Henry County commissioners voted Nov. 25 to place the county’s CEVA (commercial vehicle excise tax) and FIT (Financial Institution Tax) disbursements into the county general fund rather than pre-allocating percentages to individual units.

Speaker 2 explained the state revised how CEVA and FIT distributions are handled: the state will still specify allocations to cities and towns, but the county must determine allocations among county units (county general, reassessment, health department, Memorial Park, CCD, debt service for two bonds) or deposit the funds into county general and exercise lawful discretion on spending. Speaker 2 said the county’s portion was roughly $48,000 last year and "right around $50,000" this year.

Speaker 5 moved that the county place the entire CEVA/FIT amount in county general to be used for any legally permissible purpose; Speaker 6 seconded. The motion carried by voice vote, 3-0.

Speaker 2 noted that if the board preferred percentage allocations, an ordinance would be required by June 1.

Next steps: The county will record the CEVA/FIT receipt in county general and track expenditures as required by the state’s revised disbursement rules.