Hamilton County commissioners say they plan to follow the advice they gave to departments and agencies about their budget requests when they are asked to approve their own discretionary money this year.
Don't ask for more.
Commissioners said they will ask for no more than the $900,000 they received last year, with $100,000 going to each commissioner to spend on projects of his choice.
Some even said discretionary money could be considered for cuts if needed, but most wanted it to be level with last year.
The commission, citing revenue shortfalls, asked county departments and county-funded agencies to present level funding requests, and for the most part, they complied.
"I'm certain my fellow commissioners and I would be interested in maintaining that," Commissioner John Allen Brooks said of the discretionary accounts. "There's been some years and some budgets where that isn't possible."
Remaining discretionary money from the fiscal 2010 allocation, including funds rolled over from previous years, as of Feb. 8 (the latest data available):* District 1: Fred Skillern: $238,057* District 2: Richard Casavant: $234,558* District 3: Jim Coppinger: $263,199* District 4: Warren Mackey: $29,926* District 5: Greg Beck: $55,198* District 6: John Allen Brooks: $153,052* District 7: Larry Henry: $195,547* District 8: Curtis Adams: $80,508* District 9: Bill Hullander: $215,395Source: Hamilton County government
According to financial records, commissioners spend most of their money on county schools. But there is a large gap between commissioners who spend a lot and commissioners who spend little, rolling their discretionary money over from the previous fiscal year.
Commissioner Greg Beck, who as of February had about $55,000 left in his fund, spends a lot. He does not think the funds should be cut.
"They're very well used in the community," he said. "What the school can't get, I help out with my funds."
Commissioner Warren Mackey said the money is not a guarantee.
"If it's not (in the budget), it's not going to break anybody's heart," Mr. Mackey said. "The lion's share goes to the schools anyway."
Commissioner Larry Henry said the money is not there to help commissioners. It's for the commissioners to use to help others who have been affected by budget cuts.
"It's all used for the general welfare of the community and the county," he said.
He said cutting the amount each commissioner receives is something that "could be looked at" as a cost-saving measure.
Commissioner Bill Hullander said if other departments are cut, the commission should look at cutting its discretionary funding, too.
"I would like to not cut it back," he said. "If we see we need to start cutting back other people, we'd need to cut ours, too. We need to be fair with everyone else."
Commissioner Jim Coppinger said he hopes the amount stays the same.
"I certainly don't think we should be asking for increases," he said.
Commissioner Richard Casavant said the money is used "wisely" by commissioners.
"Nobody knows their district better than the commissioner," he said.
Chairman Fred Skillern, another low spender, said the commission should consider cutting the fund if it cuts other areas.
"We're going to be equal," he said. "If we have budget problems, then I would consider cutting us, too."
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