Robbinsville – During Tuesday’s meeting with the Graham County Board of Commissioners, County Manager and Finance Officer Becky Garland was “very proud to report” that Graham County’s general fund holds over $10 million.
“Due to good decision making and fiscal responsibility” on behalf of the county, the fund contains nearly $1.9 million more than one year ago.
In part of the ongoing push for fiscal responsibility, Garland plans to ask each department to cut their budget by one percent. This will allow the county to borrow less when financing the construction of the Justice Center, which will replace the old courthouse.
Regarding the Justice Center construction project, Garland reported that a consultant is in town to perform a site assessment and meet with jail staff. At the board’s request, Garland agreed to obtain additional quotes for construction of the Justice Center.
Other news and notes from the meeting included:
* Economic Development Director Sophia Paulos informed the board that in spite of Frontier’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, the company will be allowed to continue to provide phone and internet service. Paulos also noted that the county has received more than $133,000 in grant money for the Recovery to Work program.
* Health Department Director Beth Booth also addressed the board. The commissioners approved her request to list a job opening for the temporary, grant-funded, part-time position of CLC navigator. The position entails working with inmates to insure their physical and mental health as well as helping with their transition once released.
* Sheriff Joseph Jones requested than monies be moved from one line item to another in the Sheriff’s Office budget. Garland agreed and the board voted to allow the finance officer to approve such line-item changes independently. The changes will have no effect on the office’s total budget.
The board then approved several items including:
* the transfer of the old Emergency Management truck to Harold Millsaps of the grounds crew.
* a 30-year lease of the property where Four Square manages a child care facility.
* the appointment of Amy Johnson as Privilege Tax Collector.