The meeting opened with a discussion on the sheriff’s budget appeal to the administration commission. The appeal highlighted a significant reduction from the sheriff’s requested budget, attributed to the inclusion of one-cent sales tax funds in the calculation. The board’s discussion centered on their rationale for budget cuts. The board members articulated that all constitutional officers were asked to reduce their budgets due to a projected $1.9 million deficit. They noted that while $900,000 in grant money was secured to aid operations, the economic strain from recent hurricanes and mill closures necessitated financial prudence.

The commissioners expressed confidence in their decision, emphasizing that the board acted uniformly and fairly by requesting all departments to cut costs. They stated that the arrangement involving the one-cent sales tax to support the sheriff’s office and hospital was not intended as a permanent measure, given past economic conditions were more favorable.

The meeting also touched on concerns over future revenues, with one commissioner expressing worry that the county could face greater financial challenges if proactive measures are not taken.

To finalize the discussion, the board agreed to instruct the county administrator to draft a response to the sheriff’s appeal, incorporating points raised during the meeting. The commissioners expressed trust in the administrator’s ability to address the appeal appropriately, and a motion was passed to this effect.