BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Bradford County commissioners found there wasn’t much room for spending cuts in some of its smaller departments.
The building and zoning departments are meant to be self-sufficient, for example, paid for by fees for service. Community development’s work is grant funded, including the administrative work performed by the department’s two employees. The cost of the veterans service officer is shared with Union County, and the UF/IFAS Agricultural Extension receives 60% of its funding for agents from the University of Florida.
There was one question the commission did have to answer for the extension office, and that was whether to postpone hiring a replacement horticulture agent.
Previously, the county tried delaying the replacement of a livestock agent in order to save money, but found there was a greater need than anticipated.
The ag office said they are already fielding calls from growers that they cannot answer without that horticultural expertise. In addition to working individually with farmers, the agent is involved in community service such as working with Master Gardeners on their projects.
Commissioners agreed it would be important to fill the position, so the budget for ag would be around $238,000 again next year.
Certain numbers within all departments are expected to fluctuate as additional information comes in about the cost of benefits. The county predicts inflation will increase some costs.
To summarize the other budget requests, the building department was around $130,200, about $60,000 less than last year when a new truck was purchased for the director.
Community Development was unchanged at $847,925.
The Senior Center was unchanged at $64,866.
Veterans services was unchanged at $38,138.
Planning and Zoning was unchanged at $155,462.
The commission’s next budget workshop is set for Tuesday, May 17, at 8:30 a.m.
