County manager proposes line‑item cuts; commissioners approve two budget amendments

County Manager Thomas Weaver told commissioners during May budget work sessions that he planned to reduce contract services by $15,000 and review elected‑official supplements and other line items to bring the FY budget closer to balance without drawing on reserves.

“We will be reducing contract services by 15,000.00,” Weaver said at the May 14 called session, and he told the board staff would continue reviewing salaries and departmental lines to find further adjustments.

At a May 28 work session commissioners discussed the distinction between routine building maintenance and capital or SPLOST‑eligible upgrades, and directed staff to consider capital funding where appropriate. Weaver also reported administrative items including LMIG road funds (about $155,000 listed in discussion), bids issued for solid‑waste services and progress on a county splashpad project.

The Commission voted unanimously during the May 28 work session to approve two budget amendments: one for the sheriff’s office (housing of prisoners) and one for E‑911 to cover mapping (Rysiant mapping referenced in the session record). Commissioners also instructed staff to return with updated budgets reflecting the agreed cuts and to limit reserve use if possible.

Board members noted ongoing work is needed to balance projected revenues and expenditures; Chairman Charles Coffey asked staff to supply follow‑up details on supplement amounts and specific line items before final adoption.