the LCS group also has requested $8,000 to cover the cost of an in-depth audit. The
commissioners said they would consider.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding requests
Becky said the courts are requesting ARPA funds to cover increased costs for rentals at the fairgrounds
and increased costs for security coverage. The commissioners agreed to consider the request.
Broadband
Becky requested that the commissioners review what certifications the county is agreeing to as part of
the broadband application process through the State Broadband Office (SBO).
The commissioners agreed to sign a letter of support for Lewis County’s broadband efforts.
Staffing
Becky said she is closing in on a new hire for her vacant position.
Becky discussed steps outlined in an upcoming notice of hearing regarding transferring funds to cover
operational costs in emergency cases.
Becky reminded the group that she needs decisions made regarding levy for roads and general.
• Commissioner Pollock said she feels Lewis County should take its refunds. Commissioner Swope
agreed.
• The commissioners said they would like to bank the 1 percent and have a 0 percent increase.
Becky noted that the matters would go before the commissioners at the upcoming hearings for formal
votes.
Meeting ended at 2:31 p.m.