County staff propose moving planning budget under Public Works; commissioners generally supportive

County planning staff on Jan. 6 asked the Board of Commissioners for input on transitioning the planning department budget to sit under Public Works, arguing the move would simplify accounting and reduce duplicated general ledger codes.

Staff noted that some planning work is funded by a 50/50 fund derived from building‑permit valuation and that the transition would require setting up new GL codes under Public Works and adjusting salary splits for staff currently shared between departments. Commissioners broadly supported the idea and suggested tying the change to the county’s planned Tyler system rollout on July 1 so the transition could occur with the new budget cycle.

The board directed staff to bring detailed budget and accounting materials back during the regular budget process; no formal motion was required because the change would be implemented as part of the FY process.