Getting the most bang for taxpayer bucks is the top priority of the Coahoma County Supervisors.
Supervisors heard budget requests from various agencies and departments last week as they begin the process of putting together their 2019-20 budget.
The county has not finalized their budget for next year and last week’s request will be considered at a special work session set for 2 p.m. Wednesday July 31 at the Coahoma County Courthouse.
Agencies and departments were asked by the board to presenting budget requests in writing and repeatedly said last week they needed complete and detailed requests as they began weighing how they will allocate county funds in next year’s budget.
Agencies and departments making initial requests were:
Coahoma County Economic Development Authority - $143,000.
EDA was responsible for bringing PeopleShore and a $500,000 investment to Clarksdale this summer and with a plan to hire more than 200 people at the facility east of town. EDA also was instrumental in bringing Image Industries, 50 jobs and a $3 million investment to the community.
Region One Mental Health - $55,250.
Region One assisted more than 3,200 people last year with more than 1,750 of their cases in Coahoma County. They serve those with mental health issues regardless of their ability to pay. They recently opened an eight-bed facility in Marks that is used regularly by local law enforcement.
Coahoma County Circuit Court – Not listed.
The court asked for an additional court reporter with an estimated cost of between $49,000 and $58,000 with Coahoma County responsible for 28-percent of that cost.
CARES - $30,000.
Clarksdale Animal Rescue & Shelter has been the go-to agency for stray dogs and cats for Coahoma County for several years was not fully funded by the county last year.
CARES took in 250 animals in 2015 and more than 1,300 last year. Funding for CARES is for staff and fixed expenses. Food and medical care for animals is funded separately from donations and fundraising.
The facility is staffed and open 365 days a year for a daily projected county expense of $82.19.
Delta Council - $16,170.
The Delta Council is the county’s regional contact for economic development and is requesting the same amount as last year.
It was pointed out Delta Council announced to major industrial announcements earlier this month with one of them being Image Industries that will bring a minimum of 50 jobs to his new factory relocation from Chicago to Clarksdale.
The Delta Council is also lobbying to get funds to four-lane Highway 6 and work on Interstate I-69 through Coahoma County.
Tri County Workforce Alliance - $15,000.
Tri County assisted 235 middle school and high school students last year. They also helped more than 300 students with ACT Prep and carried 56 seniors on college tours. Their Health Care Professionals Program helps prepare student for careers in healthcare. The Academy of Math and Science offers a summer reading program.
Veteran Affairs - $11,000.
Veteran Affairs of Coahoma County aids and assists the 1,050 veterans located in Coahoma County. They requested a $50 increase for 2019-20.
North Delta Museum at Friars Point - $4,500.
North Delta Museum said it plans to use its allocation for building overhead, security and publicity. They said the organization is volunteer based.
Expo Center – Not listed.
The Expo Center requested the same amount as previous years and pointed to its RV park that is a revenue source and asset to the community.
Boys & Girls Club – Not listed.
The Boys and Girls Club of Coahoma County works through the Coahoma County Youth Center and offers an extensive after school program aimed at helping kids with homework and a summer reading program designed to keep young readers from regressing during the summer. Youth are bussed to the CCYC for Boys & Girl Club programs during the summer.
Justice Court - Not listed.
Justice Court asked for a 3-percent raise for all employees.
Carnegie Library - The libary has a milage rate assessed for its allocation and it raises roughly $205,000 a year. The library asked for the same allocation next year.
