The Henry County Budget was signed this morning by the county commission. In all, the budget appears to be in good shape. In January of 2022 the general revenue fund had $4.2 million and today (January 3, 2023) it had risen by $2 million. “The county received $750,000 more than budgeted and spent $1 million less,” said County Clerk Rick Watson.
Much of the savings came from the court system (who tend to over-estimate their budget) of about $200,000. Of course, money from the American Recovery Plan Act funds helped soften things as well and has helped the road and bridge department with equipment purchases and related items. On the docket for 2023 are two bridge replacements, too.
One of the biggest areas to tackle was salary adjustments, however. Inflation is making itself known throughout the budget. “We are concerned about the rise in cost of goods and the impact in sales revenue tax,” commented County Clerk Rick Watson. In essence, the worry is that folks may buy less which will reduce the amount of tax revenue collected for the county. Another area of increase in the budget was the coroner’s office: there was an increase in the number of autopsies – which the county pays for. A potentially higher number is accounted for in the 2023 budget.
“We are glad it is accomplished and we gained some [money],” said Presiding Commissioner Jim Stone. Commissioner Stone also said that murder trials will be expensive this year (due to the higher number of them). For example, the county pays for the jurors to be transported, etc. in the Ian McArthy trial coming in June (in Platte County).
But, the budget is signed. The commission was only waiting for some final interest numbers to be brought downstairs so the formal budget document(s) could be taken off their plate. No bills can be paid until that happens (which was expected within the hour) at which time the budget will be formally adopted.
