County’s budget rises 22%

The Greene County Commission this afternoon is scheduled to sign a 2020 budget that’s 22% higher than the prior year.

Budgeted expenses are $233.7 million, up from $191.5 million in the 2019 budget, according to documents provided by the county. Commissioners are expected to adopt the 2020 budget at 1 p.m. at the Greene County Historic Courthouse, 940 Boonville Ave., according to a news release.

“Each year, everyone at the county works very hard to develop a budget that best uses taxpayer funds, all while providing the services required in our community,” Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon said in the release. “This year, like all years, there were items that had to be cut from the budget, but I commend the judges, officeholders and directors for looking ahead, making the most of the resources available and working collaboratively to make this year’s budget possible.”

Among expenses included in the budget is more than $45 million for the recently announced jail expansion project. County spokeswoman Donna Barton said the total budget for the new jail is $150 million, but that would not all be spent this year.

The county last month announced the purchase of 23 acres in northwest Springfield, near the airport, for the site of a new jail and sheriff operations. A warranty deed on file with the Greene County recorder’s office shows the land deal closed Dec. 18; officials previously pointed to a $679,545 purchase price.

Officials last month said a groundbreaking could come by spring 2020 with completion slated for 2022.

In the county’s budgeting process, more than $14.8 million in requests were cut, according to the release.