During a recent government meeting, Commissioner Lockhart raised concerns regarding the county manager's proposal to allocate additional funds for salaries from reserves. Lockhart emphasized the importance of sustainable funding, noting that using one-time revenue reserves for recurring costs could lead to financial challenges in the future. He highlighted the need for a strategic approach to budgeting, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about deputy pay and other departmental needs.

In response, the county manager acknowledged the recurring nature of the costs and proposed initiating budget work sessions earlier than usual, potentially starting in January. This proactive approach aims to address not only the immediate salary concerns but also to explore long-term funding solutions and align with the board's priorities.

The meeting also included a public participation segment, where three speakers were scheduled to address the board regarding budget requests, including a significant request for $976,121 in Article 5 funding. The board's engagement with community members underscores the importance of transparency and collaboration in the budgeting process.