NEW CUMBERLAND – With financial uncertainties still a concern in several areas of Hancock County, county commissioners spent time Friday taking an early look at the county’s potential budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

“All these numbers are not final,” noted Finance Administrator Ira Aracich in presenting a draft budget for review during one of two work sessions held by commissioners.

Friday’s discussion was focused solely on aspects of the budget under direct control of the County Commission, with other aspects of the budget to be submitted March 2, Aracich explained.

Another work session has been scheduled for 1 p.m., March 6 in the Commission Chambers located on the third floor of the Hancock County Courthouse, with plans for a more in-depth discussion of all revenues and expenditures for the county’s general fund and coal severance budgets.

The projected general fund budget revenue for the new fiscal year, which begins July 1, is set for $9,775,515, according to a draft document provided Friday, but also includes expected expenditures of $10,386,785.

Of those amounts, $4,553,721 fall under the direct jurisdiction of the county commission, with the remainder from other departments. Aracich noted those other departmental budgets will be finalized at a later time, and could affect those initial numbers.

“Estimate revenue skinny is what the state auditor recommends,” said Commission President Eron Chek.

Coal Severance funds are projected to be $65,000 for the new fiscal year.

County Administrator John Klee, when asked about any planned capital improvement projects, explained the county may have to plan for a project at the Hancock County Senior Center, unless grant funding is found.

“Unless Joe Edmiston can find something for the roof of the senior center, we need to do that,” Klee said.

Edmiston is contracted by the commission to seek out grant opportunities for the county.

As a result of financial issues announced last year, the commission ordered a two-phase staffing reduction in the Sheriff’s Office, divided over two years, meaning there is the potential for additional cuts while planning the fiscal budget.

It was noted there is some uncertainty with the county’s Prevention Resource Officer program as a result of Hancock County Schools’ own financial issues, with discussions on the program ongoing.

Aracich explained the county typically would have to have its final budget approved and submitted to the state by the end of March; however, an excess levy going on the ballot as part of the May primary election must be accounted for in the budget’s revenue.

As a result, final submission will be allowed in May, Aracich said. Commissioner Tommy Ogden suggested submitted the budget in March, as usual, with plans to include an accounting of the levy funding as part of the county’s Rainy Day fund and moving it to the proper accounts at a later time, once it is known whether the levy passes.

Aracich, though, said the state expects all revenue and expenditures to be in line before it is submitted.

“They will not accept a budget that is not balanced,” he said.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com) Contributed

SHOWING SUPPORT

The Rotary Club of Weirton Heights offered appreciation to some of the top sponsors for this year’s Mardi Gras fundraiser event, being held Saturday at Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse. Home Environment Solutions and Orecchio Properties, owned by Mark Orecchio, are among this year’s sponsors. Pictured, from left, are Rotary Club President Cathie Caranda, Orecchio, and Rotarian Chuck Kelly. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Weirton Christian Center.