The first hearing on the Livingston County 2025 budget was held as part of the Livingston County Commission meeting Thursday morning. The County Clerk, Sherry Parks, is also the Budget Officer and she presided over the hearing. The budget presented includes a carryover from 2024 of nearly 6.2 million dollars. The total estimated revenues, including the carryover, are just under $18.1 million, with estimated expenditures of just over $13.2 million.
Presiding Commissioner Ed Douglas says areas of concern include Jail expenses, which increased in 2024.
The number of prisoners increased from 30 per day to 50 or more.
Douglas says the cost per detainee per day also increased, from $55 to $60. That increase will be about $100,000 a year for the county.
Douglas says the 911 expenses are increasing.
Between equipment and ongoing expenses, it will be $2 – $3 hundred thousand more than it has ever been.
The State Court also took away the Marijuana Sales Tax from the county as a source of revenue.
A 3.5% cost of living increase for the employees is budgeted and the county will increase the starting wage to $15 per hour.
The second and final hearing for the 2025 Livingston County Budget will be on January 30th at 9:30 am in the Commission Room. The budget will be available for public inspection at the Clerks Office. Changes may be made before final approval.