Non-governmental groups could be spared 2 percent budget cut

County Commissioners might not hold non-governmental agencies to the 2 percent across the board cut the commission requested for next years budget.

The board has asked that all of its department heads cut their proposed budgets by 2 percent in an effort to keep next year’s millage the same as this year’s.

According to Clerk of the Court Marcia Johnson, the 2 percent cut for non-governmental groups would have minimal effect on the county budget.

The county provides just over 155 thousand dollars to 9 non-governmental groups including literacy, Franklin's Promise, the Transportation Disadvantaged program, Refuge House and Meals on Wheels.

Mrs. Johnson said the savings would total just over 3 thousand dollars.

Commissioners took no action on the issue this week – they have decided to consider it at their budget workshop.

Commissioners Noah Lockley, said one of the reasons he voted against the 2 percent across the board cut was because the decision was made before the commission had all of the information it needed.

Commissioner Pinki Jackel said she feels the groups need to stick to the 2 percent cut to be fair to county departments that will be required to cut. 

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