County budget 2017 at deficit of $86,000

The county has started work on its 2017 budgeting process. The commissioners and administrator Gary Petrovich have met with department heads to attempt to set the budget, and it is now moving to the review process.

“There are some things I think the commissioners want to sort out,” said Petrovich.

Petrovich said the general fund is projected to be about $15.5 million, with the overall county budget at $55-$60 million.

Department heads have been working through their budgeting processes, and the commissioners will review that starting today to begin the decision process.

“We are taking information submitted by department heads and summarizing that so that the commissioners can make decisions on how to close some gaps,” said Petrovich.

After the department sessions, the county has a projected budget deficit of $86,000 for 2017, said Petrovich.

“That is equal to .00548 percent. We’re talking about one half of one percent. By law, we have to have a balanced budget before the end of the year.”

The commissioners this week will be meeting to discuss how to close that gap, and Petrovich said they have a number of options available. A public budget hearing is set for next Monday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. in the commissioner’s chambers at the courthouse. Petrovich is encouraging the public the attend.

“They should see where their money is being spent,” he commented. “They will be able to see the difficulties the county faces in presenting a balanced budget, and it helps the process to be transparent.”

Maribeth Becker, clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, said copies of the budget will be available by the time of the meeting next week, and hearings will continue until Oct. 17.

No decision has been made yet as to when the budget will be adopted, she said.