County Preparing in Case of Loss of State Funds

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Published on July 2 2015 4:03 pm
Last Updated on July 2 2015 4:32 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The lack of a state budget has led to uncertainty over whether local governments will lose out on funds. With that in mind, Effingham County Board Chairman Jim Niemann has issued a statement regarding how the County will handle any funding shortfalls.

(EFFINGHAM COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN)

Niemann noted many County functions are dependent on grants either funded by the State or by Federal grants that pass through the State to local units of government. Some Federal grants are specifically designated for certain jurisdictions, but others are block grants whose funding is directed by the State budgeting process.

Niemann said due to the uncertainty created by the lack of a state budget, and whether grant funds will be received, Effingham County departments are planning contingencies. The County will issue updates if specific services or hours are to be cut or modified in the event it becomes fiscally necessary.

Asked Thursday whether we are close to seeing some curtailing of services, Niemann said it is less close now than earlier this week. Earlier information was that grant funding not available due to the lack of a state budget would not be retroactive once a budget is in place. Now, Niemann said, it looks like those grant funds would be restored retroactively. He said there was the possibility that under the original scenario, some services would have been curtailed as soon as this coming Monday. That now won't happen.

Niemann said protocols are in place in the County's union contracts and the County employee handbook should a department determine the need to modify services or hours.