“I’m pleased to announce that right now we have a balanced budget.” Those opening words from Budget Manager Pamela Lee were followed by, “The libraries are in there.” Following last week’s meetings with the commissioners individually, Lee prepared her presentation.
The General Fund showed an initial deficit of $1.8 million. New employees (who were hired with an effective date of 04/01/17), what Lee called “re-classes” and funds toward other organizations (such as AmSkills) increased the deficit by approximately $700,000, with a total new deficit figure of $2.5 million.
To counteract the deficit, Lee stated there are several ways the county will recover the money it needs. The county expects to collect up to 97% of the ad valorem taxes due. The Property Appraiser advised Lee of an increase of $500,000 in the certified taxable values.
In comparing budgets from last year to the upcoming proposed budget, the county budgeted a 96% collection rate for the 2017 fiscal year. The amount they anticipated to receive was $50.9 million. Actual taxes received are currently at $51 million.
Revenue that the State of Florida shares with the county is up by 7%. Commissioner Steve Champion is working on a project to obtain an additional $85,000 for unsafe buildings. Lee stated that departments with new positions were asked to review their budgets to see where they could become more efficient or reduce costs. That resulted in a possible change of more than $600,000 to reduce the deficit.
Other areas also show a potential for savings. One example Lee gave was in inmate medical costs. Though budgeted for $450,000, they have actually spent around $300,000.
Lee said this shows improvement from the projections she had in May, and she will look at all the figures again in August to verify that they are still on track to enter the 2018 Fiscal Year (FY) with a balanced General Fund budget.
The proposed FY 2018 General Fund is $107,138,691, about 25% of the county’s total budget ($409,084,115). The budget does not reflect grants unless they currently include personnel, nor does it include any carryover projects.
To obtain and then maintain a balanced budget, Lee said, “Any time we add an expense, we’re going to have to lower expense, or we’re going to have to add revenue to make up the difference.” Lee reminded the BOCC that this is not the final budget; it is only what is proposed. The final budget will be approved after the second public hearing scheduled for September.