2004 county budget slightly lower than last year?s

A 2004 budget topping $4.022 million has been adopted by the Presque Isle County Commission. Budget figures were approved December 30 on a 4-0 vote, with District 5 commissioner Don Field still hospitalized following a two-vehicle accident in early December. If expenditures go as planned through the year, the county will spend $4,022,061.60, slightly less than in 2003.

?I truthfully believe in our county, we have some bickering back and forth, but as a whole, we get along a lot better than other counties do,? said chairman Allan Bruder. ?When you look at what other counties are doing…and how far they are out of balance and how much trouble they had balancing the budget, I do think we work well together.?

THE EXPECTED revenues are listed at exactly the same number, meaning the county started the year with a balanced budget. One concern among board members was having enough money in contingencies, if and when union contracts are settled with courthouse employees and sheriff?s deputies. Contingencies were set at $161,359. More than $11,000 was saved from 2003 to ?04 in hospitalization insurance, according to clerk Sue Rhode.

In 2003, the board adopted a policy that makes it possible for county employees to receive a stipend if they opt out of Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Some employees opt out because they receive medical insurance benefits through their spouse. More than $410,000 was paid as a stipend in 2003, which came under budget, Rhode said. There was no break in health coverage for the county, as double digit increases from Blue Cross/Blue Shield had to be absorbed again. The increase from the company was 11.5 percent.

THERE WERE no salary increases for e

lected officials, appointed officials, department heads and non-union personnel, which meant a small decrease from budget figures from ?03, but hours were increased for a handful of offices. The prosecutor?s and clerk?s offices were approved for an increase to 40-hour weeks for their staffs, while district court employees will be paid to work 40-hour work weeks for six months. The rent for District Health Department No. 4 will remain at $10.50 a square foot at the courthouse. Per diem and water well inspections also stayed at 2003 levels. A water well inspection costs $30, plus a water testing charge is assessed.

The millage rate from 2003 to 2004 went from 5.55 to 5.74, the maximum allowed. ?I think at this time the departments need to be commended for their hard work too, along with the (finance) committee,? said District 3 commissioner Mike Darga.