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Stephenson County reports roughly $6.09 million from first property tax distribution; finance staff outline midyear budget status
Summary
County finance staff told the committee the first property tax distribution of the year brought about $6.09 million into county funds and that the general fund received roughly $3.685 million; staff also reviewed investment maturities, an uptick in returned payments, and the 2027 budget calendar.
Stephenson County officials reported that the county received about $6,090,000 across 13 funds during the first property tax distribution of the year, staff told the committee at its meeting.
"So the big news is today was 1st property tax distribution date," said Director (Speaker 4), who reviewed investment maturities and cash-flow plans. "The county received about 6,090,000 across all 13 funds." He added that three funds—mental health, extension education and veteran assistance—account for more than $600,000 of that total and therefore are not entirely county discretionary dollars.
The Director detailed allocations to several funds, saying the general fund received about $3,685,000 and that the Shreveport School District received about $16,420,000 in its distribution. He also noted smaller fund distributions, including one of roughly $1,700 for a street-lighting district.
The county's finance presenter (Speaker 5) summarized a 144-page midyear revenue and expense report and reminded members the county is about halfway through the fiscal year. "We're halfway through the year, so things should be about 50% unless those funds receive tax dollars," the presenter said, urging committees to request targeted fund reports if desired.
Officials also flagged an operational issue: the Director said staff have seen an increase in returned or NSF payments, growing from about $135,000 to roughly $142,000 in recent weeks. "It's not something we normally see this much of this early," he said, noting the additional work required to correct and collect those payments.
On budgeting for 2027, the presenter said department heads gained access to the budget in Teams on June 24 and several have started entering requests. Staff encouraged departments to meet with finance before the August committee meetings when budgets will be reviewed for the first time by the committee.
The Director said additional investments will be placed as cash flows permit and reiterated the priority of managing short-term liquidity and capturing interest where possible.
The committee did not take a separate formal vote on tax distribution details beyond accepting the finance reports and moving on to other agenda items. The meeting adjourned after routine business.
