Commision makes decision on money: Wood County Commission approves 24-25 budget
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PARKERSBURG - A nearly $29 million budget for next fiscal year was approved Monday morning by the Wood County Commission.
The 2024-25 spending plan that goes into effect July 1 includes 5% pay raises made possible in part by elected officers of the county returning unspent budget funds, Commission President Blair Couch said.
"And we didn't raise taxes," he said.
Commissioners this past month heard budget proposals from elected officers and department supervisors who presented 2024-25 budget proposals with raises ranging from 5% to 7%.
The $28,849,234 budget was unanimously approved with brief discussion by Couch and Commissioners Jimmy Colombo and Bob Tebay.
The commission also did not have to change the benefits for employees, Couch said.
"It's a very good budget," he said.
The budget is $1.28 million higher than 2023-24. About $1 million more in property tax revenue is projected in the new budget than in 2023-24.
Among areas where more revenue is forecast than in 2023-24 are from building permits and earnings from the circuit court, interest on investments and gas and oil severance tax allocation from the state.
Severance tax revenue is anticipated to increase from $100,000 in 2023-24 to $175,000 in 2024-25, but the amount is variable and is "open ended," Colombo said.
"It's a moving target," County Administrator Marty Seufer said.
Among expenditures in the budget are new pursuit cars for the sheriff's department, of which the commission opened bids for the purchase Monday morning.
Two proposals were received from Matheny Motors of Parkersburg and Stevens Automotive Group, who bid $298,668 and $256,980, respectively, for the new cruisers.
The bids were received and referred to Sheriff Rick Woodyard for his review and recommendation.
The new budget will be prepared and sent to the state treasurer for its approval prior to July 1.