MADISONVILLE-It's county budget time in Monroe County.

County commissioners Tuesday night began listening to requests from county departments, including the Monroe County School System and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Most of the school funds come from the state, but the county government does play a large role funding schools.

Director of Schools Mike Lowry did not request any new funds from the county, making him a popular man.

"I am not asking for anything, our budget is in balance," Lowry said.

Lowry said the school system fund balance at the close of this school year is very healthy, closing at $4.1 million after the school system spent $36.4 million and took in $36.6 million in revenue, meaning extra money was added backed to an already healthy fund balance.

"We are extremely proud of it," Lowry said of the school system's efforts to be thrifty but provide the best education possible.  

See full story in the Sunday, August 19, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.