City, county approve first, second readings of budgets
Published 4:36 pm Sunday, June 18, 2017
With the end of the 2016-17 fiscal year a couple weeks away, local governments are making the final steps to approve their budgets for the new year.
The Winchester Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of the city’s budget for the new fiscal year Tuesday evening.
Following the city’s budget workshops and discussion, the final budget shows $29.3 million in available resources, including a projected carryover of nearly $8.4 million.
Appropriations are estimated at $23.8 million, leaving a projected balance at the end of 2017-18 of $5.5 million.
The major changes within the city’s budget were adding an assistant treasurer position, two additional 911 communications officers and three firefighter-EMTs, which will be partially funded by a grant. The commission also cut $150,000 for a storage building for Winchester Fire-EMS. The budget included funds to build a new fire training tower and facility near Station 3 in the industrial park.
The commission must approve a second reading by June 30, which is the last day of the current fiscal year.
Wednesday morning, the Clark County Fiscal Court unanimously approved the second reading of its budget. Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham said it was approved by the state local finance officer and no changes were required.
The budget, as approved, shows $14.9 million in expenses and includes $1.38 million in carryover in the estimated revenue and receipts to balance the budget.
Prior to the first reading, the magistrates cut budgeted contributions to the EMS and 911 program it shares with the City of Winchester by $50,000. Clark County Jailer Frank Doyle also reduced his budget transfers from the county general fund by $60,000, with the promise of paying the county $175,000 a month during the fiscal year.
The magistrates also vetoed $98,000 for a new dump truck for the road department, returning the funds to the department’s budget.