The Fremont County Commissioners adopted the county's 2009 budget with words of caution that revenue problems the county experienced so far in 2008 are expected to continue in 2009. The Commissioners said the budget underwent some last minutes changes as the result of a recalculation of revenues from leasing bed space at the Fremont County Jail.
It's estimated Fremont County will close out the current year $393,000 below budgeted projections for sales and use taxes. 2009 sales and use taxes have been budgeted at the same level of 2008. But the Commissioners say it's anyone's guess whether sales tax revenue will continue to decline or start recovering.
The gains Fremont County saw in 2008 from $427,000 in property tax revenue under the voter approved Tabor time out will be mostly wiped out this year by the reduction in the sales tax revenues. Those declines along with less than anticipated revenues at the Fremont County jail are once again cutting into the county's general fund reserves.
While the Sheriff estimated revenue at $980,000 this past year from leasing bed space in the new 96 bed jail addition it now appears the county will close out 2008 with less than fifty percent of the jail bed revenue realized, or less than $500,000. Jail bed leasing revenue for 2009 has been budgeted at $485,000 but if trends continue early in the new year and revenues don't materialize, the Sheriff may be forced to consider closing some sections of the jail. The 2009 county budget reflects an additional transfer from general fund reserves for the 2008 budget year of an extra $118,000 to the Sheriff's budget.
District 3 Commissioner Ed Norden said the revenue shortfalls the county is experiencing as 2008 ends has prompted the board to be cautious as they enter 2009. In 2008 the Commissioners put into place a longevity pay plan that rewards employees with over five years of service with the county. The 2009 budget reflects renewed funding for longevity pay. The commissioners said they are still examining options for a cost of living pay increase to employees for 2009 and whether it can be instituted in January or might have to be delayed for several months when it's clear how the 2008 budget is closed out.
Norden said there is some good news for the 2009 county budget. The federal "Payment in Lieu of Taxes" program (PILT) will be fully funded at the 100 percent level by the federal government for the first time in many years. He said that will add over $300,000 more in 2009 plus the county will collect $386,000 from funds being back filled for 2008.
In other business the commissioners:
It's estimated Fremont County will close out the current year $393,000 below budgeted projections for sales and use taxes. 2009 sales and use taxes have been budgeted at the same level of 2008. But the Commissioners say it's anyone's guess whether sales tax revenue will continue to decline or start recovering.
The gains Fremont County saw in 2008 from $427,000 in property tax revenue under the voter approved Tabor time out will be mostly wiped out this year by the reduction in the sales tax revenues. Those declines along with less than anticipated revenues at the Fremont County jail are once again cutting into the county's general fund reserves.
While the Sheriff estimated revenue at $980,000 this past year from leasing bed space in the new 96 bed jail addition it now appears the county will close out 2008 with less than fifty percent of the jail bed revenue realized, or less than $500,000. Jail bed leasing revenue for 2009 has been budgeted at $485,000 but if trends continue early in the new year and revenues don't materialize, the Sheriff may be forced to consider closing some sections of the jail. The 2009 county budget reflects an additional transfer from general fund reserves for the 2008 budget year of an extra $118,000 to the Sheriff's budget.
District 3 Commissioner Ed Norden said the revenue shortfalls the county is experiencing as 2008 ends has prompted the board to be cautious as they enter 2009. In 2008 the Commissioners put into place a longevity pay plan that rewards employees with over five years of service with the county. The 2009 budget reflects renewed funding for longevity pay. The commissioners said they are still examining options for a cost of living pay increase to employees for 2009 and whether it can be instituted in January or might have to be delayed for several months when it's clear how the 2008 budget is closed out.
Norden said there is some good news for the 2009 county budget. The federal "Payment in Lieu of Taxes" program (PILT) will be fully funded at the 100 percent level by the federal government for the first time in many years. He said that will add over $300,000 more in 2009 plus the county will collect $386,000 from funds being back filled for 2008.
In other business the commissioners:
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Authorized the chairman to sign the agreement between Fremont County and Fremont Facilities Corp to remodeling of the old Harrison School for Project Echo offices.
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Approved the county's contract with ACS for 2009--2011, the computer programming the county uses for management of all its finance operations, Treasurer, Assessor, and Finance Office.
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Approved transfer of a kennel license from Robert Pierce to Sandra & Samantha Klotz at Hwy 50 and 'R' at Penrose.
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Approved vacation of the rights of way for Ron Walker's property in the Beaver Park area at Penrose and his zone change request from Ag Suburban and Ag Rural to Ag Forestry.
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Conducted a public hearing for the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments Emergency Funds Allocation program block grant. Stephanie Freeman said about $32,000 is being alloted to Fremont County to fulfill emergency requests for rent, utilities, transportation, etc. The allotment runs from March 1st through the end of February 2010. She said the 2008 allocation is already depleted and they are using funds provide from an El Pomar grant to assist families and individuals. Clients can apply for up to $300. She said in 2008 they have served up to 145 families or individuals from this fund.