Greene County Commission approves $163M budget

The Greene County Commission approved a 2018 budget of $163.6 million, representing an 11 percent increase over the $147.6 million total last year.

Within the budget, general revenue fund expenses are targeted at $53.8 million, which is 27 percent ahead of $42.5 million last year, according to a news release.

The top five expense item projections for the year are:
    •    salaries and benefits, $29.4 million;
    •    contracts, $8.3 million;
    •    transfers, $8 million;
    •    supplies, $2.6 million; and
    •    capital and equipment, $1.7 million.

County commissioners also are counting on some $17.2 million in new revenue this year from the voter-approved, half-cent general revenue sales tax that passed in November. However, those funds are not anticipated to start coming in until June, according to the release.

Helped by tax revenue, county projects this year include a Family Justice Center; expansion of the drug court; a new jail expansion design; elections equipment; and stormwater projects.