Daviess County Fiscal Court on Thursday held the first reading of a $113 million budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year.
County Treasurer Jordan Johnson said that General Fund revenues are expected to remain steady, with a $500,000 budgeted increase in property taxes. He said ay adjustments to the revenues have been made in accordance with historical trending activity. The County also expects a 3.4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in the next fiscal year. The retirement contribution rates, published by the Kentucky Pensions Authority for 24-25, report the current taxes will remain constant.
A Department Breakdown is:
- Total Budget Appropriations: $113,048,686
- General Fund: $58,793,224
- Road Fund: $7,123,900
- Jail Fund: $11,691,612
- Local Government Economic Assistance (LGEA): $271,500
- Economic Development: $1,770,000
- Bond Fund: $3,066,500
- Solid Waste Fund: $24,480,950
- American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund: $5,500,000
- County Clerk Permanent Storage Fees Fund: $351,000
Johnson noted the largest threats to the budget are unstable fuel and energy prices, inflation and supply chain issues, lower-than-expected solid waste revenues and reductions in State funding.
The Sheriff’s Office Subsidy will sit at just over $3 million. Two budgeted fund transfers to the Road and Jail funds will result in the two departments having $2.87 million and $3.41 million, respectively. According to Johnson, the Jail Fund decreased roughly $400,000 due to fewer capital projects and decreased employer retirement contribution rates. Johnson said this is due to the State’s reimbursable project allocation for Flex, Bridge Funds, and other projects.
The Jail Fund is expected to receive $3.4 million in revenues from state prisoners, while federal prisoner revenue is expected to be $2 million.
The Solid Waste Fund revenues are projected to remain constant, with expenses managed by the fund.
Commissioner Janie Marksberry supported the proposed allocations to the County Animal Shelter. She said that the shelter is currently facing issues impacting how they serve the County, including staffing and the spay/neuter clinic operation.
“We need additional resources for our shelter, like walking trails, play areas for the dogs, and possibly more training for the staff. Our shelter takes on the additional responsibility of providing for adoption services as well as the spay/neuter services,” Marksberry said.
She noted that funds can be added during the fiscal year but wants to ensure the shelter’s funds are available when needed.
Another area previously mentioned was the Parks Department. County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen said that he is aware that restrooms at County parks, specifically at Yellow Creek Park, are in “pretty poor shape.” They are working to better the parks throughout Daviess County.
Castlen said they are also looking to improve the shelters there.
“With that being the premier site for ROMP Fest, I think it’s important for us to make an investment and to improve those,” Castlen said.
This was the first reading of the budget, so no action was taken. Johnson said the second reading and adoption date is set for the June 6 meeting.
