Next commission meeting set for July 8

CELINA-Budget meetings have wrapped up here in Clay County, and the numbers are being calculated by finance clerk Donna Hamilton in preparation for a vote to be taken later this summer.

The county’s spending plan was discussed and formulated on May 28 and June 17, and the vote on the budget is expected at the August 12 county commission meeting.

“We are working on preparing the official budget for public review and will have it done by the end of July,” Hamilton explained.  “So far, no new money was requested by any department.

“What little changes there may be aren’t significant and can be attributed to the rise in the cost of day-to-day operations.”

Though no increases were requested, more money for schools, the emergency management agency (EMA), and the sheriff’s office were proposed, according to NewsTalk941.com.

In an online article written by Baylen Parker titled “Clay considering extra spending for schools, EMA,” discussion about an assistant EMA director position and possible state funding cuts for schools were brought to light.

Parker’s story posted to the news website covering the Upper Cumberland explained the position was proposed due to EMA Director Kyle Haney serving in the National Guard, along with his need for decision-making help in certain situations.

The same article quoted Clay County Schools Director of Finance Ashley White, who discussed the fact enrollment numbers could affect funding.

“We can lose $350,000 like that,” Parker quoted White saying in part, when she referred to the system reaching the 1,000-student mark—which they are currently slightly below with a total of 992.

In another NewsTalk941.com article by Parker, an increase in pay for county law enforcement was discussed.

“Clay Sherriff: Investment in employees critical” was the story’s title, and it quoted sheriff Brandon Boone.

“If I didn’t need the raises or the money for the employees I would not ask,” Parker quoted Boone saying. “But I don’t know that it’s going to have to come down to a tax increase at this point.

“That’s the last thing any commissioner wants to do is raise taxes.”

Boone also offered further explanation.

“I guess I would say to the citizens of the county is, you know, I think if we can pay our people a little more,” Boone said. “We invest in them, and a lot of times they stay and they are valued as an employee.”

The June Clay County Commission meeting was set for Monday night after HORIZON press time and the next one will be held on July 8, but the budget vote will not be taken until the August meeting.

For Parker’s complete articles, which include more details about the county budget, visit NewsTalk941.com or follow them on social media.