Hamilton County: Commissioners avoid shifting discretionary money

Hamilton County commissioners have hundreds of thousands of dollars in discretionary money, records show, but most say they want to protect those funds for local projects rather than to stem budgetary shortfalls.

“I’m going to hold onto that for my district,” said Commissioner Curtis Adams. “That little bit of money I have won’t make a dent in the schools’ (shortfall).”

Hamilton County Schools faces a $20 million deficit next year, which has prompted administrators to offer incentives to employees to retire, and consider cuts to Central Office staff and consolidation of some schools.

Mr. Adams said he plans to have his discretionary funds — $4,500 per year for travel expenses, $100,000 from bond issues in 2001, 2004 and 2006, and $100,000 in 2008 and 2009 for capital improvements — all spent by the end of June.

Commissioners generally spend that money — including the travel funds — on community and school projects in their districts.

Commissioner Fred Skillern said he’s trying to save his, even though he has committed to some projects.

“I try not to use my discretionary money until I get some more,” he said.

Mr. Skillern said he likes to use his funds to match money for projects that already have attained grant money.

As for using discretionary funds for county operations, Mr. Skillern said that would be “a major mistake.”

Commissioner Warren Mackey agreed, saying that agencies must learn to live within their means.

“Their solution is going to have to be found elsewhere,” he said.

Commissioners John Allen Brooks and Richard Casavant said they don’t think those funds should go into operating funds either.

However, Commission Chairman Jim Coppinger said that if times got tough enough, the option to use the money should be open. For now, he said, there’s no need.

“We’re healthy,” said Mr. Coppinger. “I don’t foresee any immediate changes.”

County officials have said they expect sales tax revenue will be down this year, but that it’s too early to predict what property tax revenue will look like. About 63 percent of county revenue comes from property tax, while about 7 percent comes from sales tax.

Commissioner Larry Henry said commissioners must be careful with how they spend their discretionary funds.

“This is taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Commissioners Bill Hullander and Greg Beck could not be reached for comment.