At a special called meeting Sept. 29, the Franklin County Commission approved the budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

Probate Judge Barry Moore announced that this annual budget will be approximately $12,596,214.85 and is subject to be amended throughout the fiscal year. He explained that it is divided into three parts: general fund – $6,786,04844, solid waste department – $2,471,921.45 and highway department – $3,338,244.96.

“I just really want to thank the commission members, the department heads and the commission staff for all the work they have put into this and the work they do year round. They are diligent and hard workers, and we’re blessed to have them all,” Moore said.

Moore said the difference needed to balance this year’s budget will come from transfers from the Capital Improvements Fund, Public Buildings Fund, Public Highway and Traffic Fund and the fund balance brought forward from the last fiscal year.

The budget also includes any step raises due during the fiscal year, he said. Capital outlay items for the solid waste department and highway department will be purchased through the respective departments, and the capital outlay items for the sheriff’s office will be purchased through the sheriff’s office fund balance from fiscal year 16-17.

“I want to thank the commission for all of the hard work they do and for working with us,” Sheriff Shannon Oliver said.

Moore said there will be a 1.5 percent increase in health insurance premiums, but he stressed that that increase will not be placed on the employees. Instead, it will be absorbed by the county into the budget. The benefits for the health insurance plan will remain the same, he said.

Also approved at the meeting was the 2017-2018 reappraisal budget, which is set at $714,190.88.

The commission voted and approved a basic employer-paid life insurance policy of $15,000 through McBride Benefit Solutions that will go in to effect January 2018. It will apply to employees who work 30 or more hours a week, Moore said.

An inmate medical services proposal was also approved through Southern Health Partners for approximately $226,000. Moore explained that the services will cover 115 inmates with an additional charge of $1.25 per day per inmate over the allotted 115.

“The $1.25 charge is really a bargain when you see how much other counties end up paying,” Commissioner Rayburn Massey said.

As for the Franklin County Department of Human Resources board, the commission voted to reappoint board members Cindy Smith and Dawn Thorn for six-year terms upon the request of DHR Director Amber Steward.

“They are very dedicated and dependable board members,” Steward said.

Moore wrapped up the meeting by announcing the next work session, which will be Oct. 10, and the next business meeting, which will be Oct. 16.