Henry County opens public hearing, reads $21.5 million general fund estimate

The Henry County Council opened a public hearing to review budget estimates for the county's taxing districts and related funds. The Chair said, "We are here to open the Henry County Council public hearing on this notice to taxpayers," and directed staff to read each fund name and its budget estimate.

Kennan read the estimates aloud, stating a general fund estimate of $21,503,343 and numerous line items that included reassessment at $334,500; local income tax at $2,597,860; public safety local income tax at $1,560,412; health at $664,035; county emergency medical at $1,441,048; and 911 at $296,928. Other funds announced included the park fund ($691,009), cumulative capital development ($753,600), redevelopment general ($75,175), and a range of restricted and donation funds such as a restricted donation fund ($26,653) and EMA donations ($3,500).

The reading also listed amounts for named Henry County entities: Henry County Sheriff's Department ($350,000), Henry County Highway Department ($55,000), Henry County Memorial Park claims fund ($15,000), and Henry County Community Corrections ($5,000). Several funds were reported at zero in the transcript (for example, the planning commission and enforcement fund and the Henry County EMS claims fund were both read as zero). The transcript records precise dollar figures where available and shows some items read as "not specified" in detail beyond the dollar amount announced.

After the reading, the Chair opened the floor for public comment and identified a commenter: "That's Donna Talbert from Spiceland," but the transcript does not record the content of her remarks. The Chair then moved to close the hearing and the session was adjourned. The council indicated that a formal budget vote will take place in December.