Conservation Department, county attorney present FY20 budgets

Only minor changes are being made to the Henry County Conservation and Attorney Office's budget from fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2020.

John Pullis, director of the Conservation Department, and Henry County attorney Darin Stater presented their department's budgets during a Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24. Fiscal year 2020 (FY20) begins July 1, 2019, and ends June 30, 2020.

The Conservation Department is increasing their budget for advertising, maintenance and operation, minor motor vehicle parts and accessories and electric power.

The department has used 84 percent of their FY19 budget for advertising with five months left of the fiscal year. Pullis increased the budget for advertising from $1,000 to $1,500 for FY20. The department advertises their facilities including campgrounds and cabins, activities and environmental education programs.

The Conservation Department has used 78 percent of their maintenance and operation budget for mowing the grounds.

'We've still got April, May and June,” Pullis said, adding that they will increase funds for mowing operations 25 percent from $10,000 to $12,500 for FY20.

Ninety percent of the budget for minor motor vehicle parts and accessories has been used this year. The budget will increase from $3,000 to $3,500 for FY20.

The budget for electric power is 61.5 percent used. Pullis adjusted it from $6,500 to $7,000. Electric power is needed for the office, nature center, footbridge and security lights.

Pullis said he is bumping the motor vehicle budget down to $0 for FY20. Last year, there was $7,500 budgeted for motor vehicles for the department.

'There is no equipment we need this next fiscal year,” Pullis said.

FY20 also will bring in new revenue and some expenses, as two new cabins will be ready for use.

Four budget items are adjusted in the Henry County Attorney's Office budget for FY20.

Assistant county attorney Terri Quartucci went from a part-time to full-time employee this year, and her salary was increased to reflect the change.

The Attorney's Office increased their budget for postage from $200 to $1,000 last year as they dealt with a big trial. The budget for postage for FY20 will return to $200.

Other changes in the Attorney's Office was general expenses increased from $9,500 to $10,000 and the Bar Association dues increased $500.