In parallel, the Board’s Chief Financial Officer presented the 2024 budget, detailing the appropriations, anticipated revenues, and notable changes from the previous year. The CFO underscored the reductions in department budgets due to vacant positions and attrition, as well as the removal of vehicle and IT purchases from operating budgets. Increased allocations for juvenile housing agreements and state-mandated psychiatric hospital services were also highlighted. The presentation served to increase transparency, with the entire budget presentation made available on the finance department website for public review.

The meeting also delved into health insurance costs, specifically addressing the increase in the Medicare Advantage plan by approximately 4% and a 7.36% hike in workers’ compensation. A trust fund was set up to cover premiums for all benefits, with a total fringe benefits increase estimated at around 7.4%. The board introduced an ordinance for capital improvement, allocating funds for various projects, including technology updates, security equipment, and a solar feasibility study.

Public comments brought up concerns about the allocation of funds from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, with members of the community questioning the prioritization of certain projects over compensating essential workers.

The Board tackled resolutions to exceed the 2% budget cap for the County Sheriff’s Office and the County Prosecutor’s Office for the 2024 budget. Legal implications of a resolution concerning the consideration of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions were debated, highlighting the need for a case-by-case approach for background checks.

Several resolutions were discussed, including change orders for the Rowan Medicine project, reappointments to the tourism advisory council, and the declaration of March 2024 as Red Cross Month. Furthermore, the Board addressed resolutions involving contracts for public works, emergency management, and the affirmation of emergencies at the County Department of Corrections.

A debate ensued over the assessment for the Mid-County Park’s proposed 5.2-mile trail system, with considerations for Green Acres grant funding requirements. The possibility of conducting the assessment in-house was discussed, but it was determined that specific expertise and environmental considerations necessitated external assessment.

The Board also applauded the acceptance of a grant for the construction of a new facility, anticipated to create opportunities for professionals and youth programs.