By Kara Crump
Staff Writer
On Monday evening, June 3, the Chester County Budget Committee held a preliminary budget meeting in the upstairs courtroom at the Chester County Courthouse. Committee Chair Ann Moore directed the meeting.
Crystal Richerson, Chester County Library Executive Director, requested the budget committee consider hiring a third full-time employee at the library. The Chester County Library payroll currently includes two part-time employees and Richerson. One of these employees comes in as a substitute for employees that are sick or unable to work on specific days. The final decision was not to go forward with a full-time employee this year. To remedy the situation, the budget allowed a third part-time library employee for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
A particular concern was raised about a $10,000 item for the county’s Mental Health budget. This fee is for Mental Health evaluations on felony charges in court for person(s) who have no insurance to afford it. The city budget does not offer the same contributions. It was not decided but will be investigated further on whether to cut these contributions to save money on the county’s budget proceeding forward.
Mark Griffin presented the budget for the Chester County Sherriff’s Office. The committee unanimously approved to move forward with recommendations with all committee members audibly stating, “Aye.” Budgets were not met for the 2023-24 fiscal year due to increased/unexpected prisoner expenses; however, Griffin added, “We do our best to financially budget and cut corners to be able to afford what is needed when it is needed.”
While circumstances beyond anyone’s control have happened, the goal for the next fiscal year is to meet the budget goals for the sheriff’s office as it has maintained in previous years.
Beverly Morton, Chester County Property Assessor, was asked by the committee about the five-year audit services on the proposal she previously presented to the committee. She explained audit charges are made on personal property accounts of $100,000 or more each year. These accounts qualifying must be taxed 15% to pass inspections and stay in compliance with state mandates.
The Chester County Budget Committee will meet again at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Chester County Courthouse, upstairs courtroom.
