The Dallas County Commission recently passed its final budget under Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard.

The Commission unanimously passed a $22.2 million budget for the 2019 fiscal year. It’s a slight decrease from last year’s $23.1 million budget.

Ballard credited the four Commissioners, Valerie Reuben. Roy Moore, Curtis Williams, Larry Nickles, and Administrator Barbara Harrell for their effort.

“I have assisted on the budget for 12 years and I’m proudest of this one,” Ballard said. “We were fortunate to absorb a 7 percent increase. It couldn’t have been done without Barbara.”

Moore agreed with Ballard, who will be succeeded by City Attorney and Dallas County Probate Judge-elect Jimmy Nunn in January.

“I’ve been here 26 years and I hadn’t seen a better budget,” Moore said. “I’m proud to be part of this commission.”

The Commission is thrilled with a 13.7 percent in health insurance to all county employees. They also gave a one-time $600 bonus for full-time employees and a one-time $200 bonus to part-time employees.

“The biggest thing in the budget is the health insurance,” Ballard said. “We’ve got a great workforce.”

Williams said the health insurance increase was a big deal because it satisfies the employees.

“When you have good health insurance, it goes a long way with the employees,” Williams said.

The general fund and the engineering and road department take up most of the budget at $11.7 million and $6.5 million respectively. The rest of the budget is $4 million.

Revenue for 2018 will be an estimated $21.2 million, while expenditures are at an estimated $22.2 million.

The difference comes from the county’s fund balance, which will be $4.4 million going into the new fiscal year.

Ballard is also thrilled the budget’s in great shape.

“We have a healthy budget,” Ballard said. “If you manage your money right and don’t borrow money if you don’t need to, you can do it.”

The 2019 fiscal year ends on Oct. 1.