Sturgis-Coldwater News

Branch County is expecting less revenue than normal, which has officials debating a freeze on all hiring and capital expenditures to help save money amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bud Norman, county administrator, is planning to discuss the freeze and other needs for the county with department heads and other officials, according to The Daily Reporter. 

While some areas might receive budget cuts and freezes, others will be exempt, he told the Daily Reporter. One that would automatically be exempt is water and sewer hookups for the Teen Share Shelter house, which is located on state prison land. The hiring of essential workers will also be exempt from the potential freeze. 

Right now, the county is expecting revenue to drop somewhere between $250,000 and $300,000, according to The Daily Reporter. 

The budget for 2020 is $13.6 million, and state revenue sharing funds are 9% of the budget. 

With revenue loss, the budget could expect to see a $540,000 cut, according to The Daily Reporter. If the budget isn't cut, then money will likely be taken from the fund balance saving. This would take away money from the emergency savings. 

Another option to solving the loss in revenue is layoffs and furloughs, but Norman says this is the last option.

Commissioners are also asking for hazard pay for essential workers, including deputies and the 911 directors. This would add on another $134,000 in expenses, Norman told The Daily Reporter. 

The Police Officers Association of Michigan Union is also proposing a pay increase. 

With the revenue losses and the increase in expenses, Branch County would have benefited from financial relief, but Norman told the Daily Reporter that the county hasn't received any funds from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. 

“You had to be over 500,000 population [to receive the funds],” he told The Daily Reporter.