County tax revenues better than expected

By DORIS COOK - Staff Writer
Star Beacon

June 23, 2008 10:34 pm

— JEFFERSON — Revenue flow in the county general fund is better than expected so far, says county budget analyst, James Hardin.
Hardin gave county officials Monday charts showing that encumbrances are “extraordinarily high,” impacting on the county’s cash flow position.
Sale tax collections are up slightly while interest income is lower than anticipated, he pointed out.
“Each department should measure expenditure patterns by historical analysis and also be alert to the fact that salaries and wages comprise the largest portion of expenditures,” Hardin stated in the report.
The forecast on county finances for 2009 looks worse than 2008, said County Auditor Roger Corlett, a member of the county budget commission. He told commissioners that the 2009 tax budget they are preparing needs to reflect services the public expects.
Hardin ‘s report cited deficit spending cannot continue in 2009 because resources are not available to support it. Rising gas and utility costs are expected to compound the 2009 budget situation, Hardin added.
Commission president Daniel Claypool said he wants to see a five-year strategic plan developed by the commissioners and elected officials. The goal is to set priorities as to services the public needs or expects from county government, Claypool told officials.