Friday's Internet Edition, March 12, 2010.

David Boothe, Rodney Cox and John Greathouse met Tuesday at the courthouse for the first of three special sessions to formulate a new budget.

The budget is expected to total about $2,761,000, about $267,000 from the current budget. More exact figures were not available because commissioners were still waiting on estimates for 911 reimbursements.

Budget requests from elected officials and other entities totaled $142,000 more than revenues.

County Clerk Charlie White and WVU Extension agent Kate Burbank presented their budget requests in person. White requested a minimal increase to reflect mandated hikes for employee insurance that affect all offices.

Burbank requested approximately $13,000 more for the Extension office that included an additional $5,000 as the county’s contribution toward a second county agent. The travel line item would be boosted by $2,400 at Burbank’s request.

Burbank said the state Extension office had unexpectedly stopped its contribution toward travel after last year’s budget had been submitted. She also worried that trimming the money for the second agent below the $15,000 suggested by the state office could jeopardize that position in the future.

Cox, the commission president, suggested possible cuts, but noted that the budget was still in its preliminary stages. Burbank requested that she be kept apprised of commissioners’ cuts before the budget is finalized on March 23.

Commissioners also looked at other budget requests Tuesday, including $25,000 for the county economic development authority that is unchanged from the current budget. Boothe mentioned an idea that Cox first suggested at a previous meeting, reducing the county’s contribution to reflect the transfer of the former Goodrich and Kellwood buildings to the EDA. Both buildings have tenants that produce revenue.

“We’d like to see some numbers,” Cox said. He also asked administrative assistant Jennifer Randolph to contact EDA director Mark Whitley for the information.

“What we’ve given them has helped them generate a few times ($25,000),” Boothe added. “It’s pretty significant.”

The regional jail budget is expected to rise by $65,000 to reflect costs that have increased significantly. Through eight months in the current fiscal year, the line item has already surpassed the budgeted amount by $7,000.

Cox said he hoped the county’s recent association with a day report center would eventually reduce the jail expense.

Prosecuting attorney Josh Downey will present his budget during a special session Tuesday, March 9 following the commission’s regular 6:30 p.m. meeting. Assessor Emily Westfall is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. special session on Tuesday, March 16.