Three months into the new year and already, Washington County is struggling to live within its means.
That point was brought out by David Hoar, president of the Washington County Council, during the Monday, April 1, meeting of the council. Hoar mentioned that already, the county's general fund is showing a negative balance.
He acknowledged that some of that is because of revenue that has not yet been received by the county. Revenue from property taxes is received twice a year, in June and December; revenue from the county's adjusted gross income tax (CAGIT) and economic development income tax (EDIT) is received monthly.
"We need to be diligent in staying on top of when these disbursements come," Hoar said.
Hoar mentioned that another part of the problem is that there was no carryover from 2012 into this year.
Deputy Auditor Michele Fleenor said Tuesday, April 2, that's a problem that has built up over time.
"There is no surplus, part of that, it's been used up in years past," she explained.
Even with the cuts the council made, Hoar noted that it's a struggle for the county to stay in the black. Earlier this year, the county council eliminated longevity for all county employees, a bonus tied to how many years they have worked for the county.
That action was taken after the Department of Government Finance (DLGF) told the county to reduce its proposed 2013 budget by $329,000. County employees received no raises this year. The county's general fund budget totals $5,063,518. ... Hoar also mentioned a concern over delinquent taxes, but Treasurer Bob Woodward said Tuesday, April 2, that percentage wise and dollar wise, the county actually collected more than in years past. "We like to get around 90 percent, anything above that we're figuring we're doing that much better but still you are talking a large dollar amount," Woodward said, referring to the $11 or $12 million that property taxes should generate. Woodward also acknowledged that tax bills have just been sent out, the earliest in recent years. "We figured the quicker we got them out, the quicker we would get them in," Woodward said. Bills can be paid at the treasurer's office, at First Harrison Bank or online at washingtoncountytax.net. There is also a drop box; payment can be made by credit card or debit card. The deadline is May 10. "We send out only one statement a year and that includes spring and fall; both statements are in one envelope," Woodward said. "If you don't receive a statement, contact the auditor's office, check the address to make sure it's right, he said. ...http://www.salemleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=6547&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=20&S=1 |
