During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical budgetary matters, including insurance costs, employee retention, and unexpected maintenance expenses for the courthouse.

Commissioners confirmed that the insurance deductible will remain at $20,000, a decision that proved beneficial following last year's storms, which resulted in significant expenditures. The budget for legal and public notices will also stay the same, while adjustments were made to group insurance based on recent audits. The audit costs have seen a staggering 285% increase, prompting discussions about potentially adding $20,000 to the budget for this year.

Concerns were raised about employee retention, with officials emphasizing the importance of keeping current staff to avoid the full costs associated with unemployment claims. The meeting highlighted the financial implications of employee turnover, noting that while some situations may not obligate the county to pay unemployment, challenges can arise.

In a surprising revelation, officials reported a maintenance bill of $96,000 for the courthouse, attributed to longstanding issues with the building's drainage system. The discovery of a clay tile sewer system dating back over a century, which was improperly connected, led to significant structural problems. This issue has now been resolved, but it underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure.

Overall, the meeting underscored the need for careful financial planning and proactive measures to address both immediate and long-term challenges facing the county.