BALANCING BUDGET FOR CALHOUN - "A Challenging Task" |
| (03/22/2002) |
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The Calhoun Commission has tenuously prepared a budget for 2002-03 at a
special meeting held this week, but not without suffering through mandated
costs from the State of West Virginia. Commission President Larry McCallister says "It is a challenging task." The Commission was advised they are expected to pay $44,995 for telecommunications, computer, maintenance and support services to the State Tax Department for the Assessors Office. The county is currently paying other mandated charges to the State of West Virginia for computer lines and other fees of about $15,000. The costs for the "state support" has risen for the Assessor's Office from $30,989 last year. The costs to run the Assessor's Office, linked to Charleston is reaching $60,000 a year. The State Supreme Court is submitting a bill to the Commission for $8,383 for a recent audit, partially linked to discrepancies in former Magistrate Steve Johnson's office. Another audit last year cost about $7,500, which doubled the former costs. The Commission did receive a Supreme Court "redistribution" of about $12,000 to help defray magistrate court charges. The county provides space, utilities and pays for phone lines, in addition to assuming some costs of a new two-way video system which is purported to improve and reduce costs for arraignments and hearings at Central Regional Jail. "These are just some of the mandated costs to counties," said Commission President Larry McCallister. "Not to mention the burden of the regional jail charges, which continue to increase." The line items listed in the $1,112,701.00 budget. County Commission - $79,700 County Clerk - $100,470 Circuit Clerk - $78,717 Sheriffs Office - $132, 910 Prosecuting Attorney - $69,000 Assessor - $113,000 Circuit Judge - $1,200 Community Development - $9,850 Regional Develop Authority - $2,345 Elections - $19,400 Courthouse - $146,665 Law Enforcement - $82,894 Service of Process $9,770 Mental Health - $3,000 Vital Statistics - $200 County Park - $22,700 Emergency Services - 0 Statewide Computer - $44,995 Regional Jail - $60,000 Valuation - $22,000 Dog Warden - 0
Tobacco Grant Program - $28,000
WV Extension Office - $1,300
E-911 - $83,585
Miscellaneous - 0
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