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Sawyer County finance report: sales tax, fund status, investments and budget timeline discussed
Summary
Finance staff reported sales tax projections, general fund and department budgets, CIP requests and an updated budget timeline; ARPA broadband funds are now spent and an outstanding LATCF balance remains available for flexible use.
Finance staff presented monthly financial reports and an updated budget timeline, reporting steady sales tax receipts, general-fund status near projections and several administrative updates tied to capital and departmental planning.
The sales tax report showed May collections slightly below last year but still on a trajectory to approximately $3.3 million for the year, a modest increase over recent years. The general fund is running roughly in line with expectations through May (about 42% of the year), with expenses at about 41% and revenue slightly below projection because budgeted transfers from fund balance have not been needed in recent years.
Staff reported Human Services revenues typically lag because grant reimbursement is required before revenue is recognized; contracted services (including out-of-county placements) are being tracked closely. Highway department activity historically posts a month behind due to CAMS/New World processing but is showing a small net income.
Capital improvements and facility work noted included a new roof on the Huber wing and flooring work at the Oasis building. Airport operations posted a positive net for 2024 and are showing timing-related revenue lags for 2025 tied to fuel reports and seasonal operations; a recent runway project finished ahead of schedule.
On investments, staff said several certificates of deposit (CDs) matured and were re-invested at competitive rates; overall interest income is down from peak rates but tracking to budget for 2025. The finance presenter noted the county's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) broadband commitments had been fully paid out in May and that an LATCF (described in the meeting as a Local area bridal council fund) balance remains available for discretionary use; staff suggested strategic planning as one option for LATCF spending.
Staff provided an updated budget timeline: department requests due in June, budget reports and CIP due July 31, salary and benefit assumptions included (5% increase in health insurance), and a request for five-year plans from departments to help anticipate mill-rate impacts. The board discussed the need to improve committee review of department budgets to inform full-board decisions during the budget cycle, a point raised in public comment earlier by Linda Zilmer.
