County struggling through revenue shortfalls

POMEROY–An expected state funding loss of $400,000 from decreased fuel taxes will impact county road maintenance budget and other public works greatly.

The Garfield County Commssioners discussed this expected loss during the Tuesday, May 26 meeting, recognizing the decrease of revenue from state funding through fuel taxes is a significant amount for a rural county such as Garfield County. The Public Works department will be the most affected area of the County government because the fuel tax is a major contributor to the budget for county road maintenance.

The Commissioners are looking for ways the cut expenses, and have suggested cutting hours for Public Works employees by two hours each, and initiate a hiring freeze.

Garfield County Public Works Director Grant Morgan has identified other areas to minimize expenditures, such as reducing road work done with heavy machinery and focus on manual labor projects. He also stated the department should receive reimbursement money for repairs done to correct damage by recent flooding.

In addition, Morgan added they could investigate federal aid opportunities to do some county projects, stating that the federal government is currently open to funding such projects due to the coronavirus pandemic. "We just need to exercise due diligence to save where we can," he said.

Commissioner Justin Dixon replied that a $400,000 to $500,000 loss is huge for the County, and cuts have to be made somewhere. "We need to tighten the reins," he added, and "plan for the future" which is uncertain. "No budget in the world can take this type of hit and not have consequences," said Dixon.

Commissioner Bob Johnson commented that the state legislature will be making their cuts and it is uncertain what that will include. He asked how much could be saved by cutting two hours from each public works employee. That answer will be forthcoming from Morgan.

Morgan argued that his department has always kept a "bare bones staff to help weather these type of storms." He wants to keep everybody working and find other ways to save money. He reminded the commissioners that they still have increased revenue through the wind towers tax base, as well as an increase of Open Space taxes. Not knowing that the County would be hit hard by the coronavirus shutdowns, "we budgeted pretty heavy this year, and we can find places to cut," assured Morgan. The only planned hiring would be for a summer litter crew of two people. He suggested that the regular crew could take care of those duties instead. Rod Norland, County Roads Supervisor, added, "We don't have any extra crew just standing around. Everybody has a job to do. Laying off anyone would create a big hole."

Commissioner Wynne McCabe replied, "Both federal and state governments are throwing a lot of money at the coronavirus problem, and further down the road we have to be prepared" for any more shortfall that could create.

"You can only spend what you have. You can't operate on a deficit basis."Donna Deal, Clerk of the Board, stated that property tax receipts have been "pretty normal," but court fees have declined.