Vernon County Commission works on budget this week

Photo by Sarah Haney | Daily Mail Editor

The Vernon County Commission continued to work on the county budget Tuesday afternoon in the Vernon County Courthouse. Northern Commissioner Cindy Thompson noted that they were working on the Road and Bridge budget on Tuesday, with newly elected Presiding Commissioner Joe Wilson adding that they would be focusing on some of the smaller bridges in the county this year. Wilson also noted that the budget will be out for review by Friday and the commission is doing its final review of it this week. Of note, Wilson stated that the budget would allow for replacement of HVAC units at the Vernon County Sheriff's Department. There are 15 units, but the replacement will be on a five year rotation with two or three units being replaced each year. Speaking on broadband, Thompson stated that Fastwyre — the broadband company that has been laying fiber within the city — will hopefully be carried out into the county, as well. Among other items discussed was a proposed 3 percent additional county sales tax on all tangible personal property retail sales of adult use marijuana sold within the county. Similarly, the City of Nevada recently passed an additinoal 3 percent sales tax for the same purpose. In regards to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the county still has approximately $2.4 million to allocate. Thompson stated that they have received some applications that need to be reviewed and the county has until 2026 to distribute those funds.