Polk County staff outline fiscal-year amendment with revenue gains, ask board to publish public hearing

Polk County budget staff on Monday presented a proposed amendment to the current fiscal-year budget that raises revenue estimates in several areas and adjusts expenditures to reflect recent developments.

Deb Anderson of the county’s Budget Division told the Board of Supervisors the general fund will see about $1 million in additional revenue, driven mainly by higher-than-expected collections incentives, increased structured fines disbursement and stronger auto-registration receipts. Anderson said interim assistance reimbursements and jail commission revenues are also trending higher than previously budgeted.

The proposed amendment also re-aligns non-general funds, including a roughly $12.1 million increase in bond proceeds to incorporate conservation bond appropriations that were not included earlier. Anderson said timing differences in bond issuance explain an approximately $2 million reduction in debt service for this fiscal year.

On the expenditure side, Anderson cited a $2.9 million increase tied to risk management costs, judgment settlements and defense expenses; $1.4 million in assorted increases (professional services, HR-related legal expense, jail pharmaceuticals and an IT maintenance invoice carried over from the prior year); and targeted increases of $1 million for food assistance during the government shutdown and $1 million for youth services and shelter programs. She noted about $600,000 in savings in personal services and smaller insurance savings.

Anderson also described several project- and grant-related adjustments: $5.2 million in water-quality revenue and expenses for ongoing projects; about $1.5 million in grant changes (including Skunk River Bridge and an Iowa Workforce Development award); and roughly $600,000 in capital improvements such as handrails at the M & E building. She said community funding allocations totaling $1.7 million from gaming reserves are earmarked for the Italian American Cultural Center, Greater Visions and Blank Park Zoo.

Next steps: Anderson asked the board to consider a resolution authorizing publication of notice for a public hearing on the amendment, with public hearings noted for May 10 or May 19 and final approval to follow after that hearing. No formal vote on the amendment or certification occurred during the presentation.

“The next step would be today’s board meeting; I would ask you to consider a resolution authorizing publication for a public hearing,” Anderson said.

The board thanked Anderson for the update and moved on to the next agenda item.