The Putnam County Health Department is requesting $50,000 in funding from the county commission. That's half of what was requested last year.
County Commissioners applauded Lolita Kirk, director of administrative services for the department, for the reduction. Kirk said the amount was less because the department is no longer in debt.
She said the department is also looking toward grant opportunities for additional funding.
Several county agencies proposed budgets for the 2016-17 fiscal year during the commission's meeting on Tuesday.
The county library requested $275,000. Library Director Megan Tarbett told commissioners that things are going well. The library is expanding programming, and circulation is up at every branch.
The library is also starting a seed library, where card holders can "borrow" seeds for their garden and bring back seeds from the plant for someone else the following year.
Tarbett said traffic is up at the Buffalo, Eleanor and Poca branches, and more children are attending story times.
Putnam County Parks and Recreation requested $320,392, which is $40,000 less than last year. Executive Director Scott Williamson said the agency will focus on revenue positive programming. He also announced that the agency is working to bring community gardens to the area. Putnam parks and recreation is also collaborating with West Virginia State University to develop an internship program.
Putnam County Day Report requested $237,000, which is roughly the same as last year except for one expenditure. Director Jamey Hunt said part of the new expense is for a new 12-to-15-passenger van.
Currently, the center has two Dodge Durangos, and the older one, which is a 2003 model, is on its last leg.
The Putnam County Development Authority is requesting $219,975.
The Putnam County Clerk requested $713,913.13, which County Clerk Brian Wood said was less than last year.
The Circuit Clerk's Office requested $609,468.27, which Ronnie Matthews said is up from last year because of a difference in health insurance and retirement expenses.
The Assessor's Office requested $394,351.40.
The Sheriff's Department is requesting $3,353,855.42. Part of the money will help the department hire two additional deputies and two part-time positions under the home confinement supervisor.
These two part-time employees would assist officers in mental health positions and get the officers back out in the community, Sheriff Steve DeWeese said.
Reach Laura Haight at laura.haight@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @laurahaight_ on Twitter.