Elliott County fiscal court approves budget readings as road fund faces $178,000 decline

The Elliott County Fiscal Court approved the first readings of its proposed fiscal year budget and two separate budget amendments on May 21, and amended the county clerk’s deputy-salary line after discussion about a missing $5,000 request.

Judge Curry summarized the budget review process and noted the state road fund across nearly every county will be reduced by about $178,000 for the coming year. “This next year we’re going into, it is reduced by another $178,000,” the judge said, warning county leaders they will need to be “more cognizant” in budgeting and may move general-fund dollars to support roads.

The court approved the second reading of the second budget amendment (motion by Manley; seconded by Michael) and later approved the first reading of the fiscal court budget (motion by Michael; seconded by Emily). During the budget discussion the county clerk asked for an additional $5,000 for deputy salaries that had not been included in the circulated draft. The court discussed whether to add the request now or approve the budget as presented and amend later; members ultimately approved the first reading and agreed to address the $5,000 through an amendment if needed.

After returning from executive session the court specifically approved the clerk’s budget with a $5,000 deduction (reducing the deputy-salary line back to $65,000), following a motion to approve the clerk’s budget minus $5,000 (motion by Michael; seconded by Emily). The judge explained that adding the clerk’s request would require moving funds from other already-budgeted accounts.

The court also approved a first reading of the third budget amendment (motion by Aaron; seconded by Emily) and confirmed the required Local Government (DLG) review that precedes final adoption. Robert Brown, identified in the meeting as the local finance officer, was described by the judge as the official who must sign off on budget amendments before they return to the court for a second reading.

The actions advance the county’s budget process but do not yet finalize spending; second readings and DLG sign-off remain required steps before the budget becomes effective.