The Putnam County Commission heard the budget needs of each elected office at its Tuesday, March 11 meeting. The commission must submit its budget for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2005 to the State before the end of the month.
Circuit Clerk Stephanie Smith, Prosecuting Attorney Kris Raynes, Assessor Gary Warner, County Clerk Brian Wood, and Sheriff Bobbie Eggleton, all requested increases that would produce 5% wage increases for their employees.
Employee wages make up the major part of each elected officer’s budget. Last year, the commission approved the following totals: Circuit Clerk – $597,498; Prosecuting Attorney – $1,261,780; Assessor – $535,693; County Clerk – $952,539; Sheriff (Treasurer) – $693,571; and Sheriff (Law Enforcement) – $4,682,255.
The total county budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year was $24 million, $14 million of which was funded by property taxes. Putnam property tax revenue for the coming fiscal year is expected to be about $900 thousand above 2024-2025.
Stephanie Smith said that her office would also need additional funding to meet overtime requirements that the Circuit Clerk’s officer has encountered in meeting electronic filing mandates imposed by the State legislature. Smith also cited the need to replace worn out seating in the Judicial Building.
Kris Raynes stated that she would face an increase to fund expert testimony for two upcoming high-profile trials. Raynes also asked the commission to fully fund salary and benefits of an employee that had been previously funded by a federal grant.
Sheriff Eggleton reported that he needed additional to meet a projected increase in cost of uniforms and home-visitations.
In other business, the commission approved the annexation of 1.68 acres adjacent to Chapman Funeral Home in Hurricane into Hurricane city limits. The site is slated to become the home to a new Putnam County Bank Branch.
The commission also extended an extension of an agreement with the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association to assist in implementing changes at the Putnam County Animal Shelter.
In an item not listed on the agenda, Gary Jones of Scott Depot expressed his concern that the Department of Highways may not choose the option favored by residents when Teays Valley Road is widened. Jones believes that the overwhelming majority of residents favor two-way turn lanes and additional lanes at traffic lights, while the DOH favors the construction of four runabouts. The area of Teays Valley Road involved is the section between Great Teays Boulevard and Scott Teays Elementary School. The issue is expected to be discussed at the county transportation committee meeting on March 31st.
The Putnam County Commission next meets on Tuesday, March 25th.
