Barely two months into his job as Hamilton County mayor, Jim Coppinger faces three key challenges as old agreements expire and the county and the school board argue about how to spend tax money designated for schools.
As mayor, it’s Coppinger’s job to put together the budget for the fiscal year that starts June 1.
Depending on how the issues are resolved, Coppinger could be facing a year with higher expenses and millions less in revenue.
Factors he will have to consider:
n Renegotiating a contract with Corrections Corporation of America to operate the Silverdale Detention Center, a minimum security penal farm. The county paid CCA $12.8 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010, according to the county auditor’s office. County Commission Chairman Larry Henry said CCA asked for a 5 percent contract increase, which could cost an additional $641,599 per year. Henry said the county in the past has negotiated for a lower rate.