Friday, September 3, 2010

How bad, will county budgets be this year?

The following is taken from the August 9, 2010 minutes (Page 3) of the Finance and Procurement Committee of Stephenson County (Freeport): http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/board/Minutes/2010/Finance/08-09-2010.pdf--

 

The County Administrator distributed the proposed budget calendar and instructions, discussed last month, for developing the 2011 budget. Chairman Blum reviewed the process the County has used in the past, to develop the annual budget. The County’s budget problems have traditionally been associated with the General Fund, rather than other funds, like the several highway funds. He explained that the budget needs to be
built from “scratch” or “zero”. Chairman Blum reviewed the discussion that took place with the department heads, earlier today. The department heads are looking for a “fair and equitable” budget. The budget worksheets will come to the Finance Committee with the usual request from the department, but now with an alternative amount from the County Administrator. Chairman Blum asked that the General Fund
expenditures for 2011 be limited to $8,000,000, including the maximum 5% contingency. He recommended using 1994 to 1999 as the base years, for allocating
funds to the various departments.

Chairman Blum noted that the County Board has the authority, under PTELL to reallocate the levy among the various County funds. Not only does this involve County departments, but includes the service organizations, under the County levy,
such as Extension Education and Veterans Assistance. On a motion by Ms. S. Hooper, seconded by Mr. Koch, the Finance Committee recommended that the County Board
suspend the codified budget process for developing the 2011 fiscal year budget. On a motion by Ms. S. Hooper, seconded by Mr. Détente, the Finance Committee established $8,000,000 as the General Fund limit on expenditures, with department
head identifying all expenditures above the zero base.

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