South Michigan News

The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners is looking for ways to reduce the county budget during the COVID-19 pandemic.

County commissioners and staff are combing through expenditures and projects that could be deemed unnecessary, as a way to reduce budget costs, according to The Daily Reporter. 

Hillsdale County Finance Manager Derek Ringman was asked by Commissioner Bruce Caswell to look into revenue losses as Michigan's government shutdown continues in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.

Caswell told the Daily Reporter that Ringman is expecting a $200,000 revenue loss in the county. The entire state expects a $2.6 billion loss in revenue.

He also said about $3 billion in federal funds is expected to be given to Michigan to help offset the revenue losses and costs for the coronavirus response. But Caswell told The Daily Reporter that individual counties aren't likely to see any of this money, as it will most likely remain in Lansing to help with state needs. 

In Hillsdale County, many different areas could be affected by the revenue losses, including the register of deeds budgets, courts and road commission.

Caswell said the county is looking into the Federal Emergency Management Agency for COVID-19 relief. Any grants received by that agency the county would have to share a 25% cost, according to The Daily Reporter. 

With such a heavy loss in revenues, it may come as a surprise that the county's main courthouse will still be a priority. The courthouse was expecting renovations for the heating system this year, which are still expected to take place. On May 12 bids were discussed for HVAC contractors. 

Caswell also said there will be budget cuts, as deemed necessary, to help with the revenue losses. As for how much those cuts will be, the county will have to see how much revenue will be lost.