County may avoid tax increase

Marion County could avoid an increase in property taxes for 2012 if the county makes some small sacrifices, accountant Scot Loyd told county commissioners Monday.

The commission needs to determine a budget direction for the sheriff’s department, emergency medical services, and emergency communications, Loyd said. In a previous meeting, EMS Director Steve Smith presented several possible budget options.

Commissioner Randy Dallke said he listened to Peabody ambulance calls during the weekend, and the same two volunteers responded to all of the calls.

“I think we’re in more of a problem than we know,” Dallke said.

Another budget concern was whether Marion County Park and Lake will meet its revenue expectations. Revenue is down this summer because of heat and algae issues.

In good news, the transfer station bonds will be paid off completely in 2012.

Dallke said he thought the commission needed to meet again before its final meeting with Loyd to decide what direction to go with some departments. The commission scheduled a meeting for 9 a.m. today.