County commission approves 2008 budget up 14%

The 14 percent increase reflects $6 million from the park sales tax approved by voters in 2006; $1.1 million from the 911 sales tax approved by voters last year; $12.3 million from a projected 3 percent increase in sales tax revenue; and $5.1 million from a projected 4.1 percent increase in property tax revenue, according to a news release.

The budget includes $40.5 million for Greene County’s general revenue fund and $27.2 million for the road and bridge fund, according to the release.

Commissioners also approved an immediate 3 percent cost-of-living increase for county employees and merit-based step increases in July, as well as 17 new, full-time positions ranging from a county administrator to two mower operators for the highway department.

Also approved were a court administrator to manage and coordinate the daily operations of the 31st Judicial Circuit and an assistant prosecutor as well as a patrol officer and detective for the sheriff’s department.

The county juvenile office also received approval for a probation officer and an alternative dispute resolution program coordinator.

“I’m pleased we’re able to provide 11 badly needed positions for our law enforcement and criminal justice system,” Commissioner Harold Bengsch said in the release.

Capital improvements budgeted for 2008 include:

• $993,000 for highway department equipment;

• $379,000 for an accounting software package;

• $260,000 for sheriff’s patrol vehicles; and

• $250,000 for historic courthouse maintenance and renovations.

According to the release, the budget meets financial objectives established by the commission, including an undesignated fund balance equal to three months of operations and general revenues exceeding operating expenditures.

Electronic copies of the budget are available at the Greene County budget office, 933 N. Robberson Ave., and may be requested by calling (417) 868-4112.

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s Jan. 8 free e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.