Coweta County’s proposed $59.6 million general fund budget drew very few questions during Tuesday’s public hearing.

The budget incorporates a one mill increase that was approved earlier this summer and drew comments from two residents. Kay Sutton told the Coweta County Commission that she represented a group of citizens who had dissected the budget numbers to make sure the taxpayers are getting the most for their money.

“The sheriff had requested 30 officers and the staff didn’t support it. What impact does this have on all of the citizens?’ she asked.

County administrator Theron Gay said the county was supporting 16 officers and said he had discussed the issue with Sheriff Mike Yeager.

“I feel sure if he wasn’t comfortable with this, he would have been here tonight,” Gay added.

Sutton also questioned whether the library that will open on the east side of the county in January needs to be fully staffed. One of the final issues Sutton addressed was health care costs for the commissioners. Currently, the county picks up all the costs, but Sutton suggested the commissioners follow the lead of the county’s employees and pick up a portion of the premium.

Suzanne Pengally also addressed the library issue and wondered if volunteers for the library could be a possible solution. Commissioner Paul Poole said the library would be delighted to have as many volunteers as possible.

The final vote on the budget is set for 6 p.m. Oct 2 at the administrative building in Newnan.

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