Supervisors continue to receive budget requests

Budget requests for FY2021 and yearly updates dominated the Union County Board of Supervisor meeting for a second week Monday in the Union County Courthouse.

Wayne Pantini, Union County Development Association Executive Director, asked the board for a $942 increase in the county’s contribution to the UCDA budget. This brings the request up to $20,000.

The UCDA provides services to expand housing, attract businesses and promote community development.

Karla Focht and Mike Eblen spoke for the Natural Resources Conservation Service but did not ask for a budget amount for 2021.

Dana Buls appeared for MATURA, asking for a total of $17,000 toward its budget, which stood at $651,942.94 for FY2020. She said $8,000 of the request is for general assistance and $9,000 goes toward staffing the MATURA center. Low income energy assistance and WIC make up the bulk of total budget with $297,500 and $275,130 respectively.

Kelly Butts-Elston gave the Connections Area Agency on Aging budget request for 2021 of 11,600. Butts-Elston reported the area meal sites have been closed most of the year, but home delivery of meals has increased. Requests for assistance and information were also increased.

Kevin Provost, Union County Veteran’s Affairs Director, was able to use grants to supplement his budget last year and so asked for $74,716. This number was a slight change from his initial ask as he allowed for a 3% raise in his salary and the compensation board recommended a 4% increase.

The Union County Board of Supervisors meets weekly 9 a.m. Monday at the Union County Courthouse, 300 N. Pine St. The supervisors are still meeting in person at this time, but the public is encouraged to submit comments for public forum by mail, email or telephone to help limit the gathering to 10 participants.