Christian Fiscal Court approved the budget for fiscal year 2023-2024 at Tuesday morning’s meeting, after hearing from local constituents regarding cuts to the public library and Humans Rights Commission.
The budget removes the roughly $30,000 allocation for the Human Rights Commission that was in last year’s budget and also represents a $96,000 cut to the library’s allocation. Magistrate Phillip Peterson, who served on the budget committee, says they didn’t make these choices lightly, but with rising costs for materials and a need for increased public safety, they moved funding around.
Magistrate Rich Liebe informed his fellow magistrates that he would be voting no on this budget, as he must stand up for what he feels is right, and he made a plea that they consider future assistance, should the agencies need help.
Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam says they worked hard to make sure they were being good fiscal stewards with this budget.
The vote came after hearing from several individuals during public comments, including both those in favor of the cuts—citing transparency and communication issues in the commission—and those who urged magistrates to reconsider the cuts, saying both agencies provide an invaluable service to everyone in the community.
Ultimately, the budget passed 6-to-2, with Magistrate Liebe and Magistrate Magaline Ferguson the two no votes.
In other action, magistrates approved multiple bids related to the road department, including for materials, petroleum, culverts and road tiles.