County Commissioners at Tuesday’s study session got a jump start on the budget for 2020-2021.
County Commission chair Steve Shotwell said that at this part of the year, the budget work for the commissioners is in its infancy. “We look forward to health care and retirement in May, then in June/July we start working on the actual budget; getting numbers in place. Seeing if we have to reduce employees, or maintain the same. Get some things organized in the right direction.”
When asked if there would be any cuts, Shotwell didn’t foresee any; “It’s too early at the moment, but no. Not this year, not 2020. We work 2020/21 we try to work a two year.” He did also say that should there be a need for cuts, they try to align them with retirements so that no actual employees are cut; but positions opened via retirement will not be filled.
Also, Chairman Shotwell gave us an update on the coming American 1 Fair Events Center, saying: “We’re actually going to see now what’s going to be in the American 1 Fair Events Center. We’re going to be passing the administration will be sharing with us with Rockford Group on the build design,” Shotwell said. “We have a development agreement that the city worked out with us. I have to give Patrick Burtch and the city council kudos and a real thank you for stepping up to the plate and helping the county save some real money on inspection fees and that type of stuff.”
They’re off and rolling, and if you drive by, you’ll see boots on the ground and shovels in the dirt, if only to check for thawed out ground. “Ground is broken, they’re down there working right now. We’re trying to get everything ready so as soon as some areas thaw, we can start pouring some concrete. Everything from the rollatorium (American 1 Events Center) back to the tracks has to be paved, lined, and ready to run for Fair 2019.”
