Marshall County Sheriff Tom Chamberlin presented a resolution regarding commissary fund expenditures to the county council this week.
Sheriff Chamberlin explained that the funds are spent by guidelines set forth in the state statute. He felt that a resolution be enacted to have a better understanding of how the money can be spent out of certain line items. Detailed information would be provided on active expenditures.
Councilman Steve Harper asked about the cap on expenditures in a single purchase of $1,000. Sheriff Chamberlin said purchases would need to come before the county council for approval.
Councilman John Van Vactor suggested that instead of presenting a resolution for approval, the sheriff could submit a budget annually for the commissary account. The budget would include what the sheriff anticipates using out of each line item. The council would then know what is being spent, and the sheriff would have the freedom to spend the commissary funds as the items are laid out for the year. If additional money is needed, then the sheriff can ask for an additional appropriation.
Sheriff Chamberlin said that the recommendation would work. He said he would return to the council on March 9 to present that documentation to the council.
