Budget preview: county finances steady; $3 million earmark for sheriff radios reported
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Summary
Consultants presented a year-end budget preview showing modestly improved interest income and receivable recovery; administrator reported an expected $3 million federal earmark to fund NextGen radio upgrades for the sheriff and staff described a competitive state 'innovation' grant for joint dispatch.
Consultants and county staff told the Finance & Economic Development Committee that the county’s 2025 financial position is generally on track with 2024 and that a number of receivables and pending grants may improve the final picture.
Steve, the county consultant, said the county’s self-insurance net activity to date is roughly $217,000 against a reserve near $220,000 and noted a receivable payment from Bad River for $146,001.11 that will be recognized as revenue in 2025. He also said interest income in the general fund exceeded budget by about $100,000.
Administrator Dan and grant staff reported two potentially large items. First, Dan said the county was awarded an approximate $3,000,000 congressional earmark to replace radio equipment and move sheriff communications to NextGen 911-compatible systems; official federal paperwork was still pending at the time of the meeting. "It's a big thing for us," Dan said of the radios. Second, staff outlined an innovation grant opportunity that would fund joint dispatch work; Ashland County’s portion could be about $1,000,000 over five years if a new commission governance structure is created to meet grant criteria.
Consultants also highlighted several transportation-related receivables and grants that, if recorded prior to close and audit, would increase 2025 revenues. Committee members asked staff to clarify levy-limit worksheet anomalies and to return with supporting documentation at a future meeting.
