Black Hawk County supervisors narrow levy shortfall after hourslong budget review

Black Hawk County supervisors spent the bulk of their Feb. 25 meeting on budget adjustments aimed at meeting Iowa'9s general basic levy cap, approving several targeted reductions and revenue assumptions while leaving other items for follow-up. After a multi-hour discussion staff presented proposals that reduced the county'9s projected shortfall and moved certain equipment and capital requests out of the levy-driven budget.

The board moved to reduce the county'9s shortfall by a mix of steps: shifting revenue and cost allocations, cutting modest line items and approving one-time uses of fund balance for some equipment. Supervisors agreed to reallocate additional sheriff deputy costs to the rural levy, trim professional and publishing fees, and approve cuts in sheriff training and minor equipment. Several proposals — including the size of an insurance deductible reserve and final pay increases for elected officials — were deferred for more detail at a follow-up work session.

The discussion centered on staying under the state cap on the general basic levy while maintaining services. County staff said the county must upload its property tax requests by the March 5 deadline to avoid defaulting to last year'9s certified figures. Staff presented a set of adjustments that together reduced the…