Cape Girardeau County Commission aims to cap sheriff's spending

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan has an appointment Monday to review his 2009 budget with the Cape Girardeau County Commission.

This year, for the first time, the commissioners hope to define some long-term spending limits. On average, the sheriff's department has had an annual spending increase of 3.6 percent over the previous year, according to county Treasurer Roger Hudson.

The commission plans to cap annual increases in the sheriff's department at 2.5 percent, in part to make Proposition 1 funds — money from a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2006 — last longer. Since the beginning of the year, county officials have been looking for ways to maximize the money, which is divided among the sheriff's department, the county's highway department's paving program and various other entities, such as the city of Jackson and the Cape Special Road District.

Reviewed Wednesday

The commissioners reviewed a draft of a memorandum of understanding over Proposition 1 revenue during a budget workshop Wednesday, which included Hudson and the three members of the county auditor's office.

The memorandum would restrict the sheriff's department from using any money collected in excess the figure budgeted and approved by the commission. Excess funds — taxes collected over and above the sheriff's budget — would be dedicated to the county's accelerated paving program. The memo would allow the sheriff to designate up to 15 percent of the monthly Proposition 1 revenue for payment into an interest-bearing reserve fund.

The annual budget for the sheriff and jail is $4 million, paid by a combination of county, state, federal and Prop 1 funds. First District Commissioner Larry Bock urged those at Wednesday's workshop to find ways to limit the sheriff's department spending.

"Commissioner Bock has a point. They've got to get a grip," said Presiding Commission Gerald Jones.

Jordan said Thursday that he's met with Jones and senior deputy auditor Virgie Koeppel last week to discuss the plan and that he expected a full discussion at Monday's meeting.

"What we're trying to do is keep the budget [increase] to 3 percent overall," he said. "That's Prop 1, general revenue, my regular budget and the jail. The goal would be to try to keep it at that. It's tough to do, but a good goal to have."

In addition to reviewing sheriff and county highway department budgets, the commissioners agreed to set a budget hearing for Dec. 18.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

388-3646

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Cape Girardeau County Commission agenda

9 a.m.: Commissioners review erroneous assessments; the county contribution rate for 2009.; tentative award of 2009 STOP grant; Homeland Security oversight agreement; a letter regarding acquisition authority on the Route A-B project; Cape Girardeau County MAC workers' compensation report; a letter from MoDOT regarding the Blue Shawnee Bridge contract bid; final environmental impact statement on Highway 34; revised patrol units mobile upgrade grant; and letters from consulting attorney Tom Ludwig regarding the Purcell v. Cape Girardeau County Commission Sunshine Law suit. (The county has spent more than $13,000 to date on the suit.)

Action items

Following the documents review, commissioners will make decisions on purchase orders and bills; consider reappointments to the County Law Enforcement Restitution Board; and a first amendment to a development agreement with Greater Missouri Builders.

Discussion items and appointments

9:30 a.m. Sheriff John Jordan, to discuss the memorandum of understanding discussion.

10 a.m. County highway administrator Scott Bechtold to discuss the Route A-B project.