Jasper Board Discusses Budget Matters

Jasper County board members discussed a proposed budget for the coming fiscal year Thursday.

The Board's Finance Committee reported they made some adjustments on some salaries and payments for equipment. The County Emergency Management Agency budget was reduced.

The Board agreed to move the health bills to be paid when regular bills are paid. It'll save money to run one batch of checks. They are also working on increasing direct deposits and would like employees to approve direct deposit. The employees have to okay the idea, but the Board has the option of charging the employees the cost of processing the checks to recoup costs.

It was also decided not to pay members of the County Board of Review more for extra work, since they have salaried positions.

The Board eventually decided to lay the proposed budget over for public inspection with a vote on the package in November.

In other action, the Jasper Board:

--heard that the Treasurer is working on the annual rebate to Dynegy for reimburse the utility for overcharging in taxes

--heard that property/casualty and workers compensation insurance coverage will cost 5.6% less than last year, allowing the County to spend an extra $370 to boost excess liability coverage to $10 million. 

--approved an application to seek Enterprise Zone status

--discussed the timing of a 911 center remodeling at the county jail

--agreed to seek sealed bids for the sale of an old ambulance

--discussed whether to amend the current residency requirement for paramedics who work for the ambulance service