Thursday, June 8th, the Dade County Commission opened the floor to comments regarding the proposed FY-2024 Budget which had already been made public (this can be found on the Dade County website). They are set to approve and move forward with the proposed budget. Below is a summary of the presentations and comments of each department that made an appearance.
Beginning the public comments portion of the was Carolyn Bradford speaking on behalf of the Juvenile Court Judge in Dade County. In the year 2022 in the Juvenile Court, approximately 121 cases. Some of which constituted up to 5 hearings. This averaged 600 hearings a year. So far this year through May there has already been 58 cases, which equals out to 290 hearings. Mrs. Bradford shared that although this is the case, the budget in this area will be reducing by $8,000.
Next to speak was Rebecca Thomas, the interim County Extension Coordinator for Dade County and 4-H Educator, Laura Cunningham. The extension office in Dade County is made up of three parts: agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and the 4-H youth development program. Mrs. Cunningham shared encouragement to keep the 4-H program in mind when considering the budget, as it is a program that sees regular growth and attention.
The Soil Conservation Technician Representative in the US Department of Agriculture for Dade spoke next. He spoke about how the budget he receives is, in part, from different sources in addition to the county. In his experience, he’s received great support from the county and wants to see that continue in the future. His job is to help citizens understand how do spend money allocated by Congress for agricultural purposes.
Paula Duvall, Chief Appraiser for the County Assessor’s Office represented the County Board of Assessors. The BoA has agreed to accept the proposed FY-2024 budget. She invited all citizens to come in any time to ask any questions regarding property values.
Kevin Baugh, Chief Assistance District Attorney, spoke on behalf of Clay Fuller, the District Attorney. Mr. Baugh requested a slight increase in their end of the budget regarding employee retirement expenses and personnel expenses, and supplements for assistant District Attorneys. Following ADA Baugh, Chad Johnson of the Circuit Public Defender spoke next. He expressed similar concerns for staffing although didn’t request funding assistance for this year. There may be a need in the future.
The Dade County Chief Magistrate, Joel McCormick, presented on behalf of the Magistrate office. He expressed that there is a variance in their budget due to book bindings as well as Charles Morgan being replaced with Harvey McCaig. Mr. Morgan didn’t take the full sum allotted to his position, but his replacement will.
Probate Judge Carter shared next. Her concerns were regarding employees, technology, and training hours. The cost of the training has increased. Expenses have increased, but the amount of money they will be receiving is also going up.
Tommy Bradford spoke on behalf of Sheriff’s Office. There were some areas that went up in their budget and they responded by cutting other areas, much of which had to do with vehicles. Joseph Chambers joined Mr. Bradford to speak regarding the jail. The proposed budget for the jail was acceptable. Chattooga County is in a position where they have to house inmates in other locations and Dade has helped them. Mr. Chambers expressed an opportunity for revenue to come from this area.
Courtney Gross, Dade County’s Coroner, presented that their budget has been able to be shaved off a bit. The office is up to date with technology. Their budget will go mostly to personnel, equipment, and supplies.
Stepping up to the mic next was Evan Stone who presented that the Economic Development Authority and Industrial Development Authority, who both contribute into their budget, were down about $19,000 this year over last. The IDA approved the next year’s budget and will be putting an additional $5,000 into the county’s budget.
Presenting next was Stacy Stephens who is over the Park Recreation, Code Enforcement, and Building Maintenance of Dade County. Mr. Stephens shared that the growth of Dade County, the more his departments are affected. Last year they had over 250 inspections on new homes, expressing the difficulty in planning a budget for that and other areas. They need to go by the numbers and project what will happen. However, they will be doing the best they can to go by the budget set before them.
Rodney Ross, the coordinator for the chief’s association, spoke next. He expressed the lack of staffing and had asked the Commission for an increase to be able to pay his staff more. This is a volunteer work, so Mr. Ross asked for patience when they are called.
Overall, the County is in budget and in good shape.
Watch the full public hearing here!