FAYETTEVILLE — Washington County is on its way to closing out last year’s spending after prolonged discussion on how much flexibility department heads should have with their money.
Monday evening the Finance Committee approved the final account of how much was spent where in 2013. Approval by the Quorum Court next week is the final step to closing the books on last year’s $60 million budget.
Meeting Information
Washington County Quorum Court
When: 6 p.m., Thursday, April 17
Where: Quorum Courtroom, Washington County Courthouse, 280 N. College Ave., Fayetteville
On the Agenda: Final approval of 2013’s spending.
Before the vote, the justices of the peace debated how much power they have over the taxpayer money spent by the departments. In general they agreed they want a tighter grip, though some said more control could cause new problems.
The debate centered on line items, which split departments’ overall budgets for specific uses, such as for utility bills or overtime.
Last month the justices of the peace were surprised to learn departments shuffled line item amounts, exceeding some while making up the difference in others.
The jail spent 165 percent of what was planned on inmates’ medical bills, for example, according to comptroller Cheryl Bolinger. Maintaining the county’s internet connections also cost 138 percent of its line item.
Several justices said those overruns seem to show their directions were ignored.
“I’m asking — procedurally, legally — how we pass a budget, we give a number, and it’s disregarded,” said Eva Madison, who represents District 9 in northeast Fayetteville. “We’re being asked for forgiveness rather than permission, and I don’t like that.”
Most justices of the peace echoed that sentiment. They were again surprised to learn department heads get a warning when they’re about to spend more than a line item allows but can override that warning. Bolinger said it’s possible to block that ability.
“I say you turn that on tomorrow,” said Rick Cochran of District 7 west of Fayetteville and Farmington. “We have to have the control. This is our job.”
Several Democratic justices said the court’s grip could get too tight, however. More control could complicate routine adjustments, they said, and end up costing more money to enforce.
“We cannot control every little penny, every line item in a budget,” said Ann Harbison of District 14, which covers much of the county’s southern half. “Things change daily in the Road Department,” for example, she added.
Justices of the peace suggested requiring permission for any line item to change, or for changes of more than a certain amount. No changes were made Monday.
“This will be a good discussion when we get to the budgets (in the fall),” said Candy Clark, the committee chairwoman from District 12.