During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the county's budget, highlighting key financial updates and concerns regarding road resurfacing projects. Notably, the retirement of the 2004 bonds for the Citrus County Resource Center (CCRC) and the Veterans Affairs (VA) purchase is expected to yield savings next year. The budget also includes various funds, such as the federal forfeiture fund and special assessments for street lighting districts.

Commissioners addressed the county's reserve policy, which is capped at 17%. Currently, reserves stand at 18.43%, prompting discussions on potential adjustments to return excess funds to taxpayers. The proposed budget maintains the same millage rates as the previous year, with no increases noted.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the $16 million allocated for road resurfacing. Commissioner Kennard expressed frustration over the slow progress of last year's budget, questioning the feasibility of spending another $16 million when the previous funds remain unspent. He emphasized the need for a clear plan to ensure that the allocated funds are utilized effectively and that roads are repaired promptly.

Commissioners acknowledged the challenges posed by the current bidding process and the limited capacity of the primary contractor, Paveright, which can only manage about $10 million in resurfacing annually. There were calls for exploring additional contractors to expedite the work and ensure that taxpayer funds are not left idle.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from officials to develop a comprehensive plan for road repairs and to provide updates on the budget before final approval. The urgency to address the county's extensive road maintenance needs was a central theme, reflecting a broader concern about efficient use of public funds and accountability in local government operations.