County finance director reports sales and income tax gains; use tax lags and staff to begin budget work

The county finance director reported the county is “in the black” on several revenue streams compared with last year — including sales tax, income tax, cannabis tax and video tax — but said use tax collections are down by about $206,000.

Deb (finance director) told the committee that overall revenues are roughly on target and that higher interest rates have helped investment earnings. She said an earlier adjustment related to personal property replacement has been addressed and that the use‑tax drop should not continue indefinitely.

Committee members were briefed on upcoming budget planning using the ClearGov platform and reminded that assessed value increases create a temptation to use higher levy rates; the chair noted the county must avoid surpassing the 5% threshold that triggers a truth‑in‑taxation hearing without a plan.

Deb said staff will continue to collect department budget requests and that the committee will review revenue and levy options while aiming to avoid large increases in property taxes. No levy resolution or budget motion was taken at the meeting.