Carroll County finance director reports stable revenues, highlights SPLOST and capital spending

Alicia Cersei, Carroll County finance director, told the board at its April 2 work session that February financials put the county about two‑thirds through the fiscal year and that revenues and collections are tracking to meet the budget.

Cersei said year‑to‑date revenues were holding and that total expenses for the period were elevated by a nearly $3.7 million capital purchase. She reported the general fund cash balance was about $250,000 higher than at the same point last year and noted the debt service fund has roughly $8 million set aside for a payment due in June. Cersei also summarized SPLOST activity, saying recent SPLOST collections and transfers include roughly $2.46 million in collections and payments to cities of about $937,000.

The finance director framed the numbers as consistent with expectations: although the county has incurred a large capital outlay this fiscal period, ongoing operating expenses are running within budget and collections remain steady. Board members asked clarifying questions about SPLOST allocations, capital project spending and the administration building invoices cited as part of the higher expense total.

Cersei said the capital spend in the current period partly explains the gap between ‘expenses’ and underlying operating costs, and that without the capital purchase the county’s operating expenses are lower. The presentation closed with commissioners asking staff to place relevant budget and capital updates on the upcoming April 14 agenda for any required action.