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Nueces County projects year-end fund balance above reserve target
Summary
Nueces County staff told commissioners on Aug. 4 that tighter spending and stronger-than-expected collections put the county on track to end the fiscal year with an estimated general-fund balance of $20,211,436, about 26% of revenues—above the county—s 25% target.
Presiding Official opened a budget workshop on Aug. 4, 2014, and county staff presented estimated actuals that show the general fund ending the fiscal year with an estimated balance of $20,211,436, roughly 26% of revenues and transfers, above the county—s 25% reserve goal.
The projected ending balance results from higher-than-budgeted collections and lower spending across many departments, staff said. "We believe this to be a very good budget," the Presiding Official told those attending, thanking elected and appointed officials for controlling expenses. Dale, who led the revenue and expense presentation, said overall collections were about 103%–105% of budgeted expectations.
County staff outlined several contributors to the stronger balance: ad valorem (property) tax collections exceeding conservative budget assumptions, increases in motor vehicle/service receipts, and lower-than-budgeted departmental spending on facilities and other programs. Dale highlighted that many fees of office are trending down but that other revenue categories offset those declines.
Staff also called out specific transfers affecting the fund balance, including an increased planned transfer to the county—s self-insurance fund. Dale said the transfer amount had been budgeted at "200" and that he was estimating "800" for the projection; transcript units were not specified for those figures and staff committed to follow up with a detailed breakout.
Commissioners asked for historical comparisons and clarifications about whether the reported percentages were of revenues or appropriations; staff confirmed the 26% figure is a percentage of revenues and transfers and agreed to recalculate the percentage relative to appropriations on request. The presentation concluded with staff committing to provide line-item detail on rentals and miscellaneous revenue and to finish the effective-tax-rate scenarios as part of the budget calendar leading to the mid-September adoption target.
The court did not take any formal votes during the workshop; staff said the formal budget adoption is planned for mid-September.
