Rich County Commission Budget

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. December 17, 2014.  Kim Wilson presented two property exemptions to the Commissioners for approval. She then noted that the contract with the JCI Collection Agency needs to be renewed.  They take care of all unpaid bills for the county ambulances.  The cost of their service for each collection is $4 higher than the cost charged in the last few years.  The contract is for a year with automatic renewal for the next several years.  Wilson noted that it is a good service, and this company does an especially good job.  The Commissions signed the new contract.

There was a budget hearing held.  It was noted that there was a 4 percent cost of living raise given to all county employees.  Medical insurance costs have increased 5.9 percent which is also shown in the budget.  There have not been any changes in dental or life insurance, just medical insurance.

The new budget also includes funds for some capital projects—an ambulance, some needed road equipment, and building maintenance improvements.  It was noted that wild land suppression funds have to be increased each year.  The biggest item in the budget is the jail and Sheriff’s needs.  The next largest amount of funds goes to the county roads.

In the regular Commission meeting after the budget hearing, the budget was opened and the necessary end of the year bookkeeping entries were made and approved by the Commissioners.  The proposed budget for 2015 was then approved as of December 30, 2014.

Chairman Bill Cox noted that each of the department heads that work for the County have kept within their budgets.  They have been very conservative, have made good decisions, and are the individuals who make it possible for the County to continue without having to raise taxes yearly.  There have been very few needed adjustments from year to year.  These individuals are willing to stay within their budgets.  They have been frugal and careful with public funds.  He wanted to let the citizens of the County know how conscientious the county employees are in working with tax monies, and he wanted to thank them for their good work.