Vanderburgh County officials this week will begin a monthlong process of building next year’s budget, and they are looking for items to cut.
County budget hearings begin Tuesday. Departments will present budgets to the county’s fiscal operating body, the county council.
“The first couple days will be more fact finding,” said County Council President Tom Shetler. “When we get into September, I think we’re going to see some very serious trims.”
The county overspent its budget by $2 million this year, and officials say they’re determined to not overspend again. But that means making major cuts, mostly in personnel.
“We’re going to have to,” Shetler said. “I’m afraid we’re right up against the wall.”
Although the council will look across the board, the brunt of the cuts will likely happen in the more administrative offices so the county can preserve its public safety arm: the Sheriff’s Office and Superior and Circuit courts.
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