Road and bridge funds will cover deficit

By Staff
Clark: Borrowing money is reckless idea
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
The Morgan County Commission passed its 2005 General Fund Budget on Monday using Roads and Bridges funds to cover a $948,041 deficit.
Funds were used from the prior fund balance, estimated actual revenue, and a $1.2 million transfer from the Roads and Bridges account to balance the budget.
The county's 2005 total projected revenue is $56.9 million with estimated expenditures of $57.9 million.
District 1 Commissioner Don Stisher, District 2 Commissioner John Glasscock and District 4 Commissioner Stacy George voted to pass the budget with District 1 Commissioner Jeff Clark voting against the proposal.
When figures were first presented two weeks ago to balance the budget with funds from the Roads and Bridges account, Glasscock and George were ready to pass the budget.
"I think what you're both saying is reckless," Clark said in regards to the transfer. "Just remember you're borrowing $1.2 million to fund the general budget."
Clark proposed making additional cuts totaling $1.65 million, including a 3 percent employee pay increase and $65,000 in deputies' pay upgrades, before the budget was approved Monday to avoid using the county's reserve to cover the budget deficit. His proposal was opposed and the budget was passed as it stood.