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County finance director reports July revenues 'running' below 2008; officials consider drawing on fringe benefit funds
Summary
Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher told the board that General Fund revenues for July 2009 were "running" below 2008 levels due to decreased ticket revenue, a weak real‑estate market, lower interest and fewer federal prisoner jail‑bed rentals; administrators discussed using $100,000 from the Sick and Accident Fund and $300,000 from Employee Health Insurance reserves.
Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher reported to the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 20, 2009 that July 2009 General Fund revenues were "running" below 2008 levels. He attributed the shortfall to decreased ticket revenue, a declining real‑estate market, lower interest income and decreased jail bed rental revenue from federal prisoners.
Stuhldreher told commissioners that, to meet the budgeted General Fund balance, county administration is exploring options to identify surplus fringe‑benefit resources, including "$100,000 from the Sick and Accident Fund and $300,000 from the Employee Health Insurance funds." Commissioner Rocho asked whether a listing of mandated versus non‑mandated services could be provided to inform budget choices. Stuhldreher said such mandated vs. non‑mandated services would be discussed but did not know whether the list would be ready. County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott indicated she did not believe the list would be ready for the 2010 budget process. Scott also noted that petitions related to water projects are on the list of pending budget issues.
Why this matters: lower revenues and the potential use of reserve or fringe‑benefit funds could affect county service levels and the 2010 budget process. Commissioners pressed for clarity on what services are mandated versus discretionary to guide any budget reductions or transfers.
Next steps: administration will continue exploring options to achieve the budgeted General Fund balance; no formal budget action was taken at the meeting.
