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Council approves ordinance consolidating two funds into single 11-79 account over dissent
Summary
After debate over levy effects and budget timing, the council voted 6–1 to consolidate two accounts into a single 11-79 fund; county financial consultant Baker Tilly advised the move will not change the levy, but at least one councilor voiced ongoing concerns.
The Henry County Council voted 6–1 to proceed with an ordinance that consolidates two fund lines into a single 11-79 fund.
Discussion centered on whether consolidating the 11.79 and 11.17 accounts into one fund would change tax increment or levy calculations. Several councilors said they relied on advice from the county's financial adviser, Baker Tilly, that the consolidation would not affect the levy. "Baker Tilly come back and confirmed that there is no, that will not have an impact on the levy," the chair (Speaker 1) said during the discussion.
At least one councilor disagreed. Speaker 6 (Shannon) said, "I still think it has an impact, and that's just my opinion," and urged caution; the council debated whether to table the ordinance until the budget session for further review. Other members responded that the council pays financial advisers for their recommendations and can revisit the change during budget deliberations if needed.
Speaker 3 moved to proceed with the ordinance as presented; the motion was seconded and passed 6–1. The chair said staff will clarify details with finance staff (named employees Paige and Jason in the discussion) during upcoming budget sessions to ensure proper budgeting and that any needed adjustments can be made later.
Councilors emphasized that the change is reversible if future budget review shows unintended consequences, and that the ordinance, as voted, will be incorporated in the county's budget process going forward.
