By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Guthrie County Bord of Supervisors, Sheriff Matt Harmann offered a budgetary presentation of the revenues and expenses he anticipates in the upcoming fiscal year. He explained that he is working to allocate budget items into four main categories: Patrol, Jail, Dispatch, and Administration.
Regarding revenues, Harmann pointed out that the main outside source of revenue is the fee collected for jailing inmates from other counties. But, since those numbers fluctuate, Harmann said he prefers to budget that revenue conservatively.
“The revenue changes with the increase of housing out-of-county inmates. We’ve kept it far below what its potential is,” Harmann said.
Supervisor Steve Smith asked if the county’s daily fee ($60) is in line with what other counties charge, and Harmann said most are $55 to $60.
Harmann explained that his proposed budget includes adding one officer, which he said would help decrease overtime. Harmann also said he plans to look into ways to access additional funding, such as the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) and Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). He said when these programs run, they may be able to help pay overtime wages. Harmann also said he would look into available grants.
Harmann said the overall budget is projected to increase, but he feels that is needed for the county.
“My ask is $85,000 from the previous year,” Harman said, and added that this should help with response times and officer safety.
No board action was taken on the budget at this time.
Through March, the Board of Supervisors meets regularly Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.