Starke County Council to Cut Money from Budget, Implements Hiring Freeze – WKVI Information Center

Starke County Auditor Rachel Oesterreich instructed the Starke County Council members Monday night time that $345,000 must be reduce from the 2021 County Normal Fund funds by January 1.

She mentioned the Division of Native Authorities Finance mentioned the necessity to reduce the funds in a current dialog after evaluation of the funds.  On high of that, insurance coverage could go up $200,000 in 2021.  Oesterreich mentioned the county’s insurance coverage agent has but to go to market and negotiate choices, however that could be a tough estimate.  She famous that the council did improve the insurance coverage line merchandise by over $100,000 to accommodate an anticipated improve, but it surely could possibly be larger than that estimate.  Because of this, more cash could should be reduce from the funds. 

With that info in thoughts, and with the commissioners’ help, the Starke County Council members authorized a hiring freeze.  That signifies that no new county positions will likely be thought of in 2021 which might be paid out of County Normal.  If there is a chance the place an worker leaves and the workplace can get by with out changing that worker, the council encourages that motion. 

They may also tackle a couple of $642,000 shortfall in income in County Normal.  Based on paperwork supplied to county officers, the vast majority of the misplaced income is within the EMS Division and Housing Prisoners in Transit which accounts for a bit over $300,000.  Curiosity on the financial institution stability can be at a lack of $138,000.  It was acknowledged that numerous that has to do with the well being pandemic.  Feedback have been made that sufferers don’t need to be transported to the hospital attributable to COVID-19 worry, and the Sheriff’s Division didn’t settle for DOC prisoners for housing attributable to coronavirus issues. 

No funds cuts have been decided throughout Monday night time’s assembly, however the council and commissioners will look into that matter earlier than the tip of the 12 months.