| Despite a $250 million state budget shortfall, the Budget Digest will deliver something near the $35 million allocated last year
to fire departments, festivals and other local projects.
Among other projects requested this year by the Calhoun Commission is $100,000 for a new Emergency Services
Center.
Detractors have often said the Digest is an example of political pork, but many small, financially strapped counties like
Calhoun, use the money to keep on going.
This year the Digest could be reduced by ten percent.
"There is always going to be a Budget Digest. I make no apology for trying to do that even in the tightest of years, said
House Speaker Bob Kiss.
Politicians from certain regions, however, have been known to use the Digest for large projects in their own areas.
Delegate Bill Stemple and the area's State Senators have been able to obtain something in excess of $200,000 for Calhoun
County.
The stack is often three feet high.
The Calhoun Commission applies for and often processes grant funds for county operation and other groups.
Some Budget Digest money has been slow in coming recently. The state has raised the criteria for processing and obtaining
the money.
Examples of a few of the Digest/Govs.Contigency Fund and othet allocations that have benefited the county:
Calhoun Commission, Assessor's Office Upgrades - $20,000
Athletic Facilities Building Roof CM/HS - $25,000
Calhoun Commission, Sheriff's And Assessor's Office Upgrades - $20,000
Upper West Fork VFD - $5,000
Arnoldsburg VFD - $5,000
Upper West Fork Park Campground - $7,000
Arnoldsburg Park Ball Field - $10,000
Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center - $30,000 (Direct to MHHCC)
Emergency Services Building (Proposed) - $35,000
Calhoun County Park Building Roof - $15,000
Pleasant Hill PSD - $15,000
CRI Busses - $16,000
Other grants processed by the Commission:
Small Cities Block Grant: Back Fork Water Line - $515,000
Calhoun County Park Trail - $100,000
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