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COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DELIVER 2015-16 BUDGET - Challenged By Declining Revenues, Increased Costs |
| (04/04/2015) |
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Calhoun commissioners have completed a 2015-16 budget, but not without challenges. Calhoun's 2015-16 budget has been approved by the Calhoun Commission following budget meetings in March, a budget that totals about $2,200,000, with about 35% of the budget being "pass throughs," money from other sources other than county taxpayer funds. The "pass throughs" are monies used from grants and other funding sources, used for designated purposes or projects. Commission president Scottie "Chip" Westfall said, "Even though we have had declining revenue, through careful money management, and cooperation and dedication of the elected officials and their employees, we have been able to maintain services and pay all of our bills." "We have been able to keep up with the regional jail bill which has tripled in the last six years, and met all the obligations mandated by the state," Westfall said. County Clerk Jean Simers said the budget will be published. Calhoun County has been able to maintain some of the lowest tax rates in the nation, and has the next to lowest operating budget of the state's 55 counties. The budget downside has been not being able to provide funding for increased services or a number of special needs and projects. Commissioner Kevin Helmick said "Staying above water continues to be a challenge. We've had commissioners who are serious about keeping the county going." "I am most proud of the fact that we've kept up with the regional jail bill, having nearly tripled in the past six years or so, going from approximately $120,000 a year to $340,000 a year. Yet we have been able to fully pay the bill and still have enough money to fund each county office and provide some grant matching opportunities," said Helmick. Commissioners are required by law to balance the county budget within 3%. Federal officials are not held to such standards. Calhoun schools budget is $11,468,000.
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