By Rod Larse
The Journal 

Commissioners host 2022 budget hearing

 

Last updated 12/22/2021 at 5pm



RITZVILLE – Adams County commissioners held public hearings on the proposed 2022 county budget.

During the Monday, Dec. 13, hearing, Commissioner Jay Weise outlined the budget process, saying it was “a little different from previous years.”

He explained a series of workshops took place with all elected officials and department heads attending in an effort to share and learn about what other department budget requests include, and why.

The 2022 proposed budget is a status quo budget which provides for continued operations.

Proposed expenditures for current expense departments are $12,070,642.

Expenditures for 36 other county funds including county roads, solid waste and integrated health services are $27,865,115.

Weise noted the cash carryover for 2021 is higher than usual, and explained the additional cash is a result of unspent salary and benefits for vacant employee positions.

There are a number of vacant positions in various departments throughout county government. Those vacant positions have been difficult to fill in 2021.

In addition to vacant positions, which remain funded, approximately 20 new positions, and reclassifications were requested from various departments.

Only one new position, an evidence technician for the Sherriff’s Office, was funded.

In terms of cost of living, represented employees have cost-of-living allowances included in contracts with the four bargaining units representing county employees.

The contract COLAs are 3% for 2022.

In the budget process it is proposed to provide the same 3% COLA for non-represented employees.

Salaries for elected officials are established by the Adams County Citizen’s Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials. The commission reviews elected officials salaries every 2 years, and there are no changes to elected official’s salaries for 2022.

The hearing was attended in person by Auditor Heidi Hunt, Sheriff Dale Wagner, Prosecuting Attorney Randy Flyckt and Public Works Director Todd O’Brien.

Commission Chairman Dan Blankenship was absent.

The hearing was conducted by Commissioner Terry Thompson. Joining by remote connection were Treasurer Kayla Meise, Emergency Management Director Sandi Duffey, and Human Resources Manager Amalia Perez.

There were no verbal comments received from the public.

Prosecuting Attorney Flyckt congratulated the board and Auditor Hunt on a smooth process.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as the board’s attorney,” he said.

 

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