At the June 27, 2023, Special Called Meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners approved the FY 2024 Budgets, totaling over $87 million. Also during this meeting, the Board of Commissioners cut nearly $2 million in expenses for the upcoming budget year.
One component of the FY 2024 General Fund Budget still pending is Camden County’s insurance coverage for the upcoming fiscal year, specifically law enforcement liability, automobile, employment practices liability, and general liability insurance. The Board of Commissioners will make a decision regarding insurance coverage at a Special Called Meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023.
“Unfortunately we are facing the consequences of numerous pending lawsuits against the Camden County Sheriff’s Office,” said Chairman Ben Casey. “Earlier this year our current insurance provider notified us of their intent to not renew our coverage due to unfavorable loss experience stemming from these lawsuits.”
Due to these claims from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, the Board of Commissioners is still negotiating insurance coverage. For law enforcement liability specifically, deductibles could increase from $25,000 to $750,000 per claim, contingent upon Camden County receiving quotes from other insurance carriers.
In addition to the General Fund, the Board of Commissioners also approved budgets for 17 other funds. The General Fund for FY 2024 totals $43 million, and the combined total for all funds is $87 million. Fiscal Year 2024 begins on July 1, 2023, and ends on June 30, 2024.
In the FY 2024 Budget, the Board of Commissioners included funding to increase services, improve infrastructure and mobility, enhance drainage, provide raises to all staff members including public safety, and establish a GIS Department.