by News & Citizen Staff

     This year’s County Budget is up approximately $63,000 resulting in an increase to each town's budget.  Each town pays a portion of the budget, based on their percentage of the overall grand list for the county.
     The County Budget primarily covers the operation and maintenance of the Lamoille County Court House and the Lamoille County Sheriff's Department building, but also includes probate court. This year that includes $60,000 for repairs to the halfmoon windows that are starting to leak. The total budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year is $535,525.  Assistant Judges David Williams and Karen Bradley, along with  County Clerk Anne Conway have been lobbying to have the state take over paying for these types of major renovations to the building. To date that has not happened.
     With the funding based on the grand list, Stowe pays the largest part of the budget at just over 50%.  Their $261,651 bill is an increase of $29,478 over last year.  Morristown's share will be up about $12,591, and Cambridge will be paying $10,639 more.
     Johnson is paying $3,585 more and Wolcott's share will increase by $2,967. Eden is seeing a $2,080 jump in their bill and Waterville's will be up $831.  Elmore will see a $770 increase and Belvidere a $645 increase.
     The County Budget is not voted on by voters; a preliminary budget is prepared by the assistant judges and county clerk and then presented at an annual meeting which is often attended by selectboards from around the county.  Based on feedback at this meeting, a final budget is prepared to be included in towns’ general government budgets.