The sheriff lost 14 positions when the commissioners ordered sizeable cuts in 2020. They are expecting 403 full-time staff next year compared to 404 this year and 408 last year. Sheriff Richard Jones' budget consumes the largest portion of the general fund - the general fund budget is $116.1 million this year - and next year early estimates show he expects to spend $54.6 million compared to $54 million budgeted for this year. "But we want those levels to remain as is, so we're not going to accept any growth on our operations, we're going to maintain what we've got." "We're in a good financial position as far as reserves so we're ready for whatever is going to happen," Rogers said. Rogers said with a half a year to go before they must finalize the spending the plan for next year, he is comfortable they can weather any financial storms that might be brewing on the horizon. The county has an unencumbered cash balance of $92.7 million.Ĭommissioner T. On the flip side expenses were down 16.6% or $7.3 million. McCormick puts out a monthly general fund financial snapshot and it shows revenues were up nearly $10.6 million or 29.6% as of April 30 over the same time period in 2022. "But I don't think the board of commissioners should be telling departments how much it takes to run their departments, it's not our field of expertise." "I think our message should be the same that it has in previous years, that we expect the office holders and agencies to give conservative budgets, to hold the line on spending to the best of their ability," she said. Commissioner Cindy Carpenter said that's approach for the upcoming budget. It may seem odd - since the county and other jurisdictions do rely on property taxes to a varying degree - but the commissioners and other county leaders are pushing for legislation, beyond the "band-aid" budget fix, to reduce reliance on property taxes for government operations.ĭuring a recent strategy session, the three commissioners agreed they are on sound financial footing but need to remain vigilant. "We don't live on property taxes," Dixon said. Dixon said the outcome won't have a big impact on the 2024 budget. It remains to be seen whether the proposed new law ordering a three-year, equally weighed average will remain in the new two-year state budget or not. The county and state lawmakers are currently on a legislative crusade to slash the 42% property value hike recommended by the state commissioner to 25%. The budget this year called for $19 million in the general fund and the first half collection totaled $9.3 million. I think you're going to see some more pressure on the economics to stay where they are right now because there's going to be less free money out there."Īnother big unknown for next year is the amount of property taxes the county will collect. "We haven't gotten all that washed out yet as far as what's real money and COVID money. "We're still dealing with the after COVID effect, they're just starting to end the subsidized programs," Dixon said. Sales tax is the largest engine driving the general fund and collections for the first six months total $28.7 million versus $21.9 million pre-pandemic in 2019 and the collection is better than a year ago, when billions of dollars in COVID relief money still being being pumped into the economy. "But six months doesn't make a projection, in this economy you just have to play it quarter-by-quarter and see where it is. "Nobody knows the timing, that was uncertain, but the economy has held up stronger than what I think everybody anticipated," Dixon said. "Hence, the reason the county's financial position continues to be strong."Ĭommissioner Don Dixon said a year ago it was impossible to predict where the economy would wind up, but all predictions were dire. "From my rather brief time in Butler County government, the commissioners and the county administrator are intent on maintaining good fiscal responsibility and wise use of the county's resources," McCormick said.
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