County still battles budget woes
Staff reporter
Budget woes for 2003 are over. But budget concerns for 2004 are just beginning.
Marion County Commission reviewed the status of the budget at Monday's meeting.
Overall, 98.53 percent of 100 percent was spent from the county's general fund in 2003.
"Historically the budget comes in (at the end of the year) in the 70s percentile," said Carol Maggard, county clerk.
Higher percentage means less carry-over and less spending flexibility for 2004.
The balance in the county general fund is $1,070,862 which includes a carry-over of $809,838. The amount available for spending in 2004 is $261,024, which is $150,000 less than the amount available to spend in 2003. This amount reflects the difference in revenue from the state.
From January through November, the county had a higher month-end cash balance than in 2002.
Maggard presented a budget report which included each department's budget status.
The sheriff's department spent 114 percent for a $52,492 overage. The attorney's office and courthouse had spent 109 percent each.
The ambulance department, which is under the general budget, had spent 107 percent.
All other departments had stayed within their budgets, spending 100 percent or below.
The commission discussed the amount needed for closure of the landfill.
The solid waste fund has $107,978. Maggard verified that the funds could be used for the landfill closure.
The risk management fund has a balance of $120,598 which was earmarked for the landfill costs and other emergency expenses.
Money from the general fund had been transferred during 2003 in quarterly payments to the risk management fund. Due to budget constraints, the final quarterly payment was not made.
Until the engineer's report is completed, the commission will not know the amount of money needed. Commissioners thought that approximately $340,000 might be enough.
Commissioners commented that if transfers could be made to the risk management fund, there would be approximately $180,000 in the fund.
Maggard presented the treasurer's report.
The county's cash position at the end of business Dec. 31 is $11,510,320. Interest earned is $97,562. The first large distribution for the year will be Tuesday.
Fifty-eight percent of the taxes have been collected totaling $7,073,805.
