(KNZA)--Elected officials and department heads met with the Doniphan County Commission Monday to discuss 2017 budget cuts in order to make final preparation of the budget.

The Commission voted 2-1 last month to approve a 2017 budget with a 1.3 mill levy reduction after cutting more than $165,000 from the budget.  Commissioner Tim Collins cast the lone no vote.   

County Clerk Peggy Franken said the $5,000 cut to her budget would put the projected 2017 expenses over budget by nearly 33-hundred dollars with additional health insurance premiums to be paid out.

County Attorney Charles Baskins asked the Commission why they would cut departments that have a legitimate need for budget funds and still increase the road and bridge fund $245,000 for 2017.

Commissioner Collins said roads are the infrastructure of the county and the Commission had to make a value choice of roads over other county departments.
    
He said with the 2017 budget cuts approved by his fellow Commissioners, some departments may be forced to cut public services.