LAWRENCE COUNTY - AUGUST 24, 2023 - During his presentation on Tuesday night Sheriff Greg Day told Lawrence County Council members he has proposed $ 5 million in renovations at the Lawrence County Correctional facility.
Those proposals have been given to the Lawrence County Commissioners for consideration.
Sheriff Day was not specific in what the renovations are which will be a temporary savings to taxpayers with county justice calling for a new $45 million facility.
The bonds with interest on the bonds that will cost the county approximately $60 million by time the bonds are paid off.
The sheriff request for more pay and with additional costs at the Lawrence County jail the time may have come for the Lawrence County Council to consider a increase to the Public Safety Income tax to pay for the future needs to the county.
Photo: Sheriff Day proposes $ 5 million in renovations at the Lawrence County Jail to save taxpayers money
The budget hearings for each of the county departments are set to begin on September 7,2023.
The proposed budget have climbed upwards over last years 2023 budget by four million, without the Sheriff's proposal Tuesday night.
Last Year's Budget Hearing Difficult to Determine the County's Financial Health
During last years budget hearings the Lawrence County Council was to cut $1 million from the budget. However, there were no cuts to the budget and Lawrence County council member Janie" Craig" Chenault pushed for pay increases for the Republican office holders of five percent after receiving a significant pay increase in 2022.
Lawrence County Council
In 2024, the Republican county elected leaders are requesting another 4 percent pay increase with four of those elected leaders pay exceeding the pay of the starting pay of a Lawrence County sheriff deputy.
Property taxes in Lawrence County have increased for most property owners in 2023.
Lawrence County Auditor Jessica Staggs presented three set of revenue numbers to give Lawrence County justification in giving the five percent pay increases.
During the 2023 Budget hearings significant changes were made to the tax levies to which Lawrence County Council President Scott Smith did not allow for public comment, or conduct a public hearing.
The levy for the Aviation Fund increased 165 percent from 2021. The Lawrence County Health Department budget and levies were cut by 24.82 percent.
The Lawrence County Health Department levy changes were done without notifying the department to be able to respond to the actions of the county council.
The budget for 2024 could be another difficult year for those who oversee the county fincial stability.
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