Bibb County commissioners have questions about a proposed audit of county spending, which could cost up to half a million dollars and take up to two years.
At a special meeting called by Bibb County's finance committee, commissioners talked about next year's deficit projected at $16 million.
Elaine Lucas called for a forensic audit of county spending since consolidation in 2014. Commissioner Mallory Jones doesn't agree -- he says it's an additional expense on top of the current audits.
“I would bet you're probably looking at a two-year process probably costing an excess of half a million dollars,” said Jones.
“Well, half a million is less than 16 million,” said Lucas.
With commissioners looking to make cuts and balance the budget by June 30th, they are looking at combining departments like parks and beautification, public works, and recreation. Virgil Watkins says that wouldn't mean job cuts, but they would combine equipment and manpower. “Facility management has a custodial department inside it's some -- Lake Tobesofkee has its own custodial division -- not laying people off, but putting like group with like groups.”
Meanwhile, manager Keith Moffett suggested that the board look at developing policies for gas and electric usage within the departments. “We encourage everyone, when they walk out of the room, to turn the lights off and their computers,” said Moffett.
Another idea to cut spending is giving government employees three unpaid days off for Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Good Friday. They expect to continue talking about the audit and more possible cuts next Tuesday.
The commission hopes to have next year's budget passed by June 30th. Watkins says the audit shouldn't affect that budget, but could help in the future.