Cape Girardeau County Commission approves 2011 budget

On a split vote, the Cape Girardeau County Commission approved the 2011 budget Monday morning. At $11.6 million, the budget projects only a slight increase over last year.

Commissioner Jay Purcell was the only dissenting vote, declining comment afterward except to say, "I'm for smaller, more efficient government."

Purcell voted against the budget last year, as well. New Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy and Commissioner Paul Koeper voted for the budget.

"It's a fair budget," Tracy said. "But we're always trying to cut expenses that are unnecessary."

The auditor's office, which prepares the budget, projects this year's county revenue budget at $11,674,637.57, which is up slightly from 2010's budget of $11,381,876. Larger capital improvements in the budget include $50,000 to replace the roof of the county courthouse in Jackson and $27,000 for painting and caulking the county's administrative building.

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO