The Livingston County budget was approved by the County Commission following a second public hearing. County Clerk Sherry Parks says there were some adjustments since the first hearing, but the overall budget had no significant changes. The overall budget includes revenues of just over $11.9 million and a carryover from 2024 of nearly 6.2 million. Budgeted expenses are nearly $13.3 million, showing the county will spend more than it receives this year and use some of the reserves.
Presiding Commissioner Ed Douglas identified some of the major expenses.
He says there is work needed on the courthouse building.
Audio PlayerFixing the parapet for about $250,000
Douglas says part of that was paid in 2024.
The cost of housing prisoners continues to rise. Douglas says the jail population increased and the cost per day per prisoner also increased. That raises the jail cost about $300,000. And sets the Jail budget at about $1 million. He says that is still less expensive then building and staffing a new jail facility.
Audio PlayerA 100-person jail would cost $30 million over 30 years,
plus interest and personnel, and would be prohibitive.
He says the county has been approved to build two bridges and applied for funding for six others. This includes a soft match from the county that is already available.
The County’s portion of the 911 expense is also increasing, about $250,000 as the number of calls increases and equipment upgrades and additional personnel are needed.
