County budget discussions reveal significant increases in library and workers' compensation costs

The White County Commission meeting held on July 15, 2025, focused on several key financial discussions, particularly regarding the county's budget and tax revenues.

One of the main topics was the county's tax revenue performance, which showed a decline during the Christmas season compared to previous years. Officials noted that while there was a significant increase in tax revenues in fiscal year 2024, the projections for fiscal year 2025 indicated a decrease. The county anticipates ending the year with a revenue increase of approximately $100,000, which aligns closely with the previous year's figures.

The commission also discussed property tax collections, confirming that a 5% delinquency rate is used as a standard formula for budgeting. Historical data suggests this approach has been effective, with collections typically meeting or exceeding budgeted amounts.

Another significant point of discussion was the budget allocation for the local library, which increased from $53,000 to $60,000. This adjustment aims to address pay disparities among library staff, who have historically been among the lowest-paid full-time employees in the county.

Additionally, the commission addressed rising costs in the workers' compensation fund, which saw an increase of nearly $90,000 due to several claims. This rise in premiums reflects broader trends in workers' compensation costs across the county.

The meeting also included a clarification regarding state revenue codes for grants, specifically a $600,000 School Resource Officer (SRO) grant, which was misclassified in the budget documents. This correction will ensure accurate financial reporting moving forward.

Lastly, the commission noted a decrease in the mineral severance tax revenue, attributed to an overestimation in previous projections. This adjustment aims to align the budget more accurately with actual revenue expectations.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to manage its budget effectively while addressing the needs of local services and employees. The commission will continue to monitor these financial trends as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.