FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners have proposed a $5.65 million budget for 2014-15. It reflects an increase of about 2.5 percent, or $192,468, from the current budget. The budget figure also covers $1.6 million for the jail.

Under the proposal, if the Budget Advisory Committee makes no changes, taxpayers would be asked to raise about $5 million through the tax commitment, according to the county’s information. It represents an increase of $98,414 from last year.

Seventy-two percent of the $5.65 million budget is for the jail, the Sheriff’s Department and the Communications Department, according to county Clerk Julie Magoon’s data. It is the first year that the Sheriff’s Department and the Communications Department are separate. The latter is now a stand-alone operation with a director.

Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. is proposing a $1.55 million for the Sheriff’s Department. Communications Director Stan Wheeler is proposing $891,120 for that department’s budget. Some of the operating expenses for the new Communications Center are estimates, because this will be the first year dispatchers will be in the building. They are scheduled to move in April 25. This will also mark the first year dispatchers will be in a separate building from deputies.

The proposed spending package now goes to the Franklin County Budget Advisory Committee for review.

The budget panel will meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the county courthouse to decide which departments or agencies they would like to hear from, Deputy Clerk/Deputy Treasurer Vickie Braley said.

The committee will meet with those they call back at 4:30 p.m. May 1 at the courthouse, she said.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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