By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the March 18 regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, significant discussion was held about the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.
Matters still need to be decided by the State Legislature that will impact county budgets statewide, but those decisions will likely not be made until after budgets are due. Supervisor Chair Maggie Armstrong described the work she did in finding ways to alleviate some expenses out of the General Basic category.
“We then landed with 29% General Basic carryover, 22% General Supplemental carryover, and 26% Rural Service carryover,” Armstrong said. “That gives us some room for some potential projects.”
The working budget includes 3% increases for all county employees (except the supervisors, who would not receive a raise) and some specific additional raises in certain departments.
Supervisor Mike Dickson shared his opinion.
“I’m not OK with the extra raises above the 3%. I’m not in favor of that,” Dickson said.
Armstrong asked the supervisors for their comfort level with the carryover percentages she mentioned.
“I’m comfortable,” Supervisor Steve Smith said.
“I think we’ve got to move ahead. That legislation may not be done until about May 1, so I think we’ve got to go ahead and do our business,” Supervisor Brian Johnson said.
The supervisors voted to approve the carryover percentages Armstrong stated, by a 4-1 vote with Dickson opposed.
County Engineer Josh Sebern addressed the supervisors regarding Resolution 25-19 (Bridge Weight Limit Posting).
“Every year about this time, we update our bridge postings, and the inspections usually take place in November/December,” Sebern said. “It has to be done by resolution because they are white signs. They are regulatory. They are enforceable.”
Sebern told of two bridges in the county that are currently closed.
“We did have to close two bridges this year, due to the postings. He said the bridge near the county’s Bear Grove shed was closed due to “severely deteriorated wood pilings.”
“It is in design. It could go into construction in 2026,” Sebern said. “That’s on the fast track, as much as federal aid can fast track.”
Sebern described the other bridge closure.
“The other bridge that is closed is Baker 180 on Iris Avenue… Not eligible for federal aid… We are reviewing all options,” Sebern said.
Sebern explained the bridge does not meet traffic volume requirements for federal aid.
The supervisors unanimously approved the Bridge Weight Limit Posting as submitted.
The supervisors also discussed the possibility of filing a Petition to Intervene regarding pipeline issues. Armstrong said she met with officials from Greene County, who are also working on a the same effort.
Armstrong summarized the purpose of a Petition to Intervene as asking to “have a seat at the table.” No formal action was taken at this time, but the matter will be further discussed at the March 25 meeting.
Through March, the supervisors meet 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#.
There will be no supervisors meeting on March 20.