Smithfield — Nonprofit groups and departments of county government are asking County Commissioners for money in the year ahead.

But in a meeting last week, commissioners made no promises, saying now is not a good time to demand more money from Johnston taxpayers, who are paying more for gas and groceries.

“I just want us to be mindful of all that is going on around us,” said Chairman Cookie Pope. “I just want us to remember it’s these employers who pay and support local government and the good citizens of Johnston County.”

Together, Johnston County fire departments are seeking $265,452 for departments that are deemed medical first-responders and perform vehicle extrications. Fifteen of the departments are first-responders to ensure medical treatment to accident victims as quickly as possible. Normally, the county gives $60,000, or $4,000 per department, to the first-responder stations. But increased call volume and higher costs have prompted the departments to ask for more money.

“I think now is a tough time to do a budget because everybody needs money, but as a taxpayer and citizen, there is nothing more worthy than public safety,” said Smithfield Fire Chief Patrick Harris. “I want the big red truck to show up at my house. I want the ambulance to show up at my house. There are no excuses in our line of work. We can’t say we are sorry when it’s too late.”

Council on Aging Executive Director Donna Creech is seeking $351,472 her agency, but the county manager has recommended $263,328.

Creech said the agency needed the money to pay higher health-insurance premiums and to pay higher wages to reduce turnover in staffing.

Food Runners, a meal vendor for the Council of Aging, is waiting on money from the General Assembly. If that money doesn’t come through, the Council will need another $30,000 to pay for meals.

The following are also seeking money from the county: Johnston Memorial Hospital, $250,000 for a hospice center; Johnston County Industries, $100,000 until it can sell its building on Bright Leaf Boulevard and relocate to the former Eaton plant in Selma; the Department of Social Services, $300,000 for an elevator; Harbor Inc., $12,500; Project Access, $15,000 toward the purchase of medication for county residents who are unable to afford drug insurance; and Johnston Community College, $800,000 to repair the parking lots and improve lighting.

County Commissioners will likely adopt the budget at a meeting tonight (June 18).