“We’re planning to meet with three department heads during the work session,” said Barr. “We want to talk to them about what they want for their department and how much money they will need in the coming year.”

Barr said he and the commissioners court will look at ways to streamline the county’s annual budget. However, several lean years have him and other county officials less than optimistic about trimming any more “fat” from the fiscal plan.

“We’re going to look very closely at it and try to save as much money as we can, but there’s only so much you can do,” said Barr. “We’ve about cut all we can from the budget, and if we have to cut more, people are going to feel it in the services they receive from the county.

“Right now it’s really hard to get an idea what the budget is going to be like until we have a solid idea what kind of funds we’re going to have to work with. Once we get closer to setting the tax rate, which is usually around September, we’ll have a much better idea what sort of financial shape the county will be in.”

Also on Monday’s agenda, County Auditor Jackie Olson will present invoices and purchase requests to the court, as well as discussion regarding the maintenance agreement for the county courthouse’s environmental systems.

Olson will also present commissioners with a budget amendment for the jail construction fund.

“It really sounds a lot more complicated than it is,” said Barr. “Jeff (Heffelfinger, jail project architect) and Jackie (Olson) have worked up a budget for the construction of the jail, including all of the various line items for the project. Monday the court will look at that budget and consider it for approval.”

The $11.57 million, 96-bed facility — which will be built on Big Spring’s west side — was approved by voters in a 2007 bond election, with construction expected to begin as early as May 9.

County Treasurer Teresa Thomas is slated to present the court with personnel considerations and a payroll report, while Road and bridge Administrator Eddy Jameson will discuss pipeline crossings and county road maintenance.

Commissioners are also expected to consider a trio of resolutions accepting deeds to property in lieu of foreclosure presented by local law firm Mouton & Mouton.

The meeting will get under way at 10 a.m. in the commissioners courtroom, located on the second floor of the county courthouse.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it