The Washington County Board of Supervisors discussed budgets at their meeting Tuesday, (from left) Stan Stoops, Jack Seward Jr., Bob Yoder, Abe Miller and chairman Richard Young. KCII photo

County departments are beginning to develop budgets for the coming fiscal year, as the board of supervisors will consider the county’s overall budget. The compensation board recommends an increase of 2.5% for elected officials’ compensation in the coming fiscal year that begins July 1st. At Tuesday’s Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting the five discussed wages, operations and building needs.

Last year the supervisors directed department heads to separate wages from operations in their budget. Supervisor Stan Stoops said, “We got some building issues going on here. And I don’t know how well we did last year by keeping it at 0% … I am for 2.5% across the board, I’m also for keeping the budget at 0% unless you absolutely needed it.” Supervisor Chairman Richard Young said there are building needs in the county that have been put off for years and need to be addressed soon with equipment upgrades at dispatch needed different heating and cooling equipment and with courthouse security needing to be improved.

No official action was taken. The supervisors will next meet Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse.