The Pulaski County Council will take steps to balance line items in the 2019 budget, as the end of the year approaches. Several budget transfers will be up for the council’s approval tonight , including $240,000 for the Highway Department, and almost $47,000 for the Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Jeff Richwine told the county commissioners last week that he needs to cover extra overtime expenses, resulting from the temporary loss of two employees. “We’re short one deputy,” he explained. “He left for the military in September. We’re down an employee in the jail. . . . [She] got injured on the ice, and she’s been off since July. So we’ve been short a couple people here for quite a while.”
Richwine said money that was supposed to go to those employees’ salaries will be used to make up most of the overtime shortfall. Meanwhile, Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services wants to transfer $45,000 to cover payroll, as well as the purchase of a new power stretcher.
A number of additional appropriation requests will also be discussed. Some of those appear to be related to grant funds that weren’t technically included in the budget. Council members are also expected to discuss the 2020 salary matrix and get an update from Four County Counseling Center CEO Dr. Carrie Cadwell.
Tonight’s Pulaski County Council meeting starts at 7:00 EST at the Pulaski County Highway Garage.
