Commissioners approved the county's 2013 budget Thursday morning.
The board budgeted $14,609,648.31 for 2013, and the total certificate of funds available for appropriation is $14,696,009.84 for next year.
Commissioner Ben Nutter said the 2013 budget is "flat lined" from last year's budget, and it is essentially the same budget as 2012, but with an additional $250,000 from an airport grant, which can only be used for the Seneca County airport.
Nutter said incoming commissioners can amend the budget if they are unhappy with it. He said the current commissioners had an option to approve a 30-day budget, but they decided it would be more beneficial for the county to have a more secure budget.
"It only puts us in a state of uncertainty if we pass a temporary, 30-day budget, which we're allowed to do by law," he said.
The budget includes $3,103,734 for criminal justice-jail and $1,513,291.62 has been budgeted for the sheriff's office next year.
Fact Box
During a meeting Thursday morning, the Seneca County Board of Commissioners:
Approved a resolution approving the bonding company and the bond for William E. Eckelberry, elected as Seneca County sheriff term expiring Jan. 2, 2017.
Approved a resolution authorizing commissioners to enter into an agreement with Seneca County General Health District for 2013 nursing services for the Seneca County Youth Center.
Approved a resolution authorizing a contract service agreement with Crawford County Board of Commissioners for the receipt, custody and care of Crawford County juveniles on behalf of the Seneca County Youth Center for 2013.
Approved a resolution authorizing a contract service agreement with Crawford County Board of Commissioners for the receipt, custody and care of Huron County juveniles on behalf of the Seneca County Youth Center for 2013.
Approved a resolution approving the extension of the CDBG 2011 Small Cities Formula Program Community Development Block Grant.
Approved a resolution establishing Seneca County's premium contribution and health insurance rates for calendar year 2013.
Approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2013 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor through the Ohio Department of Administrative Services - cooperative purchasing program from local vendor in lieu of bidding on behalf of the Seneca County Sheriff.
Approved a resolution establishing Seneca County's health insurance rates for calendar year 2013.
Approved a resolution authorizing a fund advance of $510,328.91 from the Capital Projects Fund to the Youth Center Contstruction Fund by a vote of 2-1.
Approved bill
vouchers.
- Approved year-end budget adjustments.
The juvenile court's budget is $722,718.02, and the Seneca County Youth Center has been budgeted for $704,414.50 in 2013.
The board also approved a one-time, 3 percent, cost of living adjustment for county employees.
Stacy Wilson, county administrator, said it is to be separate from the General Fund budget, so it is noted that it will be a one-time expense of $84,363.60.
Commissioner Dave Sauber said it has been years since county employees have seen an increase in pay, and the supplement will not put a burden on the next board of commissioners.
J.M. "Mac" McAuliffe, executive director of Seneca County Veterans Service Commission, spoke briefly at the meeting, and said it has brought in over $12 million in federal government money through veteran's compensation and medical care.
The veterans commission, which has been budgeted for $488,261.55 for 2013, has a ratio of 33:1 for federal dollars coming in to county dollars spent, McAuliffe said.
"I think we're doing a pretty good job out there, and we appreciate all the support from the commissioners," he said.
Nutter thanked the veterans commission and said it is a great effort in the overall economic impact.
"Not only do we get a positive economic impact for Seneca County, but we're also helping the veterans," he said. "The veterans council has always helped us when we've had some lean years, you guys were more than willing to help us, and we appreciate that."
The board also read a special proclamation recognizing sheriff's Deputy William Herrig, who died last month. Sheriff Bill Eckelberry also presented Herrig's family with a display case of items that he wore on his uniform.
The sheriff's office officially retired Herrig's unit number - 70 404.
