The Harrison County Commissioners Court convened on November 5, 2024, to discuss key financial updates and administrative reports. The meeting primarily focused on the September 2024 financials presented by the county auditor, highlighting both revenue increases and concerns regarding outstanding invoices.

The auditor reported a total fund balance of $24,552,741, noting a significant issue with the County Grant Fund, which currently has a negative balance due to pending payments from the Department of Health and Human Services. Approximately $908,000 remains outstanding, and if not received by November, it will impact the fiscal year 2025 budget.

In terms of revenue, the general fund saw an increase of 14.83%, totaling $29,148,645 compared to $25,384,358 in the previous fiscal year. This growth is largely attributed to tax collections. However, expenses also rose, with payments amounting to $26,704,474, primarily driven by public safety costs, including a significant payment for the Motorola contract.

The road and bridge fund reported a notable increase in revenue, collecting $10,209,210, up from $6,170,655 the previous year. This increase is partly due to insurance proceeds from the sale of motor graders. However, expenses in this fund also rose sharply to $9,951,627, reflecting payments for new equipment and contract road work.

The auditor emphasized the urgency of settling outstanding invoices before the next commissioners court meeting to avoid budget amendments that could complicate the financial outlook for fiscal year 2025. The court members discussed the implications of unpaid invoices and the potential need for budget adjustments if payments are not processed in time.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's financial health while highlighting the challenges of managing outstanding debts and ensuring timely payments to maintain budget integrity. The commissioners will continue to monitor these financial issues closely in the coming weeks.