Belknap County finance staff project about $1.6 million added to fund balance for 2025

Belknap County finance staff reported projections showing combined surpluses in the general fund and nursing home that staff said would add roughly $1.6 million to the county fund balance at the end of 2025 if current trends continue.

The county administrator (speaking in the finance briefing) told commissioners that year‑to‑date revenues for the registrar's recording office were "just under $800,000," about $54,000 more than the same period last year, and that recording counts are trending back toward a 10‑year average. She said expenses across most departments currently project surpluses or manageable deficits.

The finance presentation included line‑by‑line estimates: corrections was projecting a deficit early in the year but later noted as trending toward a surplus driven by lower jail census and wage savings; health and human services and the nursing home were projecting material surpluses because of invoicing and higher private‑pay census.

Staff reported the county closed a second‑tier borrowing on Oct. 9 for $4.26 million at a 4.35% rate and said three bids were received; one lower bid required opening deposit accounts with that bank and was not chosen. Accounts receivable collection for recent months was reported below typical levels for September because of billing timing, and staff said they expect collections to rise in October.

The finance presenter said the projected combined revenue and expense surpluses would increase the county's fund balance to about $4.18 million and cash position to about $5.05 million if projections hold through year‑end.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about specific lines, utility cost uncertainty and whether projected figures were audited; staff said projections are unaudited and subject to change.