The Limestone County Commission heard from several county programs during its regularly scheduled work session on Monday, July 1, as they prepare for the new fiscal year budget that starts on Oct. 1.

“This is the time of year where we take appropriations requests for the county budget,” Collin Daly, commission chairman, said. “We are starting our budget process, and anybody who gets line item funding has to come in and make a request.”

Programs such as Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, the Children’s Advocacy Center and the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce voiced reasons as to why they should continue to receive adequate funding from the weekend.

The Limestone County Economic Development Association was also represented at the County Courthouse Annex on Monday morning. President and CEO Bethany Shockney sought increased funds to her program, which has catered a large number of businesses to the area.

“I requested an increase in our budget from $90,000 to $120,000,” Shockney told The News Courier on Monday. “We have not received a budget increase since 2009, and the cost for us to be able to meet the needs of our citizens has increased tremendously.”

Shockney said that the population growth of Limestone County has been beneficial in allowing them to entice more businesses to the area, but is wary of the expenses if appropriate funding is not allocated.

“Not only has the cost of doing business increased, but we have way more business and industries to support now,” Shockney said. “Since 2009, we have added $4.47 billion in documented capital investment as well as approximately 11,000 jobs.”

With the budget process underway, the commission will begin to meet with the various county department heads to structure the new budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

“Limestone County has been blessed beyond measure, and we are fortunate to have the growth we have,” Daly said. “We have done a really good job of maintaining things, and we want to continue moving forward with that.”

In other business the commission:

— Approved claims from June 21-28, totaling $2,053,641.15.

— Approved a resolution that will allocate ARPA funds for a modular equipment shelter in the amount of $107,558.98.

— Approve the application for a RC&D Council grant which will make a portion of the Richard Martin Trail handicap accessible.

— Approved an Amendment Standard Term agreement with SOE Software Corporation for the election website, www.votelimestone.com.

— Approved the amendment to the Staffing Plan under “Maintenance of Facilities & Grounds” to add “Two Building Service Worker Tech.”.

— Approved the transfer of Jared Cary, from an Animal Control Deputy Sheriff to a Deputy Sheriff, effective July 1, 2024.

— Approved the transfer of Joshua Gentry, from a Deputy Sheriff to a School Resource Officer, effective July 1, 2024.

— Approved the transfer of Gil Moore, from an Animal Control Sheriff Corporal to a School Resource Officer, effective July 1, 2024.

— Approve the hire of James Hernandez, as a Corrections Officer, effective July 1, 2024.

— Approved the hire of Riley McMahan as a Program Coordinator for Council on Aging.

— Approved the hire of Breanna Baker and Cade Carpenter as Building Service Worker Technicians.

— Approved various merit increases for county employees.

— Approved 91 preliminary and final subdivision lots in the county.