JEFFERSON —
Commissioners are still looking for three to four new members to serve on the advisory committee that works with the board in developing the county’s general fund budget.
County Administrator Janet Discher said only two of the original committee members will return for this year’s budget meetings. Commissioners put out the help wanted sign several weeks ago, but Discher said their appeal generated only a couple of applications.
Commissioners want a balance of geographic representation and experience. In the past, representation included agriculture, health care and retired business professionals. The committee members are expected to attend the work sessions with elected officials, listen to their budget presentations and, at the end of the process, make suggests to the board on how the county can be more efficient in its use of revenues.
The board typically gears up for the process in September, but there have not been any discussions thus far. Discher said one of the reasons is that officials will be expected to use the county’s new software to prepare their budget requests.
“We want to do some training on the financial management software,” said Discher, who plans to receive the budget requests through that software system.
There’s another unknown for many of the elected officials — if they, including two of the commissioners, will still be in office when it comes time to spend the money. Discher said that commissioners have not discussed with her any plans to invite the candidates to participate in the work sessions, which are open to the public.
Persons interested in applying for an advisory committee spot should call board clerk Lisa Hawkins, 576-3750.
