The Knox County Finance Committee met again last night to continue sifting through county department budgets.
Committee members cut $150,000 from the Sheriff’s department, which is the largest county department.
Other reductions came to the Landfill department, which is anticipated to see a cut of $133,000, alongside the Highway Department, which will be cut above the triple figure line as well.
Perhaps the most frustrating topic last night came when committee members discussed the county’s general fund, which still comes up $870,000 short.
Committee Chairman Greg Bacon said he anticipates that 30 to 40 jobs could be on the line because of shortfalls to the general fund, as well as other funds.
Members disputed how cuts to personnel would be made. Various members said one person from each department may need to be let go in order to share in the struggle.
Bacon added that once cuts were made, the larger departments would need to see more than one person let go.
With every dollar counting, budgets like the Veterans Assistance Commission were in question. Bacon mentioned that for the $7,000 budgeted to cover medical expenses, only $165 had been used.
The committee will meet with department heads next week to get questions answered. Several more meetings will take place before the process is over.
